The Songster's Story: An Interview with Michael Occhionero

Kristin Kowalski Ferragut
5 days ago
5 min read

Kristin:

Hi Michael. Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview.

Michael:

Thanks for talking to me.

I don't imagine you like being pigeon holed into a particular type of music.

Hopefully no one does!

Yeah, I don’t know, but your originals span more genres and maybe fusions of genres than perhaps any other artist I listen to. Tell me, how would you describe your music to someone who hasn't yet had the good fortune to hear it?

Thanks. Tough to do. DIY pop that is cynical, lyrical, and thoughtful I guess. Each song is unique. Solo stuff has been compared to Bowie more than anyone and he was a chameleon. There’s fluidity to genres. My last song was hip hop, so I don’t know. I try recording as close to what I hear in my head.

Knowing your work, that’s a great description. And I love your last song. What were your first albums?

My mother says I played Beatles songs before I could read. I knew the spacing of the record grooves. The Beach Boys Endless Summer was huge for me. My first tapes of new music were maybe New Edition and Madonna. Still like those. Wore out side one of Glass Houses by Billy Joel as a little kid.

Who are some of your greatest influences?

The Beatles of course. The Velvet Underground taught me to break convention sometimes, Chuck Berry and Bob Dylan for the way they set scenes with lyrics, the harmonies of Beach Boys, Doo Wop, Phil Spector’s wall of sound, Joni Mitchell, Bjork, Talking Heads. I could go on forever.

When did you start writing music?

I’ve written words ever since I can remember, maybe 9 or 10. I thought I knew how songs should go, but didn’t try to start playing until 16-17, when no one else showed up to write the music for my songs.

Can you describe a little about your process? Are you fairly disciplined, in that you write a certain amount regularly? Or do you wait until inspiration strikes?

I’m streakey. Almost never sit down to write from scratch. To start I need inspiration. A few lines, a melody or an expression. Something needs to happen. If it’s still there after a couple days, I know it has the potential to be special. I put in work to finish songs, write bridges, etc. I just don't push myself to start a song.

Do you have a particular time and place you prefer writing and composing?

No. When it arrives, I try to capture it.

Are your songs more likely to begin with a musical phrase or lyrics?

Lately music, but it changes

How many albums and singles do you have out?

3 solo albums out on the streamers and the single Obligatory Train Song in the fall. My other duo, Dr. VonFiend, released an album in 2021, Something You Can’t Live Without, and will have a single out this summer. Back in the day we’d go to shows and trades, sell tapes and CDs in Connecticut. We have lo-fi recordings (and the hip hop album) available on SoundCloud under various names.

Let's talk about your band, The Lashes, with Sarah Pinto. How long have you been collaborating? How many originals have you written together?

We started as fans of each other’s music. I asked to cover her song Weeping Willow. The first collaboration was at your excellent series, Open Notes, in Oct 2024 with a song swap (singing each other’s song).

We haven’t written together yet, other than bouncing ideas around. That may change by the time this interview comes out. Sarah is adding lyrics to music I wrote recently.

Oh, that’s cool and thanks. You and Sarah are both so talented. Could you describe some ways that your individual songs evolve when played together as well as how you approach writing new music together?

We have similar musical tastes, but different musical strengths, which is helpful. We trust what the other person is trying to add.

What projects do you have coming up?

Busy times! We’re in the early stages of The Lashes debut album! So pumped. Hope to have it out late this year. We are also back to playing gigs. Yes!

Luther Jett’s third recording is underway. His last one, Rise Up!, has gotten great feedback. Such a gifted writer. Might produce some spoken word. You and I may have some plans brewing too!

Yeah. Lots of overlap in inspiration. I could talk to you about music for hours, but you are one of those artists that undeniably contains multitudes, so let me shift focus a little, you already mentioned recording with Luther. Let’s talk about your producing music.

Let’s do it.

What is your background with production? What made you decide to open up your talents in producing songs to other musicians?

As soon as I was exposed to a four track, and learned I could overdub, I’ve dabbled in creating music independently.

The thing that led me to produce others was time mostly. I lost my job, then Sarah couldn’t gig, then Rich moved. I’d always wanted to do it, but now I had time.

What are your favorite things about producing other artists?

My own songs are mostly created by how I preconceive them. It’s more like a science experiment with other artists.

What are your greatest challenges?

Accepting that they might not have the same vision as you. We all come from different musical backgrounds, so it’s not going to always work.

You also curate incredible nights of music featuring multiple local artists in your Michael and Friends series, as well as your Storyteller series. They're so welcoming and uplifting! Could you please describe each of those and share a little about your inspiration for them?

They were kind of out of necessity. After Sarah’s diagnosis, I wanted to limit my time away from home. I also wasn’t ready to play three hour gigs alone, several were already booked.

Curating Michael and friends and Storytellers came partly from missing seeing my music community, so I brought them to me. I get to watch them in one place.

I know you've written and produced a lot of protest music. Could you talk a little about what you think the role of the artist is in society in that context?

Since Raise Your Voice in September, it’s been wild. People are hurting. I don’t know the role, but artists should write what they feel rather than try to fit into a trend. Love, hate or other. If you are being genuine on your path, that’s your role, I hope

Great answer. I really appreciate your time and energy.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Check out the new singer songwriter showcase created by Frank Letkiewicz at Sandy Spring Museum April 12th from 2-4.

The Lashes are one of four acts kicking off the summer series.

It’s going to be a great show!

There are many opportunities for check out Michael and The Lashes. You can hear tracks, learn more, and follow using the links below. Authentic, vibrant, great music!