Country music artist, Michael Harding!
Where did you grow up? I was born in New Castle, on March 31,1959. Both sides of my family are both from Southeastern Kentucky. I spent a lot of my young life in that area. I was exposed to a lot music during that period of my life.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music? I come from a very musical family. Most of them either played an instrument or sang or both. They would all get together on the weekends and lick, but sing and dance. Therefore a huge part of my young life was around music and also stock cars. So, it was either stock car driver or a singer and music won out.
Tell us about your creative process when it comes to writing and composing songs. My creative process varies from time to time whenever the mood hits me. It depends on what is going on in my life and how it's affecting me mentally and emotionally at the time. I have been woke up in the middle of the night on the bus and written a song, or just out of no where, someone has said something to me that just hangs on until I give in and sit down and write one.
You have experienced many years in the music business, what was your toughest time that you learned from? The toughest time for me in this business was learning the lesson that you can't please everyone and shouldn't fall into the trap of feeling like you must, or you're a failure. I almost drove myself crazy from trying to do this. I learned you go out on stage, do your best, have fun with the ones who are really getting into you and your music and move on to the next place. Very hard lesson to learn. I went thru some major depression, unbridled anxiety and a whole bunch of other emotions learning this lesson.
How do you engage with your audience and build a loyal fan base? I make my audiences part of my show. I get them to clap and sing along, but I dance etc., I, with whatever kind of emotion that each song stirs in them. I also spend as much time as possible with fans before and after my shows. I have meet-n-greets backstage before each show for current members of my fan club and after each show, I go to the bus, put on dry clothes, and go back in and sign autographs, take pictures and visit with fans as long as possible. I try to give them a little more of myself on top of what I give of myself in the concerts.
What sets you apart from other music artists in the industry? One thing I've noticed is that very few artists do what I have stated that I do in the previous question. I also have never let myself become part of that dog eat dog competition, that goes along with this business. I figure there's room enough for everybody.
How do you handle criticism or negative feedback on your music? I listen to what is being said and try to use it to my advantage. I learned a long time ago not to let it get you down. I learned you can use what's said, but I turn it around and use it to make you better.
Tell us about any collaborations or performances that have been particularly impactful in your career. There are two of these that really stand out in my mind. I give both of these ladies credit for me even having a career in country music. Jeannie C. Riley, I Harper Valley PTA fame, and took me under her wing and let me sing on her shows for a little over two years. She introduced me to people I needed to know in the business and opened many doors for me. The other lady is Barbara Fairchild, who pretty much did the same thing for me, but added to it teaching me just how the music business works and steps I needed to take to build and keep a career in show business. Both of these ladies allowed me to sing on their shows. This spread to other big names in country music and thanks to them, I never been an "Opening Act," like so many other performers have had to go through. Thanks to them, I have always been a headliner.
How do you stay motivated and inspired as a music artist? This questions easy. I love what I do. I love the music. Most of all I love the people and the fact that they buy tickets, but CDs, Merchandise and it enables me to do what I do. The music business has never been a chore or job to me. It's always been and will continue to be fun for me and I love all the aspects of it.
What are your long-term goals and aspirations within the music industry? My long term goal is to just keep doing what I do and goes as big as I can with it. I have also started to try to help younger "lesser known artists," learn what I have learned and know how to apply it to their own dreams and aspirations.
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That's Awesome
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