By the time Michael was 13 he’d sung for President Barack Obama and would go on to win a talent competition at the legendary Apollo Theater.
After moving to Los Angeles, he auditioned for American Idol and made it to the Top 5, Katy Perry took notice and quickly signed him to her label, Unsub Records. He’s most recently voiced the character of Arlo in the popular Netflix children’s film Arlo The Alligator Boy.
Michael is now ready to reintroduce himself. “This is the first thing people will hear from me in terms of a body of work,” he says of MJW1.
It’s his artistic vision of what he calls “the journey and the battle of love” on tracks like the plush single “Ruined.” Woodard flips the idea of pop inside out in thrilling ways, even as he’s grappling with complex emotions—and the seven tracks on MJW1 show those who might know him from his past time in the spotlight how his voice has evolved.
It seems like you are starting a new chapter of your career and artistic life. Tell us more about it and what we should expect?
Well, this new chapter is finally going to allow the public to see where I am at musically in my current state of life. This new chapter includes an outpouring of musical content coming from me consecutively. This new chapter is taking on new levels, platforms and stages that I’ve been preparing for my entire career so far, and I am so ready!
What’s the essence of this EP from a storytelling perspective?
It is about love and the journey of one’s story with it. But it also serves as an introduction. An introduction to me as an artist, composer, writer, and musician. It allows the listener to see what some of the influences I have are and for them to hear some of the stories that I’ll also continue to tell in later releases.
Favorite track and why?
I have three favorites at the moment, even though all of the songs are special to me and exist in their own impactful creative worlds. Those are ‘Hems’, ‘Trouble’ and ‘Anti You’.
‘Hems’ because of the intricate arrangement, story and abstract beauty. I vocal produce all of my records and vocal producing ‘Hems’ is something I’m so proud of.
‘Trouble’ is a record so close to my heart. The soulfulness and tender vulnerability, yet catchiness is something I am so so proud of.
And ‘Anti You’, which at this moment is my favorite song to perform live. Performing it for the first time in rehearsal I just fell in love with the record all over again. The vulnerability and relatability of that record is something I truly treasure and to see it resonating with others is something that brings joy to my heart.
How was transitioning from the reality TV scene to real life? Any lessons learned or teachable moments?
It wasn’t as hard as people may think. It just gives you that added fire to make you go even harder. Once you get exposed to that world of music and really get to see what a career in the industry could be like, if you love it, you’re going to try your hardest to achieve that for yourself.
The world of the reality music competitions is something I’m grateful for because it’s an experience you can’t buy.
To go on tour afterward and witness the ins and outs of the industry is really important to experience too. American Idol gives you that in the most amazing way.
Who was a mentor in your career and what have you learned from them?
Well of course I would say my mentor, Katy Perry. I love her and to watch how she’s built her career and be able to gain some knowledge from the insight she gives is something I’m very grateful for. I’m blessed to have to have her tutelage on my own journey. Not only is she giving me the resources to start building my career, but she allows me to see the behind-the scenes-of production and of the technical aspects of the music Industry. She’s taught me to be aware and how to handle balancing some of the finer details of a career in music. I’m a very hands-on artist in all aspects, and so to have her support and encouragement to do that is something I will forever cherish.
