“… the song is writing me” Artist Profile: MjWoodbridge

When asked what the song all about, Mj (Michael) says: “It’s a song about following your heart and your passion and not giving in to the nine-to-five routine.”

Michael is known to local musicians as “the guy that sounds like Tracy Chapman”, but he doesn’t seem too worried about that. MjWoodbridge is one of those musicians really trying to put himself out there by either busking, playing open-mike nights, or gigging in pubs around the city.

It was fascinating talking with Michael as he described the way he writes his songs. “ I carry my pen and pad around with me everywhere, just writing down words, phrases or just random freestyle, rhyming about anything. Sometimes all it takes is just a single word to spark an idea that'll evolve into an entire song.

“On the other hand, some of my best songs are songs where I've had no idea what I'm writing about to start with. I'll discover that my interpretation just develops as I go ... I find I learn a lot about myself this way. The feelings, thoughts, opinions that I never thought were there, are born. Like I'm not writing the song, but the song is writing me ... and we grow together.”

There are many different elements in Michael’s life that inspire him with his lyrics, coming from a profound and hidden place. “I'm usually very quiet and quite guarded around others, even to those closest to me. Usually what goes into my songs are quite personal ... thoughts, ideas and experiences. Stories that I'd like to tell, though either usually just can't find the words to explain them in person or just don't have the confidence to – it gives my songs more depth.”

Michael grew up listening to hip-hop/urban music but has changed his influences since he’s been writing music. Michael’s infulences are now leaning toward the likes of  Damien Rice and Lior, but he is still exploring. “The whole acoustic thing is new to me … I’m still looking for influences.”

MjWoodbridge is well worth opening your ears to with his dynamic vibrato and a unique richness that is portrayed through his emotive storytelling. He plays at the Sandringham Hotel in Newtown on September 3.

www.myspace.com/mjwoodbridge

Photo: MjWoodbridge

Source: South Sydney Herald August 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au