Hailing from Victoria, BC, Michael Leigh Gresham has spent the last few years weaving together emotive vocals and sounds that make you feel removed from life’s stresses. Growing up, Gresham sought inspiration from Ben Harper, Matt Costa, Jack Johnson, The Beatles, Arcade Fire, Bahamas and Lovin Spoonful. He left the coast and moved inland to Winnipeg to study Environmental Design.
It was during this time that he began writing his own songs. After one year he headed further east to London, UK where he continued writing and playing music. He found himself working in the film and visual effects industry, which led him back to the beloved West Coast. He commuted to film school in Vancouver from Bowen Island everyday for two years, and used the island’s inspiration to continue making music. He is now nestled in Vancouver’s Railtown after just recently releasing an EP that shares the essence of the island and the grit of the big cities.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with Michael about the newest project, musical influences, challenges of an indie muso and much more.
Full Q&A with links and a stream of Feathery Tape can be found below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
This song was a real collaboration for us, I really wanted to create a song that was written by each of the band members and not taken over by just one artist. Personally, this genre was new to me and it was exciting to explore new sounds.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
Only for around 1 year now.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I find music healing, and a great way to express ones feelings that are beyond their control
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
We wanted to find an electric guitar sound for this song, something we haven’t done much of.
What was the last song you listened to?
“chan chan” buena vista social club
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
At the moment I prefer CD’s (They’re great for road trips)
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I think it’s great to have music easily available online, it allows real fans from where ever to support artists. Some online stores seem better than others though.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
I think one challenge we face is getting the “right” listeners to give the music a chance. It’s hard to get he appropriate audience of listeners.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
We’ve been playing live for the last year primarily in Vancouver, Canada.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
You can follow us online on:
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Big thank you to MTM!
Thank you all who supports us, we appreciate every bit of it! Keep on doing what you love!
