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 function with The Seekers and his current all-Italian album, Michael opens up in regards to the private significance of his initiatives, the artistry behind music manufacturing, and the fun 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 provides 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 talk about 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 abilities.
I bear in mind watching Elvis Presley in “Viva Las Vegas” on TV one evening with my grandmother. I couldn’t have been greater than three or 4 years previous. Elvis was taking part in 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 traditional footage of Elvis taking part in the guitar and singing in black leather-based. I knew then – that’s what I wished to do. I grew to become 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 Unique 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 among the best artists on the earth all through my profession, however The Seekers have been maybe probably the most influential. They trusted me with producing their “sound”, and Judith Durham usually mentioned that I used to be the one producer since Tom Springfield (their unique producer) who might re-create the magic that was The Seekers. Working with the group opened many doorways for me professionally, and I’m eternally indebted to them for his or her belief and friendship. Being requested to be the ‘fourth voice’ in ‘The Unique 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 wished to document 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 hear.
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 your entire 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 kinds and musical genres, whether or not jazz, blues or classical. When producing different artists, staying true to their model and identification is essential. A producer’s job in that state of affairs is to deliver the artist’s imaginative and prescient to life and make them and their songs sound pretty much as good as doable.
What do you get pleasure from most about being on stage, and the way does it evaluate to the artistic course of within the studio?
I like working within the studio, however nothing beats the sensation of taking part in in entrance of a dwell viewers. That’s what music is basically about – performing, speaking with an viewers dwell, within the second. That’s probably the most particular emotions there are.
Together with your newest album being added to worldwide radio, how does it really feel to have your solo work resonate with such a extensive viewers?
I’m thrilled with the response the album is getting all over the world. I knew there was one thing particular about this album once 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 probably the most defining or pivotal in your musical journey?
Many moments stand out to me, first taking part in my first ‘paying gig’ once I was simply twelve years previous. Two years later, I began my first band, ‘Insurgent’, with buddies from faculty, later often known as ‘seventh Avenue’. I joined the present band ‘Koco’ in my late teenagers and backed lots of the greatest worldwide acts of the day that toured Australia. Following this, I performed with The Seekers in 1988, grew to become their Musical Director in 1990, and File Producer in 1992. Producing my first platinum-selling album, ‘The Seekers – The 25 Yr Reunion Celebration’ is one other particular spotlight.
Are you able to share extra in regards to the route you’re heading together with your upcoming initiatives?
I’m about to document 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, people.
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 doable. Make an effort to work with musicians which can be higher than you. Pay attention and be taught as a lot as you possibly can. By no means, ever quit. Most significantly, apply. Work at your craft, all the time. It doesn’t matter what you must say as a musician, a singer, a songwriter or a document producer when you haven’t developed the abilities to specific your concepts – oh, and apply, apply, apply.
Uncover Michael Cristiano’s work on Spotify and his official web site.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast