Catch Of The Week: Michael Pace
Meet Michael Pace from Sudbury, MA
Listening to Michael Pace sing, you would never know he was from Sudbury, MA. It’s not that he is trying to lose the Boston, it’s just… he has found the Texas. The Texas was actually part of his upbringing, as his father would listen to Willie Nelson and other classic country artists, while cooking. Those times in the kitchen helped to cook up a country music career for this artist who now calls Nashville home.
You can hear tradition engrained in Michael’s voice, like a warm breeze moving in from the South, the burn of whiskey going down, and the sound of boots on a dusty field. But make no mistake, Pace is a certainly a contemporary artist, with the sensitivity of a modern man. The proof is on full display in this singer/songwriter’s latest single, “Even Elephants,” a touching tribute to Michael’s grandfather. He compares things we forget on a daily basis, like using your turn signal when driving, to his grandfather’s disease. His compassion serves to ease the frustration associated with the illness. It’s a remarkably mature and beautifully empathetic take for a younger artist.
Michael Pace is surely on pace for a career the size of Texas. He holds all the cards in his hands; strong vocals, impressive writing skills, the ability to connect to his audience and of course, New England pride.
Pace On Play
“Even Elephants”- As Michael explains below, this new song was written about his grandfather. following his diagnosis of dementia. The term “even elephants forget things too” one day popped in his head and that ignited the idea of the song.
More on Michael
- From: Sudbury, MA
- Grew up in: Sudbury, MA
- Now lives in: Nashville, TN
- Current single: “Even Elephants” (new single that releases 2.5.21) was written about my grandfather. I received a call one day that my grandfather had been diagnosed with dementia and the thought of it shook me. I’ve always had a good relationship with him and the memories that I attached to him have shaped a large portion of who I am, my interests, how I carry myself, and how I treat others. he was the person that introduced me to westerns like Tombstone and The Magnificent Seven, He taught me to lead with a sort of quiet force, and some of my earliest memories of simply going to get donuts and coffee in the morning are ones that I’ve treasured forever. I was with a group of friends passing around the guitar while we ate gumbo and enjoyed the weekend, when the phrase “even elephants forget things too” slipped into my mind and really helped me to swallow the pill that some of those memories – if not all – would someday be lost. I wrote the song as a sort of letter to him, really just detailing my side of everything and explaining that it’s okay if some things are forgotten. It’s without a doubt my favorite song I’ve ever written.
- What lead you to music: my family. we werent a musical family with musicians left and right in our ranks, but we sang throughout the day, in the kitchen when cooking, in the morning on the way to school, its always been a big part of my relationship with my family. Finally around sophomore year of college, my mom got me a guitar and I began playing on the back porch of my fraternity house. I never really looked back from there.
- How old when you started: about 19 or 20 years old
- First country song you learned: Drunk on a Plane by Dierks Bentley (haha) the chords and strum pattern were easy enough that i could play them without too much experience
- Instruments played: Guitar
- How would you describe your sound: To be honest, its ever-changing, but there’s a lot of red-dirt influence. I’d probably sum it up as Red Clay country (credit to Muscadine Bloodline for that phrase) as its too “Texas” to be mainstream, but too mainstream to be Texas Country
- Who inspires you: Brent Cobb, Flatland Cavalry, Randy Montana. I just love their abilities to tell stories in all sorts of themes and tones
- Dream duet partner: Brent Cobb
- All- time favorite country song: (or songs if you can’t name just one): A Life Where We Work Out – Flatland Cavalry
- First country concert: Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw (Brothers of the Sun Tour)
- What songs do you like now on Country 1025: anything by Morgan Wallen or Riley Green
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: Fitness Professional
- Most proud moment: Being asked by Brad Marchand and Kevan Miller to write Dirty Water for their company (March and Mill Co.)
- Crazy thing that happened in your music career: Being asked by Brad Marchand and Kevan Miller to write Dirty Water for their company (March and Mill Co.)
- Other things you like to do: Read the Harry Potter Books, Rollerblading, Working out
- Mantra: “You’ve got to care about the music… You’d better not be doing it for the publicity, the fame or the money.” – Waylon Jennings
In Pursuit of Pace
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
