Famend as a singer-songwriter, producer, composer, and performer, Michael Cristiano has constructed a outstanding profession steeped in versatility and creativity. On this unique interview, we contact on his beginnings, impressed by Elvis Presley’s electrifying performances, and his evolution right into a globally revered music director and producer. With a long time of expertise, together with his pivotal position with The Seekers and his current all-Italian album, Michael opens up concerning the private significance of his tasks, the artistry behind music manufacturing, and the joys of dwell efficiency. From crafting multi-platinum albums to exploring new frontiers in Latin music, his dedication to his craft stays unwavering. Whether or not sharing his recommendation for aspiring artists or reflecting on the defining moments of his profession, Michael Cristiano affords an inspiring look into his world.
Michael Cristiano, welcome to A&R Manufacturing unit! Thanks for taking the time to take a seat down with us and focus on your storied and accoladed profession as a singer-songwriter, producer, composer and performer. Earlier than we cowl your achievements, we’d love to listen to the way you found and honed your expertise.
I bear in mind watching Elvis Presley in “Viva Las Vegas” on TV one night time with my grandmother. I couldn’t have been greater than three or 4 years previous. Elvis was enjoying the guitar, singing and dancing with Ann Margaret. I used to be entranced. Not lengthy after that, I watched the ’68 Comeback Particular, which featured basic footage of Elvis enjoying the guitar and singing in black leather-based. I knew then – that’s what I needed to do. I turned obsessive about the guitar and began classical guitar classes on the age of six delving into additional research in jazz, rock, composition and association in my early teenagers.
You’ve been the Music Director and Producer for The Seekers since 1992 and joined The Authentic Seekers because the fourth voice in 2019. How has your expertise with such iconic teams formed your method to music manufacturing and efficiency?
I’m blessed to have labored with a number of the biggest artists on this planet all through my profession, however The Seekers had been maybe essentially the most influential. They trusted me with producing their “sound”, and Judith Durham usually stated that I used to be the one producer since Tom Springfield (their unique producer) who may re-create the magic that was The Seekers. Working with the group opened many doorways for me professionally, and I’m perpetually indebted to them for his or her belief and friendship. Being requested to be the ‘fourth voice’ in ‘The Authentic Seekers’ was the icing on the cake, and I’m thrilled and honoured to be a part of Australian music historical past now.
Your all-Italian album, launched on November 1, 2024, showcases your versatility as a singer, musician, and producer. What impressed you to discover this explicit undertaking, and what does it imply to you personally?
I’ve all the time needed to report an all-Italian album of unique songs as I’ve been a fan of Italian pop music since I used to be a baby. My father purchased me a vinyl single of Italian singer/songwriter Nicola Di Bari’s hit “Chitarra Suona Più Piano” and I used to be hooked from my first pay attention.
I loved each minute of recording all of the songs on the album. I performed all of the devices, sang all of the vocals and produced all the undertaking. To see it resonate so strongly with worldwide audiences is a dream come true.
You’ve produced multi-platinum albums for legends like The Seekers, Russell Morris, and Mirusia. How does your method differ when producing for different artists versus working in your personal music?
When producing my very own music, I’m free to discover completely different types and musical genres, whether or not jazz, blues or classical. When producing different artists, staying true to their fashion and identification is essential. A producer’s job in that scenario is to carry the artist’s imaginative and prescient to life and make them and their songs sound nearly as good as potential.
What do you take pleasure in most about being on stage, and the way does it examine to the artistic course of within the studio?
I like working within the studio, however nothing beats the sensation of enjoying in entrance of a dwell viewers. That’s what music is admittedly about – performing, speaking with an viewers dwell, within the second. That’s some of the particular emotions there are.
Along with your newest album being added to worldwide radio, how does it really feel to have your solo work resonate with such a vast viewers?
I’m thrilled with the response the album is getting around the globe. I knew there was one thing particular about this album after I first began recording the songs and seeing audiences worldwide react so positively to the music was fantastic.
Your profession spans a long time, and also you’ve excelled as a singer-songwriter, producer, composer, and performer. What moments stand out as essentially the most defining or pivotal in your musical journey?
Many moments stand out to me, first enjoying my first ‘paying gig’ after I was simply twelve years previous. Two years later, I began my first band, ‘Insurgent’, with mates from faculty, later referred to as ‘seventh Avenue’. I joined the present band ‘Koco’ in my late teenagers and backed lots of the largest worldwide acts of the day that toured Australia. Following this, I performed with The Seekers in 1988, turned their Musical Director in 1990, and File Producer in 1992. Producing my first platinum-selling album, ‘The Seekers – The 25 12 months Reunion Celebration’ is one other particular spotlight.
Are you able to share extra concerning the route you’re heading together with your upcoming tasks?
I’m about to report two songs from my Italian album “Mai Finirà” with Spanish lyrics, and I’m very enthusiastic about releasing new materials for the Latin music market. There’s additionally a brand new album within the works, so keep tuned, of us.
Reflecting in your in depth profession, what recommendation would you supply to aspiring musicians and producers hoping to make their mark within the business?
One of the best recommendation I can supply to up-and-coming musicians is to work with as many various musicians as potential. Make an effort to work with musicians which can be higher than you. Hear and be taught as a lot as you may. By no means, ever hand over. Most significantly, observe. Work at your craft, all the time. It doesn’t matter what it’s important to say as a musician, a singer, a songwriter or a report producer in case you haven’t developed the talents to precise your concepts – oh, and observe, observe, observe.
Uncover Michael Cristiano’s work on Spotify and his official web site.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast
