Interview with Michael Botte

Michael Botte is a Sony/Orchard and Big Records recording artist and singer/songwriter born and raised in a small steel town along the Ohio River outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Currently, Michael Botte resides near Philadelphia, PA. His music is currently in rotation on about 2000 worldwide radio stations.

After a few early attempts of getting a band together in Oakland, CA in the mid-2000’s, the Michael Botte Band was born in Philadelphia in 2020 during the Covid-19 quarantine. In a time of confusion and chaos, Michael Botte wanted to create something positive, evoking the music that had been growing inside him for years. So, Michael Botte finally started recording demos of the songs he had written either 20 years or 20 days ago.

“Michael Botte blends alt country and rock into a sound that takes you on a journey with catchy hooks and toe tapping beats. Michael Botte is making waves in the Indie music scene with his charmingly crafted sonic masterpieces. With production and mixing from Bob Beals at Sound Foundation Studios, you won’t want to miss what this melodic maestro has cooked up!” – Keltstache Music

Michael Botte’s country rock music (produced by Bob Beals of Sound Foundation Studios http://soundfoundationstudios.com/) has enjoyed some fanfare success:

Charted at #1 on the World Indie Music Chart
Charted at #3 on the Euro Indie Music Chart
Charted at #1 (3 times) on the “Radio Indie Alliance” top 10 music chart.
Charted at #2 and #4 on the “Banks Music Promotion” top 10 music chart.
Placed on Philadelphia’s “WDNF-Philly.com’s HOT 50 songs.”
#13 on Hypeddit’s “Top 100 Country Charts”
Featured artist on 102.3 WOW Radio publication: https://1023wowradio.com/2022/09/08/artist-spotlight-the-michael-botte-band/?fbclid=IwAR0q9Qcro3K83DnvopM5kYf_mjA2TemsfzJflKbPo_AqzwpB-HpvsQk7E1Y
Featured Artist on Hived Music: https://www.hivedmusic.com/topics/1081/article/6590/blast-big-records-artist-michael-botte-band-review?refBy=MTBkYmI0ZTE2Mw&tid=nv_3aeb266e-82c9-0074-fcef-540e0e05fdb6&fbclid=IwAR0nb8szmbTLfkhyPjFs8N7crSb59_Zty8DVaQv5n-oklf8XXCTv7zCOzGY
Featured Artist in the UK’s Write Away Magazine: https://online.pubhtml5.com/aqbh/eckr/?fbclid=IwAR1WHnTpZfGiQ90C1u4hVXZiurJp9JktmLT2MW0z_mhz-hww1TwmA02anyw#p=1
Divine Magazine: https://www.divinemagazine.biz/michael-bottes-beautiful-day-shines/

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

It seems I have landed in that Alt Country Rock world but my producer Bob Beals from Sound Foundation Studios and I are gravitating towards a more Alt/Pop Rock sound from the early 2000s. Bands like Vertical Horizon, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Train. I really like creating music that is empowering and freeing. As an example, my latest single “Radiate” (distributed by Sony/Orchard and backed by Big Records) is all about courage, empowerment, and victory! It tells the story of recognizing blessings, using the power of the mind, and overcoming adversity!

As the chorus states: “I close my eyes, and then I Radiate, I purify, and then I consecrate, I may start slow, but I accelerate, I close my eyes, and then I Radiate!”

What is your creative process like?

I wished it were more “stable” but for me, song inspiration comes in “lightning bolt moments”. At 3 am, I will wake up with a chorus or a line and try to either sing it into my phone or feverishly type words into my notes’ app. The next morning proves challenging as I desperately try to decipher what I wrote or sang. Then, a song is born in about 24 hours…it’s that fast.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

As an indie musician swimming in a vast musical ocean, all I can ask is that fans love on indie folks as well as the 1000s of indie radio stations who support us. We all have a common goal…just to be heard…but when there are 30,000-40,000 songs uploaded every single day to the streaming services, it’s really easy to get “lost in the wash.” Go to live shows, buy a t-shirt, stream their music, like, comment, subscribe, and share on social media.

What are your plans for any future releases?

My next release will be out on March 1^st. It’s a song called “I got a song” and is all about those who have trouble with traditional communication but through their art, they can say anything. For me, I have trouble saying how I feel so, as the chorus states, “I got a song that must be sung instead.”

In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What is the secret to making yourself noticed?

I wished the work would stop when a song is released. So much time, money, and effort is required to create a professional “radio ready” song but unfortunately, once a song is released, the “real work” of constant marketing and PR is required. There are roughly 30,000-40,0000 songs uploaded to the streaming services every day. You could have the greatest song in the world but if nobody hears it, that’s a shame. This is the constant struggle of an indie musician…just to be heard.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

I realize that streaming services are a polarizing topic. As someone who has a full-time career and got started later in life (I never recorded a note until about 3 years ago when I turned 51 years old). I must say, I can hide behind the fact that it’s nearly impossible to make a living via streaming services. Conversely, never before in history could anyone release a song to the entire world with the “click of a button”. That’s way cool to be able to reach audiences 1000s of miles away instantly. Music is universal, and the streaming services offer the ability to touch people from anywhere on the globe.

Who are your top two favorite artists of all time? Why those artists?

David Crosby, who recently left us, was a hero. I often said I would have loved the chance to sit in a room with David and harmonize for just a few minutes. His dedication and contribution to music was undervalued in my opinion.

Dave Matthews blends roots rock n roll with his South African upbringing to create such a unique sound that has lasted decades. I have much respect for Dave and the band and have seen them live many times.

Of your own music, do you have a favorite? If so, can you pin down why?

It would have to be my latest pop/alt-rock single “Radiate” (distributed by Sony/Orchard and backed by Big Records) which is all about courage, empowerment, and victory!

Covid-19 quarantine affected people in different ways and on a positive note, that’s when the Michael Botte Band as we know it was born. On a more serious note, my family and I went through hell and back, and it was difficult to make it through the days, so I had to develop coping strategies to stay sane. In the evenings, I would sit out in my backyard under some trees and quietly recognize my blessings, use the power of the mind, and “Radiate”. Like the chorus states: “I close my eyes, and then I Radiate, I purify, and then I consecrate, I may start slow, but I accelerate, I close my eyes, and then I Radiate!”