Michael Patrick is a Americana singer-songwriter who has played well over 2,000 live shows in the tri-state area, released six albums from 2004’s Roots & Branches to 2023’s Crossing Bridges, and created popular shows like his Johnny Cash “Ring of Fire” tribute. A few years ago, he moved to the Hunterdon County area. Halfway through 2023, Michael made an even bigger life decision - he decided to leave his full-time job and play music full-time.
When I first met Michael Patrick in the early 2000s, he was one of the few artists in New Jersey who played music with more than a hint of a country twang. Two decades later, there are several country acts based in the state and many more in the Americana genre. There's also a major country music festival in Wildwood each year. You could say he was ahead of his time, I guess.
Performing music full-time is a dream for most musicians - one that often just remains a dream. Now that he’s gone through a complete year of doing it, I thought it was a good time to check in and see how it’s been going. Maybe see if he has any advice for others who are thinking of taking the leap. He's also a great guy and it's nice to see guys like him get rewarded.
Making the decision to play music full-time was a huge decision. What was your day job?
I feel like the music has always been my calling. I have always been somewhat of an entrepreneur and had my own business doing IT support, Web Design, Consulting, etc for many years alongside of performing a rather busy musical schedule. Most recently my support contract was with a dedicated client in Avenel, NJ and I spent over 10 years there. Half way through 2023 is when the time was right for me to pursue my dreams of performing full time.
Did your wife play a big role in the decision? Was it her idea or yours? Was she supportive?
My wife has always been very supportive of my career decisions as I am for her endeavors! It certainly made the transition much easier. Of course it was my idea! But it helps to have a cheerleader behind you that believes in you.. I am a lucky guy!
Are you booking all of your shows yourself or do you have a booking agent?
Most of my shows I handle booking on my own... I do, however, work with outside agents and promoters as well.
You did over 200 shows in 2024 and have already set up over 100 shows for this year. About how many of these 100 are places you are playing for the first time?
What would your ideal week look like (number of shows, number of regular places, number of new places, etc)?
There is always a constant rotation of venues and opportunities. I love the diversity of doing everything from larger theater events to senior communities. One of the bigger challenges as a full-timer is keeping yourself busy (The bills don’t pay themselves) While I always have lots of return venues, There will continually be turnover and I welcome the new spots and opportunities with open arms! As you continue to grow, you add new performances... If I had to estimate it, I would say around 30% are new venues.
My ideal week would be 2 days off. I have reached the point where I often do 2 shows in a day (Afternoon and evening). It’s a busy schedule, but don’t confuse the word “Playing” with “Work”… However, when you love what your doing it’s not always work!
I know you've opened for a lot of national artists as well. Do you get those gigs by going after venues for them or do they call you up to see if you're available to open the night?
This is a tricky question as it can take years of reaching out to people… but it comes down to developing relationships. I always try to choose targeted events that will be mutually beneficial. You have to have something to offer! And you have to be able to deliver. People often assume I’m lucky... Sure, but add to that the years of hard work and you soon will see nothing is handed to you in this biz. To be honest, the shows with national acts are the least financially rewarding as the budget is often low. However, the benefit of being able to present your own music to a large audience is the icing on the cake!
I am a born entertainer and I thrive in this environment!
How exciting is it to be able to expand your fanbase to new areas?
I am a people person and love to meet new folks and make new friends! I am finding the PA area to be very appreciative and receptive to my style. It's definitely a little more laid back. There are lots of music lovers!
Do you ever get nervous playing a venue for the first time?
At times perhaps a little nervous… but more excited than anything. I love the challenge of winning over an audience! There is a special energy that comes along with that… especially when your meeting 500 people for the first time and they are meeting you as well! You can only hope to leave as friends :)
It's nice playing in an era with breweries and vineyards hosting shows, isn't it?
Absolutely! It’s a great environment that is very relaxed (wine helps!) Usually family friendly and your bound to entertain a few puppys as well! I find it to be an awesome environment for my music and audience interaction.
Other than booking shows and travel, what are some things about being a full-time musician you didn't expect?
It is full-time work! You literally have to eat, sleep and breathe it. You wear many hats from sales dept, accounting dept, marketing dept, etc. You also have to be prepared to deal with rejection and sometimes lots of confusion. Its not for the faint of heart. Having a business background certainly lends itself to better managing these situations and relating to venue owners.
Be prepared to offset your income during slow periods with other sources. For me personally that will include lessons, guitar setups and more! It never gets boring if you like diversity!
Speaking of travel, how do you like living in the Hunterdon County area? Is the location good for traveling to gigs in NJ and PA? Have you thought about (or played) gigs in other states as well?
I love the new area I am in.. It feels like HOME! I often say I moved from the land of banks and drug stores on every corner to my new surroundings of cows and horses! It was a beneficial move for me and I fit comfortably in the new surroundings. It has opened lots of new doors and is very accessible to areas I like to perform in. I do find I need to travel a little more than I used to to expand my horizons and stay busy without oversaturating markets. I plan to do a little more in the NY state area as well in the coming year.
With my tribute act, its not unusual to do regional touring. Its always a new adventure!
Tell me about your various tribute shows.
I am very fortunate to be able to pay tribute to the artists that have influenced me. My Johnny Cash Tribute ”Ring of Fire” has been successful for many years! Just recently, I assembled a trio that celebrates the Tennessee Two Era of Johnny’s career and performs more locally in my area.
I am receiving more requests for my solo Cash Tribute in recent months as well. The Highwayman show is aimed at smaller theaters throughout the area where I will honor the music of Cash, Willie, Kristofferson, and Waylon.
I continue to present special tributes to some of my favorite singer songwriters on an annual basis. Those include John Prine and Justin Townes Earle, often incorporating many local musicians into the events. It has become a tradition! I’m sure the variety and repertoire will expand in the coming years as well.
Are there times when it's a combination act? Say Johnny Cash tunes along with Michael Patrick tunes?
Sure... its all about putting on a show~ I do a large amount of cover shows but always try to incorporate some of my own tunes into the mix when I can . It’s a great way to introduce your music to a receptive audience and still get paid!
With all of the shows you're doing, do you still find time to write? Is that where doing music full-time offers you the time if you're disciplined enough?
Writing is always on ongoing adventure with no start or end in sight... lol. I will always have notebooks, recorded ideas, etc and sometimes they live in your brain for years. After 6 released albums now I am more committed to recording and releasing singles for the foreseeable future. It’s a whole new world with streaming, lack of CD sales, etc. Not to mention the budget required for full length recordings, Shortage of original music venues, etc... Sadly, that has become more of a “Labor of Love” for me these days. My focus currently is on entertaining audiences and putting a smile on their faces. This is what rings true for me and is the reason I do what I do!
Finally, what advice would you give fellow musicians who might be thinking about leaving their job for music full-time?
Be realistic, have a plan, have something to offer… Rehearse, be flexible, be personable, take risks, expand your horizons, and be prepared to work! Nothing great comes easy but the inner rewards are immeasurable!
It is an ongoing journey, not something you simply arrive at.
If it is in your heart and soul and you can’t imagine doing anything else… by all means take the leap… We only live once. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!
