The Michael Velez Interview

Get to know Michael Velez, the multi instrumentalist from Indiana. He plays guitar, bass, drums, and more.

What is the music scene like where you are from? Has it influenced your sound?

There isn't much of a music scene apart from metal bands. The only person I know of that was trying to do the same kinda stuff as me was my buddy Omar, y'all might know him as Omar Apollo. When I met him he was already with it so we started playing together.

Do you plan on moving to a bigger city with more of a music scene like Chicago, LA, etc. or do you kind of want to create a music scene where you live?

I wanna do as much as I can here and eventually move to a bigger city when I have to. I'd love to start doing stuff in Chicago but I just don't know what's happening out there.

What got you into making music? Is there artists who influenced / inspired you?

I used to play guitar hero 3 and basically I was like "yo I should do this shit for real" , and the Beatles and Prince are my biggest influences. The Beatles are what got me into making music so they're definitely one that I look up to. Prince also, that man played 27+ instruments, I strive to be on that level.

Do you feel your music ever sounds similar to those who inspire you? Is that how you sort of create your sound?

You can definitely see hints of my influences in my music but I also try to keep it as true to myself as possible.

Were you in high school when you started doing music for real? Was there any kids besides Omar who did stuff similar to you guys?

I had some buddies that were interested but they weren't really as dedicated.

What was the recording process like for "Basement Song" how did you and Annika work things out?

The Basement song was a beat I had laying around and I heard Annika Carlson sing and I just had to get her on a track

Are they're any artists you would like to collaborate with in the future?

Kind of a long shot but Miguel JT and Paul McCartney are definitely on the list.

What are you working on currently? Do you plan on releasing new music soon?

Im currently trying to gather my thoughts and ideas for my first actual album and I'm just doing little open mic. shows to get used to performing and stuff. I hope to have some stuff out by September.

What would you say is the hardest thing about being a musician?

Understanding that success doesn't happen overnight. You could pour your heart and soul into the music you make but success is never guaranteed. I'm still trying to figure out how to get myself to the next level.

What advice would you give to kids who want to pursue the same career as you?

Work super hard and keep learning. Don't stay one dimensional, learn everything you can about music and be persistent.

Follow Michael on social media

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