Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I’m a songwriter, producer, and indie label owner, specializing in vintage music made the old-fashioned way: real people writing the songs, real artists performing, and real recording gear, all produced for listeners that crave authentic music. Growing up, I didn’t have a musical family, and adult mentors told me I had no musical talent, which discouraged me for decades. It wasn’t until just over a year ago, at age 69, that I discovered they were wrong, and I finally embraced my musical voice.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Mike DeSorda”?
A: My music is for people who are searching for songs written by real people, played by real musicians, and recorded with real gear. It resonates with listeners who grew up in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, as well as younger old souls seeking authenticity. I’m growing my audience by collaborating with artists, forming a label performing band to bring my originals to life, and sharing these vintage songs through streaming and social media.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Right now, I’m in a bluegrass phase because of my new song Bygones My Love, and I’ve been diving into Molly Tuttle’s music; love her style and personality. My inspiration usually starts with lyrics I hear, read, or conjure in my head, perhaps a twist on a phrase, which I then set to music, striving to write metaphorically, with the goal of sharing stories and messages that force my listeners think.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Bygones My Love.”?
A: The message I’m trying to convey to listeners of Bygones My Love is that when a strong long-term deep emotional bond of love between two people naturally fizzles out, parting ways does not have to be bitter and angry; instead, it can end in an adult way without a lot of drama but rather in an amicably way.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Vintage
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Bygones My Love”?
A: Writing Bygones My Love was actually the easy part; I first wrote and released it as a traditional Irish folk song called Bygones My Dove (changing ‘Dove’ to ‘Love’ for American audiences). Even before its formal release, the song called me back to be a bluegrass tune, and I always obey what my songs tell me. The main challenge for both versions was finding skilled musicians with experience in Irish folk and bluegrass. I had to explore the virtual musician world to find the right talent, but it all came together in the end.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: My writing style is primarily, though not exclusively, ballads; basically stories told through metaphoric lyrics. Each song carries its own message, and I hope listeners feel like they’re piecing together a puzzle. If I can get someone to pause and ponder a song’s deeper meaning, I feel I’ve done my job. My goal is to keep writing thought-provoking songs while growing a fan base that appreciates my blend of contemporary sensibilities with a vintage sound and vibe.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: I would have loved to collaborate with George Harrison. I’ve always admired how he wrote from the heart, with spirituality and deep meaning, and our journeys are similar in that he found his songwriter voice after being somewhat of a songwriting afterthought with The Beatles, and I discovered mine later in life after overcoming early doubts about my musical talent. I feel we may have been kindred spirits and would have connected on a higher songwriting plane, exploring music with purpose and soul.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Pursuing a career in music isn’t for the faint of heart. There are millions of talented musicians and vocalists out there, and today anyone with a bedroom and a few hundred dollars can produce and release music, and they do. For budding songwriters, my main advice is simple: just do it. You don’t need a pile of songwriting books, endless websites, or formal lessons. Many of the greatest songwriters over the last sixty years never had them, but they felt music. You’ve listened to thousands of songs in your life; you instinctively know how songs are structured. Start small: write a title, one lyric, one concept, add a simple key and chords, let the chord tones tease out a melody, coax out just one verse and a chorus. But most importantly, write for yourself. If you do, you’ll be surprised how it all comes together in the end.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Don’t believe all those adults who said you had no musical talent.