Music Now Spotlight

by Isaac Davis Junior, BGS, MBA 

Michael Whitworth
Photo by Shawn Newby

Junior’s Cave Golden Isles Online Magazine presents an amazing local artist who is going to win your heart with his melodic tunes, pop/country appeal, and crafted songwriting skills. Meet Pop/Country Singer/Songwriter Michael Whitworth in this special spotlight with our newsletter as the artist expounds of his passion for music and his love to entertain others. Enjoy!

Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you feel you contribute musically to the Indie Music Culture?

Michael: That's an interesting claim, in some ways it is truly amazing for indie musicians right now. The future of the music industry is very uncertain; yet, there are in certain respects more ways than ever to get your music out there. For me, what I contribute I guess is to be determined by the listeners – whether they connect to the lyrics/music/emotions of the songs I write. I just try to contribute honest music that as many people as possible can relate to or be encouraged by; if one of my songs affects even one person in a positive way, that is all I can ask for.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have built up over the years about you in the process?

Michael: It obviously would depend on the label and the label's interest in the music. I wouldn't just sign for the sake of signing; however, if a label truly believed in the project and really got behind what I'm trying to do, then I would certainly consider partnering with them. As far as giving up anything I've built, an artist is always smart if he or she makes decisions based on whether or not it will advance his or her career. Everything we do in our past leads to our future, so we never really abandon what we build, we just continually build more floors onto the foundation.


Michael Whitworth
Photo by Shawn Newby

Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?

Michael: Whether or not someone has “it” can really only be determined by the fans, in my opinion. Whether or not people connect to the music is the pure determining factor for me.

Isaac: Name one of the important elements that will make you stand out from the rest of the musicians/artists in the music industry?

Michael: Well, there aren't too many relatively young male country artists in the forefront of the genre right now. I feel that is a void I could hopefully be a part of filling. The seasoned artists are certainly worthy of all of our respect, but I think that a youthful perspective on the scene could add a unique flavor and energy as well.

Isaac: Do you feel you have given it your best when pursuing your musical dreams so far? Why or why not?

Michael: I think so. I've been finishing school, so I've had a lot on my plate. But as far as the songwriting goes, I always give it everything I have. The songs are from the core of who I am and what I believe and that will never change.

Isaac: Who do you look up to for your own influences and why?

Michael Whitworth
Photo by Shawn Newby

Michael: I look up to Keith Urban and Brad Paisley a lot. Their unique songwriting styles both have a profound influence on my writing. In a different genre, Third Eye Blind has always been a huge influence on the pop/rock sound that I try to incorporate into my take on the country genre. They are a band of virtuosos.



Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?

Michael: I think it is starting to. The trend is definitely going more and more indie, so that is good to see.

Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?

Michael: I think I'd like to see labels get behind developing bands like they used to, and not just write a band off if their debut record doesn't go platinum. A little more patience and development would breed more long-lasting and more skillful musicians and songwriters.


Michael Whitworth
Photo by Shawn Newby

Isaac: What has been one of your biggest setbacks and how did you overcome it? What lesson did you learn about yourself?

Michael: Really my only setback so far is my time availability because of being in school. I overcome it by fitting in songwriting to every spare second I have!

Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?

Michael: Billboard Discoveries did an amazing review of my EP “Learning How To Love” – they gave it great reviews. On the whole, I'd say there has been an overwhelming positive response to the music. People seem to connect to it.

Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.

Michael: I can't not do music. I have to. It's a part of me that can't be removed, so yes, I would continue to do it even if I were on a desert island for the rest of my life.

Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?

Michael: Eh, I generally don't think about it. That's why there is chocolate and vanilla – it's not for everyone. Different strokes for different folks (and any other clichés you can insert here).

Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?

Michael: My family is unbelievably supportive. They continually blow me away with their encouragement and love; they are instrumental in my career and my life in general.

Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?

Michael: Yours, of course! Then www.michaelwhitworthmusic.com, Pandora, and Sonicbids is a good one too.

Isaac: The floor is yours; final words & wisdom or thoughts...

Michael: Work with people you trust and who will be honest with you, nothing good ever comes easy so be suspect of every easy answer and expect to hear 100 “No’s” for every one “Yes.” Always be working to learn and improve.

I really appreciate your interest, thanks for the opportunity to share!