Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Wingate
Hi Michael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in a sleepy little town in New Hampshire, where I developed a deep love for art in all its forms. My parents made sure we had a taste of every fine art and sport our community had to offer so we could choose what we loved best and find our focus at an early age. Throughout high school I participated in marching band, chorus, and theatre; I played in rock bands, found some local success, and eventually pursued a degree in theatre at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Before I could finish that degree, I was picked up by a band from Boston called The Change Up and the next ten years of my life were a whirlwind of shows, music festivals, and travel, interspersed with regional theatre performances and fine art projects.
When COVID hit, the industry took a nosedive so I refocused my energy into sustainability engineering and community building. I moved to the White Mountains for a while; lived in a tent, then a trailer when the winter got too brutal, all the while making art wherever and whenever I could. Things got tough. Resources became scarce, it was hard living.
It was around then that I heard the music scene was still thriving in Key West, so I took a huge risk, drove down the east coast to the southernmost tip of the continental United States, and the world of music suddenly opened up for me again. I joined a band, found some pretty major success, and rode that wave for a couple of years until some family issues brought me back home to New Hampshire, where I worked tirelessly in my home studio writing music, creating content, and searching for the perfect new home base… and here I am in Charleston.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d love to say it’s all been a breeze, but my road (like anyone else’s) has been paved with heartbreak, loss, trials, and missteps. Throughout my career I’ve placed a lot of faith and trust in people: partners, band members, managers, friends, and that has turned out to be the biggest road block I’ve encountered on this wild journey. I’ve habitually trusted the wrong people, believed the wrong promises, and each time it has set me back significantly, often pulling me into to darkest corners of myself. But I still don’t want to give up on people, I want to believe in humanity. I think holding onto that ideal is sort of what keeps me going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I like to say that my job is to manipulate vibrations to affect people’s mood. Regardless of what instrument I’m playing, my goal is to fill my audience with a specific feeling: a feeling of deep emotionality, joy, inclusivity, playfulness, sincerity, and love. I play a lot of instruments (guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, trumpet, etc.) but I’m mostly known for my work as a pianist and vocalist. If I had to say there’s one thing I specialize in, it’s groove. Music that has real feel and movement to it, that’s what I love.
What am I most proud of? Honestly, probably my will to keep pushing my art. Throughout my life, through each hardship and betrayal, there have been countless moments of extreme self-doubt and insecurity, thoughts of giving up and getting a “big boy job”, but I have a message to spread and I won’t be done until I’ve been the change I want to see. And it might be cheesy, but I’m proud of myself for that holding that mindset.
The only thing that sets me apart from others is that I’m me, just as the only thing that sets you apart is that you’re you. Every song that I play, be it original or cover, I play in my own style. I make everything completely my own. I want my listeners to have a unique experience when they encounter me. Novelty and authenticity spark joy like little else in this world.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always looking for artists and musicians to work, gig, and record with. I’m super easy to find at www.mossfootrecords.com
Any engagement on social media is a huge way to support me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mossfootrecords.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingatemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWhichDoctor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RollWithMePod
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ZM0FpTpH3QrdMOueVNc6B?si=fY9t5gRgQEmPzKnu9j_1ZQ
