Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey and background?
Hi my name is Michael Vercoe, I am a singer-songwriter from Auckland New Zealand. From the age of five years old I had been given piano lessons, however sport was the primary focus of my life. It took me to America on a running scholarship and gave me some amazing experiences and opportunities. However, at 17 years old, I randomly had this urge to try write a song, predictably about a girl, so I did, and it wasn’t half bad. From then on, I kept writing. It didn’t take long for me to become hooked on the writing process and it developed into this burning desire to pursue music and my songwriting. I kept writing and making music in the background behind my sporting life and at the age of 26, I gave into this desire to push my music and songs out into the world. For the past 4 years that’s what I have been doing, honing my craft developing my skills and putting my music out into the world.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
I draw a lot of inspiration from the 60’s through to the 80’s Stadium Pop Rock and blend that with my love for modern pop music. I guess this blend is naturally becoming my thing, a nostalgic 80’s sound polished off with some modern pop haha.
My favorite older bands and artists range from, The Beatles, The Eagles, Elton John. Queen, Fleetwood Mac and Toto to name a few.
The current artists who are releasing music that I love listening to and draw inspiration from would be Coldplay, One Republic, Ed Sheeran, Niall Horan and Calum Scott.
Can you share a specific artist or album that has had a significant impact on your music?
I don’t think there has been one album or artist, however lately I have been listening to a lot of Ed Sheeran’s last 3 albums and Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumors’. I’m really enjoying these in my spare time. I would say that when I was younger and first started songwriting, Ed Sheeran released his first album, ‘Plus’. I guess looking into it further that probably did shape me a little early on in my songwriting process.
What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song?
I normally write a song in two ways. I will hear or come up with a melody in my head and then go to the piano to put chords to it and to develop the idea. Or I will come up with a nice sounding chord progression on the piano and write a tune to that. It is often emotionally directed or inspired, but sometimes it can be completely random and just a moment that I either recognize and capture or lose. Very rarely but sometimes I will write a song to a production or loop I make in the studio, however that is a way of writing I haven’t leaned on too much and am still exploring.
Favorite Song
Tough question. I don’t think have a favorite song of all time, I do however, have a favorite song each few months. My current favorite songs fighting for the spot are Ed Sheeran, Borderline or Daisey Jones and the Six, Let me down easy, from the television series Daisey Jones & the Six
Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you?
My first release ‘Try’ is probably my favorite in the sense that it was a pivotal moment for me because it was that start of a new chapter of my life. I love the piano part I composed for the track and the string section. It is still my best composition to date and was the first step to me taking this music thing seriously. However, I am loving my new track ‘Without You’. That is the most commercially competitive song I have made so far.
Can you share the story or inspiration behind that particular song?
The inspiration for ‘Try’ came from a place where I didn’t feel like I had given enough of myself to a few relationships in my life, and I wanted to kind of right the wrong in the form of a song. The message of the song is I will try and dig a little deeper for you and let myself fully be there in the relationship and not be half there.
Let’s talk about your latest song. What’s the title, and what’s the story or message behind it?
My latest song is called ‘Without You’ and I wrote it to thank the pivotal people in my life who have supported me and helped shape me into the person I am today. There are a few layers to this. The most obvious is my beautiful fiancée who always supports my music. The next layer are my parents, they have been huge supporters of my music dreams. The deeper less obvious layer of this song is me thanking God. I have had a few close calls especially 4 years ago when I broke my neck. I know God was watching out for me, so this song also reflects my faith and thankfulness that I am still here and able to do what I do.
Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances.
I really enjoyed a bar gig I did recently with my dad. My Dad is also a musician and sometimes we gig together for fun and some extra money. There was a moment when we had the whole bar up dancing and singing along to the Chorus of ‘Country Roads’. This was so much fun and so rewarding. One day I hope I will be doing this with my original songs haha.
Beyond music, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do they influence your music?
With a competitive running background, I really enjoy health and fitness. I try workout at the gym 3 to 5 days a week and also throw some cardio in there on top. I also love the ocean, so anything to do with being in the waves I find hard to turn away from. Me and my Fiancée also love trying out new restaurants, going to the cinema together and of course travelling. We try to do an overseas trip once a year.
Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future?
I would love to collaborate with Ryan Tedder or Ed Sheeran if I ever got the opportunity, that would be my dream collab.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?
Don’t be in a rush to conquer the world in a couple of songs. Figure out who you are as an artist, be patient, work hard, enjoy the process and most importantly of all love what you do. If you love making and playing music, it doesn’t matter what the result is because you love doing your thing!
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?
I’m currently working on two tracks with about 6 more in the pipeline. My goal is to release 5 to 6 songs this year. I want to finish the year with an ep and build towards and album maybe end of 2025. Lots of music coming along, so watch this space and follow me on socials for more info 😊