In this interview spotlight, I chat with prolific creator and songwriter Michael Lyon about his latest album, What Could Be. We also discuss inspirations, dream collabs, favorite bands, and more.

Full Q&A along with links, music, and a video below.

What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

Throwing caution to the wind about pride coming before the fall, I’m probably happiest that the new album turned out to be more than just a miscellaneous assortment of songs; rather, a unified expression from start to finish of what I’ve come to believe is true: What Could Be is as limitless as we imagine it to be. (The opening line of the album’s title track puts it like this: “What could be is a day unlike any day yet to be…” https://youtu.be/vZwyUPXanno )

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

How long have you got? lol

Any and everything.

A few examples (from the new album)  –

A sunrise

Flowers

Love

Songs, symphonies, films… And there’s no substitute for getting out into nature. Case in point from the Waking Up album.

As for what motivates me to keep going: I learned this as a teacher, that a child’s natural state is at play… and while I’m no longer officially classified as a child, the part of me that’s still a  child at heart wants more than anything else to be playing around and creating. The medium I’ve chosen to express myself is songwriting, so for me, new songs are like different ways of answering the teacher as roll is being taken: I’m here, this is who I am and what I’m thinking about.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out. 

My choice would be the late folk singing legend, Pete Seeger. I was lucky enough to see him perform live once – at a free concert in beautiful Stern Grove in San Francisco. Singing along with him there was one of the most memorable musical experiences I’ve ever had and made me realize that songs can and do change the world. Pete Seeger collaborated with many many artists over the years. I think, for example, of video recordings from his TV show, Rainbow Quest, and it doesn’t get any better than Pete collaborating with Judy Collins as she sings Pete Seeger’s “Turn Turn Turn“.

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

That would be, “Handle With Care” by The Traveling Wilburys. (Talk about collaborations that take it to the next level!)

All time favorites include: The Beatles, The Who, Cat Stevens, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Jim Croce, The Grateful Dead, Peter Paul & Mary… and let’s not forget masters of the universe like Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Brahms and Bach.

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

The best place is through my website.

I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways? 

Thanks so much for the opportunity – and for your interest! For those who get their music through Spotify, this is the link there to the new album, What Could Be.