Who is Michael Webster? A brief visit to the Bread Records website reveals a bio informing us of a manchester singer-songwriter inspired by a multitude of artists. A multitude ranging from the folk legends such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young, to 90’s alternative like Pixies and Nirvana, to modern-day singer-songwriters such as Courtney Barnett, Kurt Vile and Phoebe Bridgers.

His latest EP, A Northern Perspective is a collection of songs from the past six years of his musical career. It features fan favourites including Waterlines, a hard-hitting nineties’ kids anthem about indecision; Future Sight, a relaxed and calm outlook on moving into the big city; and Consolation Prize, a romantic country-esque ballad entwined with the angst and sarcasm of his generation.

Michael joins us At The Barrier to lay open his admiration for one of his inspirations, Neil Young.

I’d definitely say one of the musicians that I’m a HUGE fan of is Neil Young.

In 2011-2012, after I finished school, during my early college years I began listening to a lot of artists from the 60’s, such as Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Donovan, that early “folk revival” era. One of the standout artists I found was Neil Young. I’d listened to a lot of similar artists growing up, but never really Neil, and it really felt as if “I found him.” Whenever I’d chat to people about it, or play his music, people would resonate with me on it, talking about his music, his values, and his individuality as a musician.

THE FIRST LISTEN

I remember first listening to the album Rust Never Sleeps. It was a perfect balance of alternative rock, 90’s grunge, and that old folk era. Janky guitar melodies, flowing and dynamic band-work, entwined with storytelling and lyrical capabilities that tell such a fascinating story. I found such a connection with this, having been a fan of that 90’s alternative rock/grunge scene for a good while. Finding a balance with the storytelling folk era that I was enjoying at the time – and to have half of an album being beautiful, lovely folk rock / acoustic elements, and then the latter half grungy, punk, no-nonsense – it was a real awakening for myself.

It wasn’t just this album. His other works Harvest, Zuma, Harvest Moon all had those beautiful balances of genres integrated to create something truly unique. I remember a story about him being dropped by the label in the 80’s as he wasn’t “sticking to his sound.” It’s a show of how a musician should be. Experimentation in music is essential for any forward progress. His determination, his musical capabilities, and his effort to just create music that is good is inspiring to anybody in a creative field.

THE INFLUENCE

The influence of his music really shows in my tracks. My earlier work was very alternative rock, very indie-centric (I do live in the North West of England!) – and throughout my musical journey I’ve found myself blending more genres into my work. I’ve got tracks that are full on grungy, alternative. Some that are acoustic folk ballads, some that bring in other influences like country, others bring in punk. I usually class my own music as “alternative-folk.” The inspiration that I take from not only acts from a folk sphere, but the heavier grunge bands. Even hip-hop artists with lyrical inspiration, the honest and raw storytelling can be found in all genres.

I would also probably say his more political tracks also really inspire me. The potential to convey political discourse within your music and lyrics, the idea of every line having a meaning, albeit surface level, personal, hidden through ambiguous dialogue. This is something I always touch on, with everything I write.

THE LIVE PHENOMENON

I saw him at Hyde Park in 2012. It was a glorious London summer day. It rained, and storms were overhead – but everyone in the crowd was there for one reason. The community, everyone enjoying themselves, people of all ages, so many people to see real music. What a beautiful thing to witness. Neil and Crazy Horse just jamming their way through songs. Not adhering to a “greatest hits” setlist, and everyone enjoying every single song. Even the 27 minute rendition of Down By The River… It was a night that will always be on my mind.

Here’s Michael’s Future Sight:

Our thanks to Michael for his contribution to our Why I Love archive

Michael Webster online: Bandcamp / Facebook / Instagram

You can read more from our extensive archive of Why I Love pieces from a wide array of artists on an even wider array of subjects, here.

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