When asked what the song all about, Mj (Michael) says: “It’s
a song about following your heart and your passion and not giving in to the
nine-to-five routine.”
Michael is known to local musicians as “the guy that sounds
like Tracy Chapman”, but he doesn’t seem too worried about that. MjWoodbridge
is one of those musicians really trying to put himself out there by either
busking, playing open-mike nights, or gigging in pubs around the city.
It was fascinating talking with Michael as he described the
way he writes his songs. “ I carry my pen and pad around with me everywhere,
just writing down words, phrases or just random freestyle, rhyming about
anything. Sometimes all it takes is just a single word to spark an idea that’ll
evolve into an entire song.
“On the other hand, some of my best songs are songs where
I’ve had no idea what I’m writing about to start with. I’ll discover that my
interpretation just develops as I go … I find I learn a lot about myself this
way. The feelings, thoughts, opinions that I never thought were there, are
born. Like I’m not writing the song, but the song is writing me … and we grow
together.”
There are many different elements in Michael’s life that
inspire him with his lyrics, coming from a profound and hidden place. “I’m
usually very quiet and quite guarded around others, even to those closest to
me. Usually what goes into my songs are quite personal … thoughts, ideas and
experiences. Stories that I’d like to tell, though either usually just can’t
find the words to explain them in person or just don’t have the confidence to –
it gives my songs more depth.”
Michael grew up listening to hip-hop/urban music but has
changed his influences since he’s been writing music. Michael’s infulences are
now leaning toward the likes of Damien
Rice and Lior, but he is still exploring. “The whole acoustic thing is new to
me … I’m still looking for influences.”
MjWoodbridge is well worth opening your ears to with his
dynamic vibrato and a unique richness that is portrayed through his emotive
storytelling. He plays at the Sandringham Hotel in Newtown on September 3.
Photo: MjWoodbridge
Source:
South Sydney Herald August 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au