We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Eisenstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Most people would be surprised to learn that just about every modern musician earns their living in 5 or more different ways. There are many income streams out there but it’s rare that any one provides a living. And sometimes one stream can dry up so you want to be working as many as you can.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a music producer, I’m really just trying to raise the level of the artists I work with as much as possible within the budget at hand. Clients come in with demos that may be rough but always have some spark or coolness about them. It’s my job to keep that and make everything else sound more professional and exciting, or interesting for the listener. I’m not trying to mold artists to my vision, just make their vision more accessible.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d have to go out to Malibu. Even though it is so built up now, that’s still the most iconic SoCal beach vibe. We’d watch the surfers, see some dolphins, and enjoy the ocean breeze. I am a Dodger fan, so I’d want to take them to a game. And of course there would be tacos- from a truck of course. L.A. Phil at Disney Hall with Dudamel is a pretty special thing, so we’d want to catch that while we still have him- it’s hard to convey the impact that man has had on this city.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a ton of thanks to my Letters to Cleo bandmates. None of us knew what we were doing when we started; we wrote songs, rehearsed, played tons of shows, and listened to a lot of music together and figured out how to be a band and how to to our individual jobs within the group. We also learned the business together. I’m not sure it would have worked out for me in music if I had to do it all alone. Also, our first producer Mike Denneen had a huge impact. We learned so much about song structure and arranging from him. His direction also really developed me as a guitarist. I’m forever indebted to him.
Website: michaeleisensteinmusic.com
Instagram: @theeisenstein
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
