You probably want to ask rising Junior Michael Lewis for his autograph now, because he is making it big in the Big Apple! This L.A. native is performing his original music all over New York City, and it won’t be a surprise if he’s picked up by a record label along the way. Remember, Michael, we knew you first.
Street: Heard you’re doing something cool this summer! What are you doing?
ML: Right now, I’m writing a snarky response to this question.
Street: LOL. But no, seriously, what are you doing?
ML: I’m pursuing the life of a singer/songwriter in New York City. I’m spending a lot of time going to open mics, making as many connections as I possibly can, writing new music, and busking for dollars on the street.
Street: When is your next performance?
ML: My next gig is July 12th at Old Man Hustle. It’s free, so y’all bettah be der.
Street: I will! So, what is the best and worst thing about performing your music in front of a live audience?
ML: The best thing about performing live music is the moment when I, as a performer, just let go and truly connect with the message of the song. Nothing feels better. The worst thing about performing music live is that my voice sometimes cracks and I realize that I may still be going through puberty.
Street: What’s your favorite song to sing live?
ML: My favorite song to sing live is this song I wrote called “Waves.” It’s this break up song that I feel like a lot of people can connect to.
Street: Where are you staying in New York?
ML: I’m staying in Greenwich Village in this sweet basement apartment. My roommates include two of my best friends from Los Angeles, an out of tune piano and two air conditioning units that I’ve started worshipping as gods.
Street: What’s the coolest thing that’s happened to you in New York so far?
ML: The coolest thing? Air conditioning…BAM.
Street: Man, you are full of jokes today.
ML: (Laughs) To actually answer your question, I was playing this open mic at a place called the Bitter End and I met this guy name Matt. He invited me to go to a few open mics with him the day after. I said, “Why the hell not?” and tagged along. Our first stop was this speakeasy in Brooklyn. The speakeasy was built into this massive apartment where 11 people lived. They had this huge basement space that they had converted into a stage and bar. People just wandered in throughout the day to have a beer and play some tunes. ‘Twas, amazing.
Street: Sounds like it! Where did you go after the speakeasy?
ML: After that, Matt took me to this place called the Tea Lounge. It’s a trendy Brooklyn coffee shop that was once a massive car garage. Matt had to peace out after his set, but I stuck around to play some tunes. I played this new song that I had written called “Through and Through” and a bunch of people stood up and clapped for me when it was over. It made me feel like I’m really doing the right thing with my life.
Street: Now that you have some experience under your belt, can you offer any advice to aspiring musicians about performing or traveling to pursue music?
ML: This answer is super “Penn,” but I’d say treat yourself and your music as a start-up business. Cultivate a product that people want to buy, hand out business cards, go to as many open mics as possible to introduce people to your music, send around an e-mail list to audience members so they can stay in contact with you, make connections with venue owners and booking agents, get on the phone and talk to people, establish a brand, etc. If there is someone working harder than you at this game, then there is a problem.
You can find Michael’s work on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SoundCould by going to www.mlewofficial.com. Subscribe to Michael’s mailing list as well to get updates on his musical projects and performances!