Michael Paynter is a talented Australian musician who has just released his debut album, Weary Stars. He is a singer/songwriter and one half of MSquared Productions, as well as being able to play multiple instruments. His creativity definitely runs deep, I wonder if that’s down to the fabulous birth date he has…. We hope you had a great birthday Michael, it was a fabulous day to be born.
I was fortunate to find out a little more about this accomplished musician in this interview.
Hi Michael, welcome to Beauty and Lace and thanks for taking the time out to talk to us.
No sweat! Thanks for having me.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Probably only after I had the chance to leave law school. I was touring with a band opening for Jesse McCartney (if you remember him) so jumped at the opportunity to ditch the books for a rider.
The road to your debut album was a long one, can you tell us a little about it?
Yep. It’s definitely been a long time coming. It really started way back in 2006 when I began writing for an album I ended making with Matt Wallace in Los Angeles in 2007. I’ve made three albums since, but WEARY STARS is the first one that has been released. I’ve tried on major labels, TV shows, and hard slogs on the road, but it took me to do it myself for it to actually eventuate.
What can you tell us about your experience on The Voice?
It was great. I learnt a lot. I went into it wanting to be challenged and excited – I had both.
You have toured Australia extensively and as an opening act for some great names. Have you got a favourite city to play?
Apart form my hometown, Melbourne, where all my family come to see me, I’d have to say Perth. It’s rare that tours make it over there, but when they do I always hang around for a few days after it to take in the weather, culture, beaches and hang with my friends there. The people are a really strange mixture of laid back and super uptight. It’s great.
Who has been the most inspiring act to open for? How much interaction do you have with them?
Probably Miley Cyrus. Just due to the sheer enormity of it. 20,000 people every night. It was massive. It definitely expanded my horizons.
Your debut album has just been released, can you tell us a little about it?
I produced and mixed it with my business partner at MSquared Productions a little over 2 years ago in my home studio. We’re really proud of it.
You worked with Pete Seamons on the video for lead single Weary Stars, can you tell us about the experience and how you came to work with him?
He’s been a friend of mine for a long time. We played in high school bands together and he has made some great clips for some of my friend’s bands. He was great – he is so relaxed and such a visionary. He’s one of the few super relaxed guys that when he says, “It’ll be OK, I got this” you can trust it. He always delivers.
Where did the concepts for the video come from?
Our brains mostly. We just wanted the striking imagery to reflect the heartbreak, desolation and ray of hope in the lyrics.
Can you tell us what inspires your songwriting?
Many things. Sometimes I feel really strongly about something, sometimes I hear a story and it resonates with me, sometimes I’ll sit down and write in third person for a change. They’re all great fun.
You are currently touring and performing some shows with Icehouse. What can audiences expect from a live show?
Intimacy. Stories. Reality. I want people to walk away knowing more about me and my songs than when they arrived.
What’s next for Michael Paynter?
More shows, plenty of more releases and lots of bloody hard work!
Thanks Michael and good luck with the tour.
For more information about Michael and his career you can follow him in these arenas: Facebook, MichaelPaynter.com, Twitter, YouTube and MySpace.
NATIONAL MICHAEL PAYNTER TOUR DATES
Wednesday February 12
Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
Tickets through www.oztix.com.au
Thursday February 13
The Toff In Town, Melbourne
Tickets through www.thetoffintown.com
Friday February 14
The Basement, Sydney
Tickets through www.oztix.com.au
Thursday February 20
Brass Monkey, Cronulla NSW
Tickets through www.brassmonkey.com.au
Friday February 21
Lizotte’s, Dee Why NSW
Tickets through www.lizottes.com.au
Saturday February 22
Lizotte’s, Kincumber NSW
Tickets through www.lizottes.com.au
Sunday February 23
Lizotte’s Newcastle
Tickets through www.lizottes.com.au
Friday March 7
Forest Edge Music Festival, Neerim East VIC
Tickets through www.forestedge.org.au
Wednesday March 19
Belmont Sailing Club, Belmont NSW with Icehouse
Tickets through www.16s.com.au
Thursday March 20
Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill NSW with Icehouse
Tickets through www.rootyhillrsl.com.au
Saturday March 22
Astor Theatre, Perth
Tickets through www.liveattheastor.com.au
Thursday March 27
Jive, Adelaide
Tickets through www.moshtix.com.au
I devour books, vampires and supernatural creatures are my genre of choice but over the past couple of years, I have broadened my horizons considerably. In a nutshell – I love to write! I love interacting with a diverse range of artists to bring you interviews. Perhaps we were perfect before – I LOVE WORDS!