What is your names?
Michael Bernard Fitzgerald
What is your genre of music?
I write pop songs, sometimes they get a bit folky, and other times they lean a bit more alternative
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m a singer songwriter from Calgary, AB, Canada. Been touring and recording internationally for the last decade. I look up to writers like Simon and Springsteen, I like life to be fairly simple and I love playing music.
What made you go in to music?
I always knew I’d preform, found an acoustic guitar and started making songs up on it.
Are you a signed?
No, I currently have an imprint of my own called “Treasure Island Recs” distributed by Fontana.
You release your new single “ I’ll Be The Lighter” tell us more about it.
I’ll be the lighter is a love song. Its about knowing all the intimate details about someone and being committed to the ride, no matter what. My favourite moments on a motorcycle are when its her and I on a two lane highway. It’s about looking to start a fire that’ll never burn out.
What was the writing process like?
I wrote this song with my friends Brian West and Josiah Rosen. We spent a couple nights delving into the Friday night line of the song and then stumbled into the lighter. After finding that line the rest of the song came quick.
What was the recording process like?
I recorded the song with Grammy ward winning producer Dennis Herring. His process is different than I’m used to, which is wonderful. It’s nice to see things from a different vantage. We’ve had a lot of fun working on these songs
Who did you work on the Single with?
Dennis and his engineer Misha have engineered, and mixed the songs, Howie Weinberg mastered them.
What message are you trying to get out?
For me the message always has to be hopeful. A little hope goes a long way.
Can we expect an EP or album this year and if so can we have a teaser?
The album comes out September 21
Do you have gigs coming up or a tour in planning?
I’ll play a couple more festivals this summer and then will tour a bit this fall and winter.
If so where are you thinking of heading?
I’d love to do some CAN/US dates as well as a trip to Europe (hopefully) before the year is done.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
None planned, but would love to
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Absolutely, reach out anytime on social
What else do you have planned this year?
The schedule is open to a certain extent; I’m always playing, and am excited to see where these new songs take us.
Do you play any instruments?
I play guitar
Who are your influences?
So many – the long-term influences have been Simon and Springsteen though. Over the last few years we’ve done our best to channel a lot of that classic songwriting spirit.
Which TV channel would you like one of your songs to be played on?
Any and all – not a huge tv watcher but I’ve heard getting songs on tv is a good thing
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I don’t have that part worked out to a science yet, but there’s nothing like a song that comes quick.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
In 5 years I’d like to be writing, playing and supporting a family. I love playing shows, and would love to see our hardworking crew playing nice big rooms – having a blast.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I try to be outside as much a possible – big fan of riding my bicycle around my hometown. Life is busy at the moment, and I like it that way.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
‘Obvious Child’ (live in central park) by Paul Simon. I could have worn out the vhs tape rewinding that clip over and over.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
I think all the advice has culminated in: don’t take things personally, enjoy what you do, love first and do your best.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Have fun – fun always leads to more fun
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
I like that Steve Martin quote – “Be so good they can’t ignore you”
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
In the summer we’ve got phenomenal bike paths. I love a good taco at native tongues, a pizza at una and a coffee/croissant at monogram
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
Kalmalka Lake
2/ Who do you see first?
Friends and Family
3/What do you eat first?
pizza
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Clothes, second guitar (used to break strings all the time), strings, a good set list and a great band
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
@ilovembf on everything
