Interview with Father Before Me

By Mick Michaels



COSMICK VIEW: Hello! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

CV: Do you feel that it is still possible for an unknown band today to be plucked out of obscurity and make it to stardom? Can a dedicated core of fans sharing their music make that possible or has the internet and social media changed the game? 
Father Before Me: Nowadays it's all about your target audience. If you have enough people caring about what you do, there’s no need to worry about fame. You put music out for the fans and they put that energy back into you.

CV: Do you feel that given the accessibility and social awareness of modern times that a music underground still even exists today as it once did?
Father Before Me: Not at all. I've always felt that music hasn’t changed at all…just its location. People used to hang out at malls and clubs, and now people hang out on the internet. There are plenty of music groups that have their own underground fanbase that are located strictly online.

CV: What do you see as the biggest difference in music and how it is perceived from back say 35 years ago compared to music today? Has both the music and the artist evolved from your point of view?
Father Before Me: Music itself is always evolving but I feel people still connect the same way they always have. While some things have changed, one thing remains the same…people gravitate to where music is and music gravitates to where the people are.

CV: Do you believe bands and artists who have the biggest impact on fans and other artists are aware that they are or is there more of a tunnel vision sort of process for them keeping them somewhat in the dark? Can influential artists see past their own work to be aware of the ripples they make?
Father Before Me: With the internet, I'd say that this is the one thing that has changed music. Artists are able to see the affect their music has on people a lot easier because we have access to our fanbase in the palm of our hands. We are able to see insights and data based on streams and sales.

CV: Does music need to be influential to be considered worth listening to in your opinion? Or can music simply be just an enjoyable auditory experience devoid of substance?  
Father Before Me: Music is how we decorate time and it is always a subjective art.

CV: The world has been rocked by the COVID pandemic.  The economy has been sent into a tailspin in its wake, unfortunately.  Bands worldwide have been restricted with performing live and some it seems, restricted from earning a living.  How has the pandemic affected your band? Are you hopeful that 2021 will see many of the restrictions lifted?
Father Before Me: For some people it has been horrid and a make-it-or-break-it situation. Some bands are doing better than ever by being able to evolve. I've said the music business never really changed, it just moved. People are now hanging out online instead of at clubs or at local gathering places. As long as you can find people to hear your music, you can make an impact. While I was greatly affected by this, I did find ways to strengthen my streaming numbers and engage with more fans on a personal level. I had a few shows and tours in the works but they were pushed back due to COVID. In the end, I feel that while people are all online we are still eager to be together and vibe off our own energies in a live atmosphere.

CV: What do you feel artists and bands can do right now to stay relevant, especially in an environment, such as the present, where performing in front of a live audience is being restricted? What immediate options do you see available?
Father Before Me: I think the best course of action for musicians is to always put your fans first. Remind them you are there…contact them and just ask how their days are. Live streams are another helpful way to stay in touch with your fanbase even if you're not playing and just chatting.

                    

CV: As an artist, what have you learned from the events of 2020? Are those lessons learned different for you as a person than as an artist or are they one in the same in your opinion? 
Father Before Me: I have learned that not everything is in front of you. There is a whole world out there and the internet has definitely helped us reach that world. With everyone online it is important to keep a strong social media presence. Sometimes it can be difficult to stay on top of it, but we find a way.

CV: What's next? What can fans expect to see coming in 2021?
Father Before Me: Along with this new EP, I plan on heading back into the studio to record the third EP and just keep as much momentum as possible. My main goal is just to stay on top of my game. I'm also planning new merch designs and finding more ways to reach the listeners.

CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. It was such a pleasure. I wish you all the best.

Check out Father Before Me at:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/13dCE9d7JHyLRh5XyCIoF6?si=y5vQkaJDSBKgjse9yyrAkA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fatherbeforeme
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatherbeforeme/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fatherbeforeme
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/fatherbeforeme
Bandcamp: https://fatherbeforeme.bandcamp.com/

 

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word.  Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.

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