Zambian-born, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Michael Kay will make his Melbourne stage debut this month, after a move from Perth.
Michael is a genre-jumping chameleon, musically – shifting between traditional R&B, soul, funk, pop and rap. He first hit the scene in 2018 with his single 'I Don't', and since then has dropped more than two-dozen tracks.
His most recent endeavour was a four-part series seeing him do his thing, blending genres and revisiting his musical roots. This year is shaping up to be his biggest yet, with more writing, recording and producing on the horizon.
Michael will support the TAB Family on the second leg of their national headline tour, and he's promising a night to remember, and a performance that'll leave audiences feeling themselves.
We chat to the up-and-coming artist about his beginnings, his experiences as a queer person in music, and his first live Melbourne gig.
Image © Jarrad Levy
Firstly, tell us a bit about you.
Well, I’m 28 and originally from Zambia, but Perth was home since I was 12. For all those that love astrology, I’m an Aquarius, so feel free to chart me. Apart from making music, I’m all about embracing enjoyment in life. You’ll often find me doing a social sport, reading, playing board games or puzzles. And nothing beats hanging out with my friends or family, and just being 'outside'.
How did you get your start in music, and who inspires you in the industry?
Well, my journey into music has been quite organic. Music has always been a huge part of my life, starting from my childhood. I remember scribbling down countless lyrics and recording demos throughout high school, even if most of them were far from perfect. Yet, some of those old lyrics still hold a special place in my heart, even if they never see the light of day. After high school, I began performing whenever opportunities arose, especially during musician callouts at Uni events. It was during these moments that I realised, 'Hey, maybe I can really do this’. However, it wasn't until around 2017 that I felt ready to seriously pursue my musical aspirations. I started working on music that I felt truly reflected me as an artist. Open mic nights became my stage to share my creations and get my name out there. From there it grew to supporting other musicians and also creating my own headline shows. As for my inspirations within the industry, I draw influence from a range of artists across different styles who have shaped my music and taste. However, when it comes to work ethic, musicianship, and overall artistry, there are two individuals who stand out to me: Beyoncé and Victoria Monét. They embody qualities that I aspire to emulate while forging my own unique path in the industry.
Image © Jarrad Levy
Can you talk a little bit to how living the queer experience has shaped and influenced your music?
Tougher question to answer, but for me the queer experience, as much as I don’t know how to answer this one, I can say my experience is a collection of all the beautiful and diverse queer people in my life that have different forms of expression. A lot of people don’t know this but sometimes a lot of my music comes from a place of 'celebration of self' which is something I feel as a community, we always have to remind ourselves to do! When I write, I try not gendering music so that everyone can relate, though I can probably only think of one song I’ve done that in. I am always inspired by all my friends' journeys, and one thing I love, particularly about being an artist, is being able to collaborate with other queer artists. Whether it’s photographers, designers who’ve worked on some of my stage outfits, and writers, just to create art that reflects me and helps me express the art within me. My queer experience has undeniably shaped and coloured my music in profound ways. While it can be challenging to articulate, for me, it's a mosaic of the diverse and beautiful queer individuals who have influenced my life. Each person brings their own unique form of expression, and that richness finds its way into my music. Whether it be from a conversation or just seeing how they respond to certain things in life. One significant theme in my work is the 'celebration of self', a concept that resonates deeply within my experience and a lot of others in the community. It's a reminder we often need, to embrace and celebrate our identities unapologetically. When I write, I strive to create music that transcends gender – to create a space where everyone can feel seen and understood. Lastly, my inspiration comes not only from my personal journey but also from the journeys of my friends within the queer community. One of the most gratifying aspects of being an artist is collaborating with other talented queer artists across various mediums. Whether it's collaborating with photographers, designers for my stage outfits, or writers, this allows me to create art that not only reflects me but also amplifies the diverse voices and experiences within our community.
You'll be supporting the TAB Family. What does it mean to be supporting them?
Being able to support the TAB Family for my first show in Melbourne will be special. Having a fellow act from Perth kick off what I hope will be a series of many shows here makes it feel home. It's a full-circle moment for me, as my last performance in Perth also involved the TAB Family; we were both supporting acts on the same line-up. Witnessing their growth and seeing them embark on their first national tour fills me with joy for them. I truly admire the music they're creating, and it's incredibly exciting to see their hard work paying off.
And what can audiences expect when it comes to 'The Michael Kay Experience’?
When it comes to 'The Michael Kay Experience,' audiences can expect nothing short of a captivating journey. I always aim to immerse you fully in the moment from the instant I step onto the stage. Whether it's through my music, presence, or energy, I want to draw you into my world and offer a temporary escape from your life. Whether we're getting lost in our feelings, dancing the night away, or starting a chant, I aim to create memorable moments that resonate long after the set ends. Each set I perform is crafted to ensure a unique and entertaining experience for my audience.
Image © Ben McDonald
What inspired you to make the move from Perth to Melbourne?
The decision to move from Perth to Melbourne was a culmination of my aspirations and felt like next step in pursuing my dreams. I've always had a desire to explore new opportunities and challenge myself creatively. Melbourne, being known for the artistic city it is, presented itself as the perfect destination to focus on my goals, particularly in writing for other artists and getting placements. When the pieces started falling into place, I knew it was time to make the move and make Melbourne my new home. I'm eager to see what the future holds in this city and excited to embark on this new chapter of my journey.
You've been making music since 2018. What would you say is the most valuable lesson you've learned since then?
One of the most valuable lessons I've learned since starting my music journey is the importance of always recording or jotting down ideas. Some of my favourite songs have stemmed from ideas that initially seemed insignificant but blossomed into something beautiful over time. You never know when a simple melody or catchy hook will ignite your creative spark, so it's crucial to capture those moments whenever they arise. Additionally, a valuable piece of advice I've embraced is to make art that resonates with me personally. While it may not always align with the latest trends, creating music that I genuinely love and believe in adds authenticity to my work. And I've found that when I perform songs that come from a place of passion and authenticity, audiences can feel that.
Image © Mitch Harford
What's on the horizon for you?
I’ve got a couple of things brewing on the horizon! Firstly, I'm hoping to get more gigs around the city. There's something special about creating a live show experience, so I'd love to create and headline a few shows with a full live band and all the theatrics that come with it. Additionally, I'm currently in the process of writing and recording new material. While I'm not entirely sure what the final product will look like just yet, I'm aiming to release some fresh Michael Kay music this year, hopefully just in time for my favourite season: summer!
Michael Kay plays The Workers Club (Fitzroy) supporting the TAB Family on 15 February.
This story originally appeared on our queer sister site, FROOTY.
