Back in late 2004, I was contacted via the Internet by manager for an emerging musician out of Texas named Michael Celedon. Since the initial contact, Michael has become MusicMania's first "You Gotta Know" artist for 2004. Now here is an exclusive interview he and I had via e-mail.
• Tell the readers about yourself a little bit non-musically, to get a feel for who you are.
Wasup everybody! My name is Michael Celedon. Born and raised in Dallas , TX . I'm the youngest of three siblings, so I get all the perks of being the baby in the family J Before I ever picked up the guitar, I wanted to be a professional baseball pitcher, but I decided music is my life! I would call myself a hopeless romantic that enjoys longs walks on the beach, any movie/any time, and a great slice of pizza. I guess that's me in a nutshell.
• Now on to the important business. How long have you been making music?
I actually feel like a late bloomer in the music scene, because I didn't start playing the guitar until I was 19. I'm 23 now, so you can do the math on that. I grew up jammin' on the piano and violin at an early age. I even ventured my way to learn the accordion, believe it or not. I can play a mean accordion! But, I started writing my own music after I taught myself to play the guitar. It was a great way for me to release any thought or feeling that had been bottled up inside. It's my form of meditation.
• How long have you been playing the guitar?
My godfather gave me his old G-Series Takamine when I turned 19 and it was all she wrote from there. I learned every song possible and started making my own tunes along the way. He was a big Gun and Roses fan so he made me learn some of Slash's riffs, which was very cool. A friend and I would jam Dave Matthews' songs at open mics all the time. He was Dave and I was Tim.
• Who are you're biggest influences in music and your influences during your career in music? What would you classify your music under?
I think every singer/songwriter out there from my generation has to give Dave Matthews much of the respect for being a huge influence. Dave taught me chords that I can only dream of. I think the Beatles and Carlos Santana played a big part in my love for music because I had all their records when I was a kid and I would rock those all day on my record player. I even tried to scratch some of them like the DJs, which made my mom very upset J I'm a huge fan of Coldplay and Mr. Mayer and all those other songwriters that have opened the door for artists' like myself. I would classify my music under acoustic, rock/pop and not pop/rock because I feel my music is more on the edgier side of the music scene.
• What is your philosophy in making music, everyone has one, may it be in the lyrics or the actual composing of notes. What's yours?
I believe music making is easy and hard at the same time. People back in the day would jam G,C,D chords and call that a great song, but I'm always looking for a new avenue to express the musical note. I'm always searching for that new chord or new sound that can lift a song to another level. For me, the music has to come first and I have to fall in love with it before any lyrics come. There has to be an emotional connection to the notes of the song for me to be able to put lyrics to it. I have lots of tunes that are almost done. I'm just waiting for the right parts to come and hit me. Song writing is a timely process that shouldn't be rushed. Each song has its own timetable. I've written tunes in 30 minutes and others in 30 days. Certain songs just need more time to breathe and take life.
• Speaking about the songwriting process, is there any sort of inspiration behind your songwriting?
I love to write from the heart. I try to make music that would work even without the words. I feel both parts are key elements to making a good song. I will tell you one story of a song that just came together. My good friend gave me a ring around 2am one night and was just feeling down because of the loss of a loved one. He was so heart broken and in disbelief that he had lost his friend. I talked to him for at least an hour and picked up my guitar later that night. The song, “Someday,” came out of the hour-long conversation with my friend. It's just about feeling empty inside and so confused about life sometimes. It's a song that asks for answers and tries to find the brighter side of things in the end. That song came together very fast and I finished it that night.
• You have performed in a variety of venues, ranging from small and intimate ones to larger capacity ones opening up for major acts like Josh Kelley and Ryan Cabrera. What would be the perfect venue for you?
I have played in many venues and I still love those small, intimate ones the best. Don't get me wrong, it's awesome jammin' in front of 2,000 peeps, but I feel a closer connection in front of a smaller audience. I played a show in Decatur , GA one time at Eddie's Attic, which has to be one of my favorite venues ever, and the crowd was amazing. The venue only held 250 people, but they were all there to listen and be involved in the music. The sound there is crystal clear and the atmosphere is just amazing. I could hear people singing along to some of the songs, which is an amazing feeling for an artist.
• Speaking of major acts, how was it like to open up for Josh and then Ryan?
Josh and Ryan are awesome guys. Ryan and I actually go way back to our high school days, so it's always a good time when we get together. Josh Kelley was also a stand up guy. His crowds were awesome and very welcoming to my music. I give them two-thumbs up!!
• How have people responded to your music?
The peeps have definitely spoken. I have received a warm response from peeps all over. I even get emails from people from overseas like Germany , Japan , and even the Philippines asking me to come tour over there. I am quick to respond and remind them that in due time I'll be rocking it over there. I have a great, loyal fan base that loves to spread the music on message boards and shows. I could not have gotten the word out without them. They rock my socks off!!!!
• Finally, where would you like to see yourself five to ten years from now in your music career?
The only direction I'm looking is up. I plan on continuing to make music and would love to venture into doing some producing. I would love to do some co-writes with some songwriters out there, especially Rachael Yamagata. Check her out if you don't already know!! I think in the years to come I'll be on the road, spreading my music to anyone and everyone willing to listen and give this singer/songwriter a chance.
There you have it, our first in-depth exclusive interview with someone in the music industry. There is no reason why I cannot believe he will join an exclusive group of people that will be known by the masses before 2005 is over and done with.
To check out Michael Celedon and his music, go to www.michaelceledon.com!
-Interview by Alan Ho
Article dated 01/05/2005. (C) 2004 MusicMania. All Rights Reserved. |
