An Interview With Michael K. Woods

We spoke with Michael K. Woods about the making of his new album 'Primal Instinct', what inspires him to create, and what's in store for the future.

When do you originally start making music? What converted your passion to creating music professionally?
I remember being a student at Vassar College, and my best friend who was a music major asked me, why I hadn't created my own, original material? My best friend helped me think more about creating songs using what I had at that time. I knew that the first songs I create may not be the best, but they would be my own. That is when I embarked on my first project called, "The Beginning." I am thankful for this friend, and we are still close to this day.

How would you describe your style and approach to music to those unfamiliar?
I remember listening to Jill Scott's Live in Paris album, and she mentioned that she is an artist, not an entertainer. That statement resonated with me. To be an artist during these times is a sacrifice, but a journey worth taking. I remember meeting Jill Scott at the 2017 GRAMMYs, and I was starstruck by her brilliance. She actually sat right in front of me during the GRAMMYs pre-show, and I was living in that moment! A lot of people often tell me that they are at peace when they hear my tunes and that my music is unclassifiable. I know that my style and sound are different, and I've always wanted to stay simple, thought-provoking, and unique. I want people to be in a trance when they put on a Michael K. Woods project. I want people to escape from their own dire situations.

We loved your newest album 'Primal Instinct.' Could you tell us about the creation of it and what inspired you? As a student at the London School of Economics (LSE) and Vassar, I studied Karl Polanyi's "The Great Transformation." While reading his work, I was disturbed by the current human condition. We are obsessed with money, notoriety, work, etc. Humans have been fictitiously commodified (turning "someone" into a "something"), and it is up to us to understand that we have a voice that can counter over commodification, which is fictitious and a lie that has been told to us across generations. I want us to be reminded of our primal instincts and understand that only us can change our trajectory. I want us to reclaim the primal.

It's been 5 years since your last album 'The Beginning.' How have you progressed in life and as an artist since then? Have those experiences impacted this album? Oh yes, they often say that you cannot create something impactful until you have lived a little. I like to believe that this is what I was doing during that time. Also, I was simply frustrated by the industry. Some people wanted to drastically change my sound, so I took a day job instead. I have a nice balance now. I create, produce, compose, and write my music, so that also takes time.

What do you hope to accomplish as an artist in your career?
I hope to create a beautiful movement in the industry. I want to be able to inspire other eclectic artists that they can still be themselves and create a sustainable lifestyle for themselves. I still have a long way to go, but I am hopeful.

What can our followers do to support you?
They can talk to their friends and family about me. Word of mouth is everything in this industry. They can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Share “Primal Instinct” using the #reclaimtheprimal. Thank you for this love.