Michael Peloso is a successful indie songwriter. Co-writing singles for NARAS artists Natalie Jean, Christina Gaudet, Kathy Sanborn & Dennis Sy. Michael is the creative force behind his side project Four Simple Notes. Their singles, Checking Out & Where Do you Go? were released in 2019. His first solo album, Life’s Little Accidents was released on September 7, 2021. The album showcases his engaging and impactful songwriting, but which also puts his powerful Quincy Jones-like epic scale arranging and production skills on grand display. Michael explores a wide range of life’s challenges that many find relatable and touching.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Michael Peloso. What first got you into music?
I’ve told this story many times. It was November 24, 1980. I was eight years old. I heard “Keep On Loving You” by Reo Speedwagon blaring over the radio. I knew then I wanted to create music. Just the feel of the song and the rush that it gave me. When I earned enough money from doing chores, I asked my dad to take me to the local store to buy it. I remember it like it was yesterday. I played that album down to nothing. I studied the linear notes and knew exactly who played on the album. After that I made sure that it became the first cassette, CD, and download I purchased. My influences of course have changed over the years, but that was the start of it.
What do you think your role is in this world?
I think my role is to be a good father, son, brother, friend and to help as many people as I can. I want to help people through my music. To touch them. To take their troubles away. Even if it’s one person, I’ve done my job.
Your latest track is 'Rewind (feat. Marisa Frantz & Matthew Shell)'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I noticed that many people like to constantly talk about the past. How things were better. I’m usually a person who lives in the moment. Then I opened my mind to understand why they felt that way. Then it hit me. It’s because those memories bring us a comfort and help us deal with whatever troubles we are dealing with today. It’s a safe place. They may be viewing the past through rose colored glasses, but these memories comforted them. Then the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas happened and then I found myself thinking of my past and my own childhood. I found myself longing for those days of innocence when we didn’t have to deal with such horrific acts. It’s just a shame. Then suddenly the words and music stared flowing, and I sent it to Marisa and within a week the song was completed and here you go.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Never, ever give up. No matter what in life. The road of life is never smooth. Just keep pushing forward and you will make it through.
How do you spend your time?
Writing music for the most part. Travel to see new places. Play some golf. And spend time with those that I love.
What are you most proud of?
My two daughters. Nothing will ever top being their father.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I have a few. Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Carole King, Stevie Wonder, Hall & Oates and of course, Reo Speedwagon.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
Constantly working at my craft. I write and practice every single day. I’m always watching and learning from those that I admire.
Do you think that technology is improving lives?
In some aspects of course it is. Modern medicine for instance is a marvel. The advances in medical treatments and medical equipment are amazing. Automobiles, airplanes have advanced so much. There is also some downsides as well. The internet and social media are wonderful tools. The beauty of them is they can bring people together. It even helps musicians reach a wider audience. It has made the world smaller because you can reach anyone very quickly. The downside I feel is that people are now so glued to their phones and social media that they have lost one on one skills. They don’t know how to communicate unless it’s by texting. They can’t hold a verbal conversation. Put the phones down for a while. I also feel that AI can be very dangerous. We need to be very careful with that type of technology.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan on traveling to places I haven’t been to yet. It’s a beautiful world out there. I hope to grow old gracefully, watch my daughters grow into adults and have lives of their own and be happy. And of course, I just want to continue making music for however long I can. I hope people continue to listen and hopefully care about it.