Michael Tirado 'Real-Life Superhero' Interview
Staten Island based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Michael Joseph Tirado has released his debut deluxe album as Real-Life Superhero. Drawing from influences as varied as punk and boy bands, the album is an introspective exploration of relationships and the human experience - with different sonic flavors to keep audiences engaged from start to finish.
Can you tell us about the theme or concept behind this album?
I'd be lying if I said it isn't about me. It's about my experiences in different relationships, including the relationship I have with myself. Different people I've met are the stories behind most of the songs. It's a bit of a diary, although I usually like to look back at experiences after they've ended and then write about them, rather than catch them in real time. The album also conceptually spans the length of one full day - it begins in the early morning, and ends the next morning, with a trip through afternoon, evening, and nighttime.
What was your main inspiration for creating this album?
With songwriting, I like to put my experiences into words in case anyone might be able to relate. It's a way of saying, "Hey, I see you, and I get you, if you're anything like me." That, and I love to explore sounds I enjoy.
What inspired you to create this album?
It was time for me to finally show something for the years and years I've spent listening to, playing, thinking about, and loving music. I've played a lot of shows and written a lot of songs, and releasing an entire album was my way of honoring that and getting active, rather than just keeping songs for myself because they might never be "good enough."
How would you describe the sound and style compared to your previous work?
This album is a light flavor sampler of the sounds that I like - from pop, to rock, to even trap and orchestral. My very first musical origins were boy bands, namely Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, especially Justin Timberlake. Later on, the most important band on my radar was Green Day. So, I think that on this album, you'll find something of a blend of those sounds, without going too far in any one direction. Ha. Boy band pun.
Are there any tracks that hold special meaning to you? Why?
It's hard to pick standouts because I poured myself into each one, even the interludes. But if I had to pick one, it would probably be Reason. That was me trying to explain what it's like to change for the better, leaving behind old habits, mindsets, even people. A second would be Soulspeak - because I think it captures the joy I feel playing music, and it's probably the first truly happy song I've shared. Third, I might pick Heart Has Had Enough - I think that might be the song of the album. It came together really naturally. I'll stop myself there, because I'll end up talking about every song.
Did you collaborate with any other artists or musicians? How did those collaborations happen?
I'm extremely private about my music, and I like to take songs from an idea in my head, all the way to mastered and distributed. So no, I didn't collaborate with anyone - I write, record, produce, mix, and lightly master all my songs. But I do need to shout out my two best friends in our group chat called BAND - Victor Picini (aka nothrills) and Hudson O'Keefe, for keeping the flame of musical passion alive and being there when I need a thoughtful ear, or a live band member.
Were there any challenges or unexpected moments during production?
I'm pretty solid with writing, recording, producing, and even some mixing, but other elements of mixing and then mastering to get the right volumes were pretty tough for me. I think of myself much more as a singer-songwriter and producer than any kind of engineer, but I was stubborn enough to try to take this project all the way all by myself. I think a lot of artists might know the pain of working super hard on a song and then hearing it in the car, or on AirPods, and being like...what did I do??? I actually released the first single 3 separate times because of issues like this. Don't tell anyone.
Can you share any interesting stories from the recording studio or tour?
Tour would be awesome; for now, I'm making my way around Staten Island, playing my songs stripped down to an acoustic guitar and meeting some very gracious venue owners, artists, and organizers. My recording studio, aka my bedroom, was thankfully boring and uneventful, making it easy to work in total isolation and peace. Blue-blockers are key (and I shouted them out on FOMO).
What message or emotion do you want to convey to your audience?
Well first of all, I want people to feel safe to feel. Sometimes we harden to protect ourselves against emotions we don't want to feel, and that also blocks out emotions we do want to feel. So I kinda wanted to invite people into the music with a very simple and approachable sound that invites them to comfortably feel whatever it is they want during my songs, with no danger or fear. I guess that's my message - pay close attention to yourself, and your feelings, so you can take care of that person inside and make choices that allow you to grow happier.
How does this album reflect your personal growth as an artist?
I kept things pretty simple with this album. Where I used to write grand compositions sometimes 5+ minutes long, I wanted to write something short, sweet, and accessible to someone who doesn't necessarily like aggressive music or non-traditional ideas, which is what I began writing. Keeping things simple is a huge deal - this album taught me to give myself the stamp of "good enough." And especially as an overthinker or perfectionist, "good enough" changed my entire life - by allowing it to begin.
Were there any specific instruments or production techniques that shaped the sound?
The acoustic guitar is all over this album. The first instrument I ever learned to play, and a timeless one. There are accents of piano and electric guitar, but it's really about that acoustic, so I could play these songs in lots of different arrangements and settings and still communicate the feeling. Maybe I shouldn't say this, but programming drums made this album possible, too - all the drums you hear are me tapping a keyboard with my fingers and editing after. Drums are my favorite instrument, but I went with programming for this one. Don't worry though, I can play everything you'll hear!
Are there any lyrical themes or narratives throughout the album?
Definitely. There isn't an overarching lyrical theme, but each song has its own story, and the album kind of represents a day in the life of me. Introspection, curiosity, joy, frustration, anger, desperation, loneliness, peace, and optimism - all rolled up into a little more than 30 minutes. Where Soulspeak celebrates a past connection, Heart Has Had Enough walks away from it. Where Trouble In The Nighttime exclaims in agony, Walk That Road looks to the future positively. And so on.
What are your plans for promoting it? Can fans expect live performances or videos?
Live performances for sure, I'm playing almost every week at different locations, thanks to some of the gracious organizers I mentioned earlier. Digital media including videos and short clips coming soon, excited to create some visuals for this album that capture its feelings.
If you could remix any song on the album, who would you feature?
On the deluxe version, I actually remixed 5 songs featuring only yours truly (I'm a bit private and stubborn, remember?). But, if I brought someone in for another special version, it would probably be my talented friend Carrie Ann, who just released her debut single, to contribute to a sweeter version of Trouble In The Nighttime. She's been a massive support and really likes that song, and I think her voice with mine on an acoustic version would be pretty great.
What advice would you give someone with a dream?
Do it your way. Don't do it anyone else's, don't think you have to be somebody or something else, don't worry about how other people are doing it - put yourself in the position to succeed, and do it your way. Even if that means working during the day and chasing your dream at night. Lean into who you are, and never sacrifice your well-being for art.
Website
linktr.ee/real_lifesuperhero
Instagram
@real_lifesuperhero
TikTok
@real_lifesuperhero
Photography Credit
Album art - digitally painted by Michael Joseph Tirado
Sunset - taken by Victor Daniel Picini (@nothrillsmusic)
Friends - taken by Jahtiek Long (@jahtieklong)
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