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Review by KLUDGE MAGAZINEAuthor: Erica Futterman
Release Date: 2004-05-04
Michael Tolcher is having fun and he wants you to join him. His debut album, I Am (Octone), blends acoustic guitar rock with pop, soul and funk -– a combination that sounds quite odd on paper, but is literally music to the ears. The album always comes back to his lyrics, however, and they’re a mix of reflection and advice -- on “Mission: Responsible,” the album’s first single, Tolcher sings, “Be a part of an institution, lead the way in a revolution/wear a wig and a permanent smile.” But the album isn’t preachy -- it’s a prescription on how to live your life to the fullest that just happens to be set to catchy music.
Even I Am’s darker songs are easy to sing along or bop your head to. Instead of dwelling on depressing topics, their lyrics provide a remedy to the situation, such as in “Waiting,” on which Tolcher sings: “Somewhere off in the distance, on the other side of your resistance/Lies, a peaceful existence, it waits, what a difference it makes.” But don’t let the musing fool you -- Tolcher also has a flirty side, and it comes out to play in “No One Above.” Even though the song’s lyrics are a typical tale of love, “I like the way you touch me in places/I heat up and my heart races,” it’s easy to imagine Tolcher tempting you to join him as he sings the story.
Tolcher’s album features a collection of guest musicians, including The Roots’ ?uestlove on drums and singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw on piano. There are lyrical guests, too –- a bit of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” makes an appearance on “Miracle,” adding to Tolcher’s fun appeal and the simplistic arrangement of the album. Tolcher’s songs are not among the most difficult, but that adds to, rather than hinders, the recording’s quality.
I Am is an incredibly catchy record. It’s not only what Tolcher sings, but how he sings it, and the result is a great springtime record.
Review from THE INDEPENDENT WILDCAT WEEKLY
Michael Tolcher
By Liza Goldenberg
Someone once said that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. A difficult task sometimes, especially when you are exposed to so many different versions of the same person all the time. For example, I am around a lot of musicians with this job and over time, I have begun to see similarities between the artists. It’s not that these similarities are a bad thingâ€â€in fact, it’s sometimes comforting to feel like know a person before you ever even meet them. However, Michael Tolcher is one person who definitely doesn’t fit into any one moldâ€â€he is a perfect example of how complex people can be.
Growing up in Georgia, Michael Tolcher was one of six children (3 boys and 3 girls). He loved to dance and sing, so much so that he was often recruited to perform for company beginning at the ripe old age of five. Around the age of 10, he began to play the piano, but the piano alone wasn’t enough to quench his creative thirst. He continued to dance, even exploring the wonderful world of break dancing as so many children of the 1980s did. Needless to say, no one musical genre was going to satisfy this musician.
His tendency to mix genres has carried him through the years. When it comes to writing his music, Tolcher says that it’s very important to maintain freshness. This freshness allows him to break away from the constraints of the music industry and to continually provide his fans with something completely new. He writes music when he is inspired. Sometimes he finds himself in the middle of an otherwise menial activity and a melody or a lyric will pop into his head.
He also aspires to discover a world outside of love ballads and autobiographical pop songs. He seeks to incorporate as many facets of art and music into his work while also creating something both thought provoking and philosophical. This, combined with a good beat, makes for a perfect Michael Tolcher song.
His pop-rock groove-inspired music is a soulful and funky take on a music genre that has tried everything else. By having artists like Questlove, Eddie Martinez and Gavin Degraw all contribute to his album “I Am” he is able to marry the kind of music that he’s known for with the kind of music he is personally drawn to.
“I’m not really much of a music listener,” Tolcher explained. “I grew up listening to the radio…but now that I am around music, sometimes I just want to turn it off.” So what kind of music will he turn up? He generally listens to the hip-hop and club music CDs his friends mix for him…and then he dances. He joked about how his tour bus sometimes turns into a dance club when he turns up his music.
He has been on the road for nearly two years now, crisscrossing the country in his tour bus. While something like a tour bus might go the average musician’s head, Tolcher remains grounded and manages to keep things in perspective. When talking about the tour bus, Tolcher simply said, “We’re pretty lucky with it right now.” That’s it, no bragging, and no fake modesty, just an honest answer. It’s this humility that makes Michael Tolcher so singular in the music industry.
It may seem as though Michael Tolcher belongs somewhere else, somewhere outside of the music industry. But there is one thing that makes him fitâ€â€the music.
“Music is more powerful than any weapon,” Tolcher said, “and that is why I do it.”
Review from THE WIG FITS ALL HEADS
I cannot necessarily explain why Michael Tolcher's debut album I am has grabbed me as it has. Perhaps it’s the innocence of the songwriting. Perhaps it’s the clarity of the tracks. Perhaps it’s because it’s not like most of what I’ve been buying lately. For whatever reason, I adore it.
Tolcher’s album begins with “Mission Responsible,” the perfect lead-off track which encapsulates what Tolcher will be doing throughout. It is upbeat, it is energetic, and it grabs you. It leads into “Sooner or Later,” known to teenagers as “that song from life as we know it,” ABC’s newest teenage drama. The song is good and its lyrics are refreshing.
Tolcher’s writes from the perspective of a reflective adult; he writes about looking back at adolescence fondly and looking to the future with hesitancy but confidence. His songs are inspirational in the most genuine of ways.
The album has its down moments. Tolcher can barely get me through “This is What I Mean by That” and “Taxi Ride Kinda Night,” but he manages. Sometimes the lyrics are a little on the cheesy side and sometimes Tolcher’s little quips during selected songs, case in point track eight’s “That’s the one, you found it right away, found it right away,” will get on your nerves. Overall, though, the album wins by way of its sincerity and honesty.
This album isn’t always original, but what album is? Tolcher is building on the singer/songwriter tradition with a fun and carefree philosophy of playing music that captures both of those elements. And he more than succeeds. In concert he is a little bit of a goof, but he takes his music seriously and the album reflects it.
If you’re stuck on the latest albums of your independent music heroes, then Michael Tolcher isn’t for you. But, if you’re interested in trying something new, and are maybe even open to liking something off your normal path, then give him a try. Tolcher’s website, www.michaeltolcher.com, should give you a good idea of what you think.
Interview from NewBeats.com
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Michael Tolcher
By David Chiu
Is it possible in rock and roll to be a thoughtful pop artist with catchy songs and not be considered lightweight? Then singer and songwriter Michael Tolcher is your mina. He is an artist that writes personal and observant lyrics of life's highs and lows fueled by a groove-inspired sound.
This Georgia native released his debut album I Am this spring, an album of pop, soul, R&B, and hip hop (reflecting his love for black music growing up). Tolcher originally wanted to become a track star and Olympic medallist but an injury put that goal to rest. On the flip side, it made him renew his love for making music which led him to play all over the country with his guitar in hand. He also played, in all places, a federal prison where his dad was a chaplain. It was there he met Tupac Shakur's father, whose words of wisdom and advice Tolcher took to heart.
Those experiences provided the inspiration and stories behind the songs on I Am. Anyone who ever questioned about him or herself or wanting to hear something that speaks for them will immediately identify with the record (it was helmed by the producation team of Pop Rox, and features musicians Gavin DeGraw, Warren Haynes, and ?uestlove of the Roots). Prior to the album's release and since then, Tolcher has shared the stage with Crosby Stills and Nash, Michelle Branch, Pat McGee Band, Rooney, and Sister Hazel.
Just before hitting the stage at a gig somewhere in the USA, Tolcher took time to talk about his life and budding career.
Michael, how would you describe your sound? How long was the record in the making?
I'd say it's groove-oriented music with elements of rock and hip-hop. It's just pop.
Some of the songs were written like six years. The actual recording process took a year and a half.
You worked with the production team of Pop Rox. What did they bring to your sound on record?
They brought a lot of programming. Pop Rox is also my friend Gary Phillips. He brought a lot of guitar synth stuff. Before it was just me and an acoustic guitar and I used to make beats on the body of my guitar.
Can you tell me about the opening track Mission Possible?
I wrote that in Philadelphia. I just reached a point in my life where I wanted to make life happen instead of life happening to me. That song was about choosing your own power and creating your own future.
The song I Am, with its uplifting lyrics, seem to be like your theme song, in fact the theme of the whole record.
That song is about just expanding the self really and empowering the self. It talks about how at times I'm feel completely satisfied with who I am and other times I need to pick it up a little bit. There's just a certain level of perfection we never reach, and that's what being human is.
Do you have a particular favorite track on the album and if so what is it?
"The Sun Song "is my favorite on the CD. The feeling of the recording. It's one of the most simple songs on the record as far as the production goes.
Does coming from a religious background account for the positive, spiritual lyrics in your songs?
Yeah. I grew up into the church. My dad became chaplain late in his life. It wasn't like we were Bible busters. My dad decided to be a deacon at some time probably to earn a ticket to heaven for all of is. I'm sure just the experience for the sake of praising and inspiring definitely influenced the way I approached music.
What were you listening to growing up?
When I was young I listened to music to dance to. So I listened to a lot of rap and pop hits. I loved Michael Jackson, New Edition, and Bobby Brown. Then when I started writing music, I started listening to songwriters like James Taylor, Tracy Chapman, and Crowded House. So my musical influences were in two phases: rap and R&B for the first 18 years of my life, and then classic rock and pop.
Initially you wanted to become a track star.
I definitely pursued sports much heavier in my childhood. I ran track in college. The ultimate goal of any runner is to go the Olympics. I was never on the brink. I think about it a lot and I wished I reached some of my goals running-wise. I don't think I got to see if what if those little dreams could ever be true. Whatever it has turned into me for music is far more fulfilling than running.
You performed at a federal penitentiary where your father served as chaplain. Was it scary performing in that environment?
It was a shock. When I first went in there I had a bit of culture shock. I was getting run through security, I was being shoulder to shoulder with murderers. I was such in a different world. But I was so well received. And I spent a lot of time there. I just didn't play and then leave. I hung out, heard stories, and go to know several of the inmates. They appreciated me, so it felt great.
At the penitentiary you met Mutulu Shakur, Tupac's father, who is serving time there. What was it like meeting him?
That was really cool meeting him. I loved his son's music and I even play it during some of my shows. I was blown away just by who he was and so curious with his experiences with Tupac. Our meeting was more about what my music can become. He gave me some really inspirational words about what it means to be an artist and be responsible for touching what's on the hearts of people. He helped me to see a greater cause.
What has been the highlight so far in your career?
Definitely up there is an after party. I opened for Crosby, Stills, and Nash. I played at the after party and they sang harmonies to one of my songs [watercolor world]. They hang out just like rock stars-they were there until 4 o'clock in the morning. That was one of the most moving moments.
Is it hard to play in front of people who are seeing you for the first time?
I think I'm really used to it now. As long as I go in there with the right intentions and the right attitude, then people are going to receive me. I got 30 minutes to make people like me. When I play a headlining show, it's a totally different feeling. They can't wait for the first note.
What are your immediate plans?
Been writing new songs. My plan is to tour forever until I just can't do it anymore. This has been the reason that I got into music was to travel and play and see the world. I'm getting a chance to do it, so I'll keep doing it until it disappears or I disappear but. I'm not ready to quit this, man. |
Michael Tolcher
Conducted and written by: Kevin Ringel
For Michael Tolcher, being out on the road is like being in a dreamworld.
“Well you’re driving 7 or 8 hours a day so you spend a lot of time sleeping. But you always know that your destination at night is a huge party,” Tolcher said. “Whatever happens during the day, you always show up at night to a place where everyone wants to celebrate with some music.”
Tolcher has spent much of his time out on tour playing his particular blend of the singer-songwriter mold. He says he tries to convey some groove with some rock elements and some hip hop elements in his music.
“Melodically, I try to do something beautiful that’s pleasing to people when they hear it,” he said.
Tolcher has hit the road with such acts as Gavin DeGraw, Virginia Coalition and Pat McGee Band. His studio release is titled I Am and features songs like “Mission Responsible” and “Sooner or Later.”
“Usually, when I write a song, it starts with an experience. [In “Sooner or Later”], I wrote about that concept that we all experience where over time, everything smoothes themselves out. I’m 30 now, but I can take it back to when I was 25 and remember wondering when it was all going to get smoothed out. But if we knew all the answers up front, there would be no living to do,” Tolcher said.
One of Tolcher’s inspirations was playing for prison inmates in his home state of Georgia. In the penitentiary, where Tolcher’s father served as the resident chaplain, he met political activist Dr. Mutulu Shakur, an inmate and father of Tupac.
“[Playing in the prison] was intense. It was one of those things that really changes your perspective, and really motivated me to take advantage of the things that I have,” he said. “Dr. Shakur expanded my vision on what a musical career could be. He gave me the confidence to think even beyond my own vision at times.”
An essential component of the Tolcher live experience is the dynamic performance put on by his band. “The saving element when touring with a band is keeping it fun. That’s why our chemistry is so good, because we really enjoy our time together,” he said.
Tolcher said that he wants to try to improve as a performer.
“A lot of my time has been writing. I gotta get back to my youth, dancing around on stage and acting the fool,” he said.
As an artist, Tolcher feels that he really wants to connect with the people listening to his music.
“Part of my motivation is to get other people to experience things. I want to expose myself to other people in the world, and I like when they interact with me, email me, and get in touch with me,” he said.
July 18, 2004
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Article from VEGAS ENTERTAINMENT
MICHAEL TOLCHER COMES TO THE HOUSE OF BLUES ON MAY 9TH 2004! APPEARING WITH PAT McGEE BAND!
MICHAEL TOLCHER SET TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM I AM ON MAY 4th, 2004
New York, NY - April 26, 2004 - Dynamic new artist, Michael Tolcher, is set to release his highly anticipated debut album, I Am, on May 4th, 2004 by Octone Records, the label that developed and brought you Maroon 5. Produced by the pop crossover team of Pop Rox and recorded by Chris Shaw (Bob Dylan, Weezer, Dashboard Confessional) I Am is an eclectic album with a warm acoustic base that features contributions from ?uestlove, Gavin DeGraw, Warren Haynes and more. Michael Tolcher, hailing from Lovejoy, GA, sees his debut creating a groove-filled breed of rock music that simmers with each head-nodding jam - the result of an upbringing filled with hip-hop, R&B and Southern soul. From the heart-swelling "Sooner or Later" to the kaleidoscopic beats of "Sun Song" and the big melodies and world view of "Mission Responsible," I Am is a vibrant collection of songs that showcases Tolcher's astounding lyricism and musicianship. After abandoning dreams of becoming an Olympic mile runner due to an injury, Tolcher renewed his focus on his love of music and traveled all over the world - just a man, his van and his guitar. While busking and booking local shows, he played regularly in prisons as his father, a preacher, gave sermons, which is where he met and befriended Tupac Shakur's father, Mutulu Shakur. Shakur says of him, "Michael represents a person whose lyrical gift gives us a panoramic view...giving us comfort that it is our right and charge to pursue a better future. The truth and depth of this artist inspires--begs us for a time of total honesty." Michael has already taken the stage with the likes of Crosby, Stills & Nash, Sister Hazel, Everclear, Pat McGee Band, Tonic, George Clinton & P-Funk, and more prior to recording I Am. He recently opened to packed houses and rave reviews with label mates Maroon 5, and, following successful tours with Gavin DeGraw, as well as the Virgin College Mega Tour with Michelle Branch, Gavin DeGraw, Rooney and more, Michael is hitting the stage with the Pat McGee Band.
article from URBAN TULSA
Mission Responsible
Michael Tolcher’s thought-provoking pop draws in listeners of all ages
by Gary Hizer
It’s been a busy year past for singer-songwriter Michael Tolcher. After a rotation in his band line-up early in the year, he’s gotten his debut CD released, made a few television appearances, recorded an American Lung Association PSO, and toured tirelessly back and forth across the US.
Back in August, Tolcher made his first appearance in Tulsa while opening for Hanson at the Cain’s Ballroom, where he was able to draw some positive attention. His touring cycle brings him full circle next week with Gavin DeGraw to share a serve up a second helping of his thoughtful pop hooks.
Born in Virginia and raised in Georgia (south of Atlanta), Michael’s music reflects hit southern roots, but not as one might expect. Sure, there’s a nod to classic and southern rock in there, but the R&B and hip-hop influences are more readily apparent.
“I enjoy and am influenced by all kinds of music” Michael shares openly. “I grew up listening to the radio more than anything else, but thinking back, I was more attracted to the R&B and hip-hop stations.”
It seems like radio grows even harder to break into on a daily basis, so how do you get your music out there, beyond touring endlessly, as Tolcher has this past year? Whether by luck, fate, his management being in the right place at the right time, Michael’s song “Sooner or Later” was picked up as the theme song to ABC’s drama Life As We Know It this fall, giving him an added and rather unexpected boost.
When I asked how arranged that little coup, he admitted that he had nothing to do with it. “The record label just submitted it to the creators, and they liked it.”
Even with the exposure, though, many artists might wring their hands over “selling out” or not being taken seriously after catching such a break. Who can blame them? After all, what have The Rembrandts been able to accomplish since they stumbled upon the theme from Friends?
Tolcher’s not worried about it, though. “I feel good about the songs and don’t feel like they’ll be misrepresented. If people actually listen, I think the songs will speak for themselves.”
“Most of what I have to say comes out in the music. Hopefully each song says something and provokes some thought.”
Granted, I Am isn’t you’re standard album of pop drivel, instead challenging the listener to think outside themselves and more about the consequences of their actions and how they can effect others.
In my review of the album back in August, I expressed concern that it might get pigeonholed into the adult-contemporary play lists and not get a fair shot at pop radio as a result.
Getting a couple songs picked up by TV has alleviated that risk considerably. Outside of “Sooner or Later” being picked up for Life As We Know It, another strong cut from the album, “Bad Habits”, was recently used in an episode of WB’s One Tree Hill. When considering the fact that WB highlights the songs and artists used at the end of an episode and references them on the show websites, that’s quite a considerable bit of exposure to the teens and early 20s set. Getting pigeonholed was never a concern for Tolcher, however.
“I think there’s enough lightness to the lyrics that it’s getting a fair listen. So far, it’s all gotten a really good response from everyone. Even 14- or 15-year-old girls connect with it and tell me ‘yeah – that’s what we’re talking about. My parents don’t get it, but I do.’”
Connecting, Musically
Perhaps it’s the way he can process and mix his influences and create something fresh that helps the new disc resonate and connect with listeners. Special guests who contributed to the new disc range from friend and pianist Gavin DeGraw, to Warren Haynes (of Government Mule and The Allman Brothers), and even ?uestlove, the drummer for The Roots.
While on the road, Tolcher continues to play with other artists of various styles. Besides touring with DeGraw, the Clarks, and Everclear this year, he has also played with the likes of George Clinton and P-Funk, Sister Hazel, and The Killers.
“I enjoy playing with bands of all different styles. It keeps me fresh, and helps me to learn. We did some shows with Funky Meters this summer that were really cool, it was quite an education.”
Of course, you can’t play shows with bands that good and not take something away from it. By all accounts, Tolcher’s band really comes to life and adds a funky and powerful spark in the live setting to songs that were already quite engaging. If you caught the band’s appearance on Last Call with Carson Daily last week, you know this is true.
While their performance of Michael’s first single “Mission Responsible” wasn’t quite as polished and slick as the CD, it sizzled with more rock energy, while spiced with a little nod to hip hop, and even incorporated a slice of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” into the breakdown to prove it’s point.
Surely, throwing in a little cover piece isn’t anything new, but it worked seamlessly while simultaneously acknowledging the past and looking to the future of socially conscious pop.
If you’re in the mood for some quality pop-rock with a conscience and a lively twist, Michael Tolcher will be opening for DeGraw with Ingram Hill next Friday night, January 7, at the Cain’s Ballroom. Tickets are in advance and available at the Cain’s Box Office, Albertson’s, Starship Records, and Startickets.com.
In tandem with Gavin, it will be a full evening of great songs, so be sure and make it out, especially if you’re a fan of good singer-songwriters.
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Interview with PULSE WEEKLY All Eyes On MT
Michael Tolcher is happily sharing the spotlight with one of today's most popular musicians – thanks, in part, to the advice of a man named Shakur.
Singer/songwriter Michael Tolcher gives the impression that nothing will ever get him down. When his dream of being an Olympic runner came to a grinding halt because of an injury, he still performed at the Atlanta Summer Games four or five months later – as a musician. When the bitter cold weather during his last trip to Allentown with Gavin DeGraw prevented him from chatting it up with fans after the performance, he still “really enjoyed” that sold-out show. With an easygoing attitude like that, he must be on drugs.
After speaking with the Georgia native, we discovered that his drug is music – just one listen to his 2004 Octone Records debut titled I Am, with its talk of life, love and social consciousness and its rock ‘n’ soul sound, will confirm that. Singing in church choir and occasionally dabbling with a guitar during childhood fueled a fire deep inside Tolcher, one that you might have already seen if you’ve ever caught him opening for Crosby, Stills & Nash, Everclear, George Clinton & P-Funk or even Hanson (although this was after the brothers hit puberty and permanently shelved the oh-so-annoying tune Mmmbop).
No matter who he’s touring with, when the tour bus stops, Tolcher makes it a point to find a patch of grass to sink his feet into (yeah, he’s hugged a tree or two in his lifetime). In fact, Tolcher told us that Pennsylvania has some of the most beautiful countryside he’s ever seen, even though it still doesn’t beat the smell of dirt and the fuzzy woodland creatures of his Lovejoy home.
But it’s time to switch gears now as this laid-back Southern boy tells us about his experiences at the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, and the very special person he met there.
PULSE WEEKLY: What’s the difference between playing for a group of inmates at a federal penitentiary and your audiences now?
MICHAEL TOLCHER: It’s almost like playing at a hospital, where the people are kind of ailing – it’s not so much about the party aspect as it is about the healing. My goal was to remove them from the environment and take them on a trip with the music.
PW: Was it scary to play in a jail? Like, were there ever any brawls when you were there?
MT: They were definitely on their best behavior, and they were super-appreciative of the music. I was a welcomed visitor.
PW: Have you been back to perform since you’ve gotten signed and stuff?
MT: Nah. My dad retired, so I don’t really have a way in anymore. That would be cool though.
PW: Who knows, you might see some of the same people if you go back.
MT: Oh, I know I would; they were all serving life sentences.
PW: We heard that one of the prisoners you performed for was Tupac Shakur’s father, Dr. Mutulu Shakur, and that he was in touch with you afterward. Did anyone else attempt to contact you?
MT: Well, I had some people send me letters. Some of the guys were writers, so they’d send me their plays. He’s the only one I’ve really kept in touch with. I’m on his phone list of people he can call.
PW: What kind of relationship do you have with him?
MT: We’re friends. I asked his advice when I was going to get into the music industry, because he had experience with it, and he encouraged me to do it.
PW: Did you ever talk with him about Tupac?
MT: Nah, [although] he introduced me to the rest of his family. We talk about philosophy and the world and how we can have a positive impact on it. That’s really where our personalities overlap.
PW: How about your relationship with Gavin DeGraw? Not only are you touring together, he’s on your album, too.
MT: We have the same label, and one day they brought him up to one of our recording sessions. I asked him if he’d play, and we clicked right away. We’re similar types.
PW: Do you have plans to step up into Gavin’s place as a headliner anytime soon?
MT: Right now, when we have a few days off, [I’ll] headline in Atlanta, Birmingham, Raleigh, mostly in the Southeast. We’ve done a little up here, like in Philly and New York. I don’t know when I’ll stop opening for people; I’m content at the moment. |
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A Conversation with Michael Tolcher--
Insights and Advice from the ever-humble artist
By: Kiki Alexander
Michael Tolcher’s future was sailing in the direction of professional athlete when an injury forced him to reassess his plans. In hindsight this was the best thing that could have happened to both Tolcher, and those of us growing bored and idle with the negatively charged musicians that are growing so popular these days. Just last year the singer/songwriter released his debut album “I Am”, a diverse blend of sounds and emotions conveyed through pop-rock, soul, and even some hints of R&B to produce the witty, bouncy sound that is consistent with the album. It is a truly unique and innovative endeavor. Think the infectiously carefree quality of pop albeit the shallowness of a puddle during a ten-year-drought. The Georgia native breathes new life into the scene with positive, influential lyrics inspired by everything from misery to nature, set against equally uplifting melodies, creating an atmospheric edge that shines instead of drags down the listener.
Since the release, Tolcher has pulled together an intense following of devotees, however to be honest I’d never even heard of Michael Tolcher until just recently when I was given the opportunity to interview him. As we began the interview I was caught off guard by the humble coolness that emulated from his end in a sleepy southern drawl. It didn’t feel like two professionals playing off organized comments and questions to attain the information needed to reach the goal and move on but his immediate down-to-earth nature put me at ease and gave off more of the vibe you’d get casually checking in on an old friend to see what was up. That same vibrant yet peaceful demeanor that’s thrown off in his music proved his authenticity as both a musician and human being.
Though he grew up on rap music and now is into artists like Prince and Kellis, his songs seem to have more of a beginning-middle-ending thing going on than that of which he entertains himself with. There is a story-with-a-moral factor to each of his songs yet it is evident, especially on tracks like the buoyantly, almost sexy “Taxi Ride Kinda Night” that dance-worthy beats are of importance in his music. Ironically enough, Tolcher’s been receiving much exposure on television where his music has carved it’s own little niche, being featured on hits like NBC’s family show “American Dreams” in which he had a small guest spot, as well as the WB’s ‘Summerland’. Also, his contagiously catchy “Mission Responsible” has been used in campaigning for The American Lung Association.
I ask him to enlighten me on exactly what “Sooner or Later,” the gorgeously insightful and playful tongue-in-cheek tune which found a place as the theme song for ABC’s teen dramady “Life As We Know It,“ is all about. “I learn about that song everyday. I really do,“ he admits. While explaining, he begins to sing the chorus so that I might get the picture. On a side-note, Tolcher sounds just as lovely if not more so outside of the studio as he does in-studio, and proves that he does not rely on the aide of obsessive studio-tweaking to sound great.
“You gotta seize your own truth. You’re not gonna hear it from me, you’re not gonna hear it from anyone else,” he states quite gracefully of the song. You would think that with all of this newfound fame his head might be slightly swelled. Not even a bit, it’s as if he doesn’t recognize his budding star-status but instead carries it in with stride, enjoying all of the tiny moments and pit stops with the exuberance of a child. Although hardly a recluse I sense a loner side to the singer, an introverted independent, almost self-entertained aspect and I wonder if it is either nurtured or suffocated while on a rigorous touring schedule on which he shares the stage with other brilliant acts like Gavin DeGraw, Howie Day, Jem, and Collective Soul. “I sleep. If I ever get a chance- which is very rarely- I go for a walk in the woods, but other than that I am eating, sleeping, or playing a show. Not much free time. Every now and then we go bowling or something…” When I ask him what he would tell his teenage self knowing what he knows now he inadvertently gives me the greatest advice I could have ever received-“I would’ve told my teenage self that nothing is so serious or important to get really disappointed if it doesn't work out the way you planned it and there were many times where I would’ve told myself to lighten up.”
“O.k., so what do you think your teenage self would say to your present self?” I ask. “WHERE DID YOU GET THAT FROM!?” He laughs warmly, “My teenage self would say to myself right now…” Tolcher’s voice grows ecstatic, “It would say ‘holy shit dude you are a singer! You are the guy in the band!’ That's what he would say. He'd be shocked, he'd be AGH you're the dude on stage. He’d be like where'd you learn to play the guitar?!”
He’s right. Let me tell you, Tolcher is so beautifully human, it makes me thankful that there are actual humans left out there in the swamped industry. He even comes clean to the fact that he picks on himself and criticizes his own music, “I'm constantly listening to myself going oooh ooh don't do that.” Intriguing, because all I’ve heard are wonderful things about his work but it’s just further proof of his genuine character although he seems like the no-regrets type, especially with his career decisions. “…Those moments of regret are fleeting and don't come very often but I’ve had them.”
Tolcher seems to be particularly driven by the imminent moment and what it has to offer, rather than dwelling on what has or what should be. Each moment is worth it to him, every bit of it, that’s obvious. He doesn’t even have to say it for me to catch on. “I Am” is Michael Tolcher in every single sense, from each brooding chorus to the finest of details. He is so in love and so ensconced within his art. This is more than just an album he’s handed over to the people…it is his soul. “I hope it's been thought provoking. I hope it's helping them get in touch with their philosophical selves and inspired them.” The raillery presses on, this time in the direction of spirituality. “[I’m] definitely a spiritual person,” he says. Tolcher started out singing in his Church choir as a kid so I’m once again taken aback and shocked at his unexpectedness when he states, “I’m not religious, I’m not a Christian…“ This leads me to wonder if his spirituality has in any way affected him musically. “I would like to think that my songs are influenced by spirits and maybe-maybe other entities that want to like, insert a message into this world. I would hope that some of those spirits would use my mind and my voice.”
The time between when our awkward conversation first set sail and this place where we’re going off, passing opinions and thoughts back and forth like old friends, has grown and the thought that he’s a guy with a life-a very busy one at that-creeps back in and I decide it’s time to wind things up. But first, the question that everyone seems to be acutely curious about. I take a breath and ask it. Impromptu and uncalculated, I had chosen not to pop what seemed like such a trivial question on someone so poetic. The thing is, after talking with Tolcher I’d come to the point where I was so comfortable that I barely thought twice about explaining to him that his fans are dying to know… “Since your fame have you bought anything big for yourself?”
“Tell my fans that I have zero dollars and zero cents.” He pauses, rethinks everything and then says, “Tell them I’ve bought myself a good meal everyday, that’s about it.” Another pause, and then with both the endearing eminence I have come to recognize as his sincere nature, and a tone of which I cannot decipher if from question or revelation, he chuckles, “My fame…”
For more info on Michael Tolcher, tour schedules, purchasing ‘I Am’ and just about everything else Tolcher check out www.MichaelTolcher.com |
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