Focusing in on Philly Native, Michael J. Woodard
This article was inspired by the °1824 Michael J. Woodard virtual press conference held on January 23rd, 2024.
Philadelphia is known as an incubator for music careers. The City of Brotherly Love is an underrated habitat for establishing roots in music. Among those artists who have utilized Philadelphia's influences is Michael J. Woodard.
Photo courtesy of °1824
Woodard credits the Philly church scene for developing his ear, helping him understand harmonization, and inspiring him to incorporate soulfulness and emotions into his work. One of his first introductions to the stage and entertainment was singing at the church holiday pageant. Woodard says these cultural centers are “integrated into what you hear from [him] today.” The communal aspect of the church also helped develop his support system. He claims that “everybody knows somebody- that knows them” which makes sense if you're a Philadelphian, especially in the music scene.
After moving from the 215 to pursue a degree at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, he went on American Idol. During season 16, he made pop chart classics like “You Outta Know” by Alanis Morissette sound like his own. Woodard described his time on American Idol as a “simulation” of the industry and “an experience you just can’t buy.” This was where he solidified that he wanted to pursue a music career. He went on to captivate the audiences, including judge Katy Perry, with show tune staples like “Maybe This Time” from Cabaret and “Believe in Yourself” from The Wiz. His career then took off as he signed to Unsub Records, founded by Katy Perry in 2014. This connection made sense based on their similar tastes, and Perry’s musical upbringing, also founded in the church community.
Further into his career, he went on to vocally star in Netflix’s Arlo the Alligator Boy (2021). He explained that many of the records on the soundtrack are cohesive to his solo projects because he was responsible for many of the “vocal decisions.” When comparing the recording process to his solo works, he explained that his solo projects are 100% him in the writing. This can be heard on his firstborn EP titled “MJW1.” Woodard explained that over 200 tracks were developed prior to the EP release which had to be narrowed down to the 6 featured on the EP. This project was again influenced by pop chart classics including sounds of the 2010s. He expressed that “what you're hearing is what I've been doing for the past three years of being signed to Katy... I felt like it was very important putting out a project that not only tells you where I am now but is telling you where I was. I wanted to make sure my listeners and followers got an opportunity to grow with me…I wanted people to see where I started from and let that be a glimpse into where we’re going into the future ”
The insight that Michael J. Woodard gave us into his career makes me wonder if there is something in the Philadelphia wooder.
Special Thanks to °1824, °1824 representative- Caitlin McGeehan, and TCS Managing Editor- Marie Vassallo.
