As I wrote in a former blog, I have been a big Tears for Fears fan since high school. I can still sing every note of Roland Orzabal’s signature guitar solos in “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and “Shout”. As a bassist, I still can’t figure out some of Curt Smith’s bass lines in “Mothers Talk” or “Start of the Breakdown”. My singing and bass playing has been influenced by this British duo for a long time. I followed Tears for Fears, even through the years without Curt, when Roland released the cerebral “Elemental” and the introverted “Raul and the Kings of Spain.”
However, I was never a Michael Wainwright fan until I had a chance to catch him a month ago in Washington, DC, opening for Tears for Fears at the 9:30 Club. Michael’s solo performance was just the epitome of confidence; one man on stage, playing one guitar and channeling one amazing voice with a range reserved for Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant or Coheed and Cambria’s Claudio Sanchez. Following his solo performance, Michael joined Roland and Curt, adding his voice to the vocal harmonies so integral to Tears For Fears’ identity.
Michael was kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions I had as a result of witnessing him live in concert, and checking out his debut, self-titled CD.
nK: Michael, welcome, and thanks for your time. I appreciate you taking the time, now that the tour is over, to share some of your thoughts. First of all, can you explain how you were approached about the opportunity to open for Tears for Fears on this North American team?
MW: This past Tears for Fears tour was actually my 3rd time touring with the band. I had a manager who loved their latest album, “Everybody Loves a Happy Ending”. He called to tell me I had to check it out and that i needed to work with their producer (Charlton Pettus).. We sent Charlton a copy of a bunch of my home demos and the next thing I knew I was in LA recording my record. After it’s release in ’09, TFF announced a tour of the west coast of the states.. I had the pleasure of meeting Curt Smith at the studio a few times and he actually sang backing vocals on a couple of my songs.. I sent Curt a message on Facebook asking if I could be their opening act. He said yes…. Coincidentally their background singer couldn’t make the tour so he asked if I could fill the spot since I was already going to be there.. Of course i was honored!
nK: How familiar were you with the TFF catalog, and the dynamics of the relationship as it has evolved between Curt and Roland? Did that factor in to your decision to join the tour?
MW: I definitely knew the hits.. Sowing the seeds.. Head over heels.. Etc but theres a difference between knowing those song and actually singing them in front of Curt and Roland.. They are the real deal!! I was a nervous wreck that first rehearsal. Luckily both Roland and Curt were very patient with me. I had a lot to absorb in a short amount of time.
nK: Let’s break from the Tears story for a few minutes and focus on your own. You released your self-titled CD in 2009 on A Town records. What would you say were the best and worst things about releasing a disc on an independent label?
MW: I’ve never been signed to a major label so its hard for me to compare. Being with an indie label is D.I.Y. The good news is No one takes your money but at the same time no one is doing the work for you.. Its up to you the artist to keep pushing, keep making headway..
nK: I’ve had rocky relationships with my past labels. You have a release coming up, so tell me how this differs from your last experience, and what your fans can expect from your new release.
MW: my first release with Town records took about two years to record.. I’d take trips back and fourth from Canada to LA and slowly piece together the album. The problem with that is you change along the way so you end up with quite a few different sounding tracks.. Maybe it’s a good thing I dunno? This time we picked a crazy drummer from NYC (Brian Geltner) and spent 5 days recording live off the floor.. Old school. 16 songs writen by myself, Charlton and Roland Orzabal of TFF. The songs are more edgy and beat driven.. The whole thing has sort of a circus vibe. Sometimes wreckless and quirky. One of my favorites is “Heart Shaped Man” a song that Roland wrote about my head!
nK: Ok, if there’s a pre-order opt-in, I’m already signed up for the next release. I loved “Someone Just Like You” and “Searching for a Feeling”, which may be the most disparate songs on the disc. Is there a particular direction to your follow-up?
MW: the follow up working title is “circus is coming to town” it will be released on 01-11-11.. As far as a direction change, yeah it’s much more aggressive.. I mean it’s still me. I love melody.. Having a few tracks written by Charlton and Roland definitely round it out.. It’s maybe not as sappy and sad as my last??
nK: Ok, one last recall to the Tears for Fears tour. You sang the highest harmonies on “Sowing the Seeds of Love”, and most fans will remember your unbelievable performances on the hit song “Woman in Chains.” Can you explain rehearsing the female lines, and the response you got when you sang those lines on stage?
MW: I’d never heard “woman in chains” before.. I had about 4 weeks to learn their set.. I was panicked! The first time I sang “woman in chains” Roland actually stopped the band in laughter. He said “I’m gonna make you a fucking star mate”.. What a relief!
nK: Last thing. Tell our readers and listeners what to expect from Michael Wainwright next.
MW: I’m going to take over the world!!! Ha.. Well maybe?? Umm, look out for an animated video of “heart shaped man” coming soon.. I’m working on a new website where I’ll be offering free weekly downloads of live versions of my songs that I performed on the tears for fears tour.. Im making headway…The pushing continues!
nK: Thanks for your time, Michael. I look forward to hearing more!