by Dahna Jn Charles
His talent is undeniable, his charm is unquestionable, he radiates humility and this hits you the moment you meet him. Michael Robinson is out to get you. He’s coming to serenade you and give you butterflies in your stomach, even make you blush in the company of that special someone.
Originally from Grande Riviere, Gros-Islet, Michael’s musical career, like most greats, began in the church. He began as a backup singer in his church, the Streams of Power Ministries at age seven. He is part of a legacy of musicians and singers starting from his late grandfather who was the church pastor and a musician.
Positive reviews drove Michael to believe that his talent wasn’t just for the altar but something to be shared with us all. To date he has recorded two popular hits and ten original songs and over the years he has worked with many of St. Lucia’s leading artistes and he’s currently working with several others. As to whom they are, Michael doesn’t want to spill the beans yet.
By press time Michael was scheduled to perform at the 2014 St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival at Jazz at Baywalk and the main-stage show on May 10. Dazzle caught up with him and got the opportunity to learn more about his life and musical career.
Dazzle: What inspired you to get into the music industry?
Michael: I’ve always had music around me. My family was heavily involved in music in the church, starting with my late grandfather who was the pastor. He played the guitar and most of the other instruments available. He mentored my father who became a guitarist and my uncle who played the bass. My mom was a lead singer in the church as well. Music has always been a part of me so it isn’t about random inspiration. My passion, my vocal range and love for music grew rapidly as I grew older. I found joy and happiness in music so it became my medicine.
Dazzle: At what age did you really start taking music seriously?
Michael: Around age fifteen. I got some good reviews as a backup singer in church. At that time I knew that I was destined to perform and sing because of all the positive feedback I got from people. Although I didn’t see it in myself initially, everyone around me, my family and my friends, saw that special talent in me so I embraced it. In 2007 I was approached by Coy Francois to do a gospel show called GosFest to open for international Grammy-award winners, the gospel duo, Mary Mary at Saamans Park. It was from then I realised that I should really take this seriously.
Dazzle: Which international artistes do you consider to be a source of inspiration?
Michael: Michael Jackson will be number one for me. I have watched mostly all the videos of his performances and became really engrossed in his art. He has been my main influence from my youth. Ne-Yo has also been very influential. I find that his music and writing are amazing and out of this world so I take time to study his writing methods. Others like Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnight, Boys II Men, Joe, Jah Cure, Sherwin Gardner, Papa San. I would say that my inspiration is a mixture and fusion of genres from dancehall to gospel, reggae and R&B, even as far as country music.
Dazzle: What was the first song you recorded professionally and how was the experience?
Michael: It was Real Man featuring Nathan ‘Infinate’ Deterville. Prior to that I did amateur recordings on my own on my computer, uploaded them to Facebook and did my own promotion. This led to Johann ‘Yogi’ Deterville contacting me and inviting me to work with him.
It was a good experience. I was a bit nervous but I decided to give it a shot. I got some good reviews and some bad ones. There were more good than bad but the whole experience was a learning one for me. While I was pleased with the positive feedback, I appreciated the bad reviews because those are the ones you learn from and I used them to improve myself and grow.
Dazzle: What are you doing to make an impression and establish ‘Michael Robinson’ as a relevant artiste in Saint Lucia?
Michael: As a new artist I have so much work to do and only a small percentage of it is actually writing music. There’s a need to gain increasing attention from fans and supporters. They need to know what I’m doing from the starting line and see the end results. They need to see me moving forward, so we’re talking pictures, posts, tweets. I am keeping very close contact with my supporters because without them, I can’t succeed as an artiste. I believe in maintaining high levels of consistency and I think this is one aspect of my musical career that people would notice and appreciate because from that they can see how serious I am about the music business.
I’ve been contacted by quite a number of people. I recall the days when I used to sit on my couch wishing that one day I could meet those same people. Currently I’m doing work with Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with and doing backup for Irvin ‘Ace’ Loctor at last year’s Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, at one of the main-stage shows. I’ve also worked with Shayne Ross, Francis “Leebo” De Lima, Stephen Mathurin, Philbert ‘Kayo’ Salton, Johann Deterville, Francheska Solomon, Danyl Daniel, Luther Francois and so many more, all of whom have maintained contact with me and are assisting as they can to help propel my career forward.
Dazzle: Can you share your 2014 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival experience?
Michael: When I saw my name on the list of performers I was like “YES LAWD!” It was an overwhelming feeling because this is something I’ve always wanted to participate in. My experience this year is one that I will surely cherish for a long time. I performed at “Jazz at Baywalk” which was well received by a large audience and on Saturday’s main stage which was a dream come true. Not only did I perform in front of thousands but I also had the privilege of having Barbara Cadet play on my set. I also had the opportunity to perform at “Jazz on the Grill”
Dazzle: How has the journey to becoming a recording artiste impacted your life?
Michael: Music has always been an essential factor in my life. Not only is it one of my biggest influences, it also defines who I am. One thing I must mention is that it has helped to mold me into the person I am today. It has also shown me the true colours of people whom I thought were on my side and for that I am thankful. There’s a saying that when God starts to bless you, that’s when you get to know who your real friends are. On my journey I have had to experience this for myself. My confidence level and my popularity have also risen. People stop me everywhere and I am always thankful and ready to engage them in conversation like I’ve known them for years.
Dazzle: What are you doing to remain grounded throughout this entire process?
Michael: God is my foundation. I was always taught to be humble in everything I do, put God first and give thanks to any and everyone who has helped me and to never push anyone down to bring myself up. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I’ve been extremely patient. It can be depressing at times but I try to remain focussed and have faith that everything will turn out fine. I must say devotion with my family every Monday is what keeps me focussed.
I start the day with God and I end with Him. I put everything in His hands.
My family and friends have been the main driving force in my musical career. My parents are popular heads in the church, so many people would expect me to do strictly gospel music but my parents have respected that I chose to do R&B as well as other genres and I appreciate them so much for that. I believe that I need to do this for my mom as well. In 2012 I almost lost her. Her life was almost taken by a reckless motorcyclist and as a result she still hasn’t fully recovered from some lingering paralysis. The fact that I still get the opportunity to hear such joy and happiness in this woman’s voice when she calls me from work to tell me that my songs are on radio, gives me that instant drive to continue. Not forgetting my dad who is the greatest mentor and my biggest critic because if the music is not good, there’s no way on earth I’m releasing it.
Dazzle: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
Michael: I want to be touring, spreading love and positive, feel-good music to the rest of the world. In the next five years, I see myself headlining shows and events. I also see myself giving back to communities and the less fortunate. I have already started a charity venture with Desiree Chalmessin called ‘Our Future’ focussing on equipping and helping young offenders and youths who are at risk. The aim is to guide them to make good choices and assist them in fulfilling their dreams.
Dazzle: Who are you at your core?
Michael: My core is Love, Positivity, Compassion, Loyalty. I strive to exude all those components through my music. I want people to learn to respect themselves, to love each other genuinely; to accept the imperfections in their partners and learn to help and motivate each other.
