Melbourne singer & songwriter Mike Talisman stops by THEAUSSIEWORD.COM for a one on one chat with Brian Peel.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
My musical career started at the young age of 12 years old when I picked up my first guitar. My Dad was into some brilliant music and was a talented singer/guitarist, and I guess it rubbed off on me! My older brother is also a fantastic musician, so I was surrounded by creative energy since I was a wee child. I joined my first band at 12 and haven’t looked back since!
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
I am influenced by vivid storytelling. I want to create heartfelt music that resonates with others and hits them right in the feels. If my music can help others feel like they aren’t alone in their struggles, then my mission is accomplished. It is also a great form of therapy!
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
I honestly just want to create music that touches the heart of the listener. That is the main goal for me right now. I have toured extensively before in previous bands and have the privilege of playing some of the best venues in Australia and aboard, sharing the stage with some outstanding artists in the process. If my new project takes me to such heights, I will embrace it!
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
You can expect consistent single release from me over the coming months! I have no tour dates currently announced as I have just released my debut single, however they will be coming soon!
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
My debut single ‘Due Time’ represents one of the most painful days of my life. My family had just attended a memorial service for our mother and on the drive home I received a call from a police officer telling me that my Dad had just passed away. The single tells the story of that dark day, and encourages others to make the most of the precious time you have with loved ones. The single combines elements of Alternative, Country and Pop music.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
All of my songwriting generally happens sitting down with an acoustic guitar. I like to start out by setting the tone of the song by creating a vibe based on the emotions that I am feeling at the time. I like to write in a very organic fashion, straight from the soul.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
I’ll let the listeners decide on that one!
Success, what is the secret to it?
I’m not sure that I can tell you the secret to success, however my extensive history in the music industry has shown me that those who succeed generally are the people that simply didn’t give up. Consistently write, release and record quality music. Work with the right team. Never rest on any single song or achievement and always be planning your next move!
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I would say my touring experience with my past band Red Beard. We had the privilege of playing some amazing tours with artists such as Art VS Science, The Getaway Plan, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Young Lions and so many more. One of the biggest highlights was doing a 4 month Australian tour with The Getaway Plan – god damn did we have some fun and cause a ruckus!
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
I absolutely adore artists such as Ryan Bingham, Bob Dylan, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tyler Childers, Warren Zeiders, Zach Bryan, HARDY, Whiskey Myers and Larry Fleet. Oh, and a big guilty pleasure of mine is blasting Kid Rock at full volume.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Absolutely! This single (Due Time) is just the first of MANY to come. Stay tuned ya’ll!
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
As long as I am still consistently writing, recording, releasing and performing earnest music from the heart then I will be happy, regardless of the constantly evolving landscape that is the Music Industry.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
My favourite part is witnessing a song come together in the writing process! There is no greater feeling than bringing life to something that was deep within your soul! My least favourite part is all of the admin involved.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Young Lions, Queenie, Crowded House, Trophy Eyes, Ratking and so many more!
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I think the fact that I also work in the music industry has made me feel very comfortable with the new processes involved in releasing music. I love this industry, and it means the absolute world to me to have my music in the public eye!
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
I will be servicing all of my music to international music outlets and eventually plan to tour internationally to directly connect with the wider world! I will be travelling to Vietnam in December so who knows, I might just link up with some cats over there.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I do, in the sense that behind every release is a producer, an mix engineer and a mastering engineer. There are photographers, graphic designers and artists involved, so the whole thing is a collaborative effort! However in regards to music collaborations – I would absolutely love to team up with Ryan Bingham, Tyler Childers, Warren Zeiders or Zach Bryan.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
In the words of Shia “JUST DO IT!” Haha in all seriousness though, it all starts with the writing. Do not stop writing, ever. If you plan on releasing a single, write 10-20 songs and don’t settle until you find the right track to represent you. Find the right producer to record with and draw inspiration from artists that you admire. But seriously, just do it.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
Firstly, thanks SO much to everyone who has supported the release of my debut single. It has been very overwhelming and it touches my heart! The best way to interact with me is to hit me up via my socials listed below.
Any last words?
Thanks so much for chatting with me! Love you all to the moon and back.
Website: https://linktr.ee/miketalisman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miketalismanmusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/miketalismanau
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miketalismanmusic/
