Music Star John Michael Ferrari On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry
An Interview With Guernslye Honoré
You’re going to hear “no” a lot more than “yes”. It doesn’t mean to stop or give up. Lucky for me, I didn’t. Over the years, I have been saddened when extremely talented musicians or singers have given up on their musical talent because of the obstacles they faced in their search of success. I often wonder about the inner music they never created.
As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing John Michael Ferrari.
John Michael Ferrari’s recently released crossover single “Who’s That Girl?” is a soft rock dance country pop Americana song about seeing a girl you like. In real life, John Michael Ferrari and Pepper Jay were at a square dance. A 9 year old was standing next to them when a beautiful 15 year old walked in with her best square dance clothes on. “Who’s that girl? I want to dance with her!” And he did … many, many times.
Multiple award-winning singer songwriter entertainer John Michael Ferrari writes emotional storytelling cross-genre songs about life’s experiences with touches of sophistication and childlike wonder. There is no place he would rather be then “on stage”. His favorite saying is “There’s never a stranger in the audience.”
At the end of 2022, alone, John Michael was named “Performer of the Year” at the eZWay Golden Gala 2022, his song “Masquerading in the Night” was voted “Best Song Production 2022” at the Museboat Live Channel, and John Michael was awarded “Outstanding Male Singer Songwriter 2022” by the Nashville Music Foundation,
John Michael Ferrari and Pepper Jay, his music producer for over 3 decades, split their time between Nashville and their ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. John Michael Ferrari writes, arranges, and performs his original country pop crossover jazz gospel songs. For his perceived lack of respect for musical genres, John Michael Ferrari was named “Crossover Artist of the Year” by the New Music Awards 2021.
John Michael’s songs have landed on Top 40, Country, and Gospel radio charts and playlists. An example is “Paint You a Love Song,” penned for his friend’s wedding, as of December 2022 is several weeks at #1 on the Country Radio Chart and the Mainstream Radio Chart on the Independent Music Network.
John Michael Ferrari enjoys the international multi-genre indie crowd at Museboat.com.
John Michael’s next album, “I Keep Dreaming,” is scheduled to drop January 15, 2024.
Please check out www.JohnMichaelFerrari.com
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
Born in Los Angeles, California, my early life was spent in San Francisco, Reno, and Carson City. I attended Carsen City High School while living at the Nevada State Children’s Home until I went into the United States Army. In high school, I played in rock n roll bands and continued to perfect my guitar playing and singing.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?
For me, it was a way to make a living after I got out of the military; a way to pay my rent. I was familiar with most of the popular songs at the time and I knew how to play them. I performed in and about the San Francisco Bay Area in steak houses and other small venues.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
It was 1990, my agent, Steve Sheldon, arranged for me to perform for the summer in the lounge at Highland Springs Resort, near Palm Springs, California. Shortly after the season begin, a cute girl about my age came up to me. “You’re good, but I can make you better. Hi, I’m Pepper Jay.” That began a 30+ year songwriter producer manager relationship and I went from a singer playing the guitar to a first-class main show room performer.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Some choices are better than other choices. Just because I may have made an unfavorable choice, doesn’t make it a “mistake”. It is more of a lesson; an insight as to why it didn’t work and what other opportunities are available for me in a different direction. For example, in mid 1970’s, I had an opportunity to ask Glen Campbell backstage in his Las Vegas dressing room to listen to one of my songs. I was naïve and did not understand then that I was not prepared for that opportunity. Mr. Campbell listened to one of my songs and he said, “It needs work Kid. You need to learn”. I thought it was a good lesson learned.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
The advice that my agent Steve Sheldon gave me enabled me to achieve my successes. In the 1980’s, Mr. Sheldon was the agent for many acts and had been booking me in some of the smaller venues in the Las Vegas area. His advice was “Do what you do. Your audience will find you. Don’t try to anticipate what they might like. Do what you do well.”
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
2023 is an exciting year for us. We still have several songs from our 2022 album, “My Heart Can’t Breathe” playing on the radio internationally and hitting country and pop charts. Additionally, in preparation for our January 15, 2024, album release, “I Keep Dreaming” we released two singles, “Music with You” and, most recently, “Who’s That Girl?”, both hitting U.S., European, and Australian radio charts.
Also, a Nevada radio station, 97.7fm, asked me to host a radio show for them, which I call “Songwriters Perspectives.” Past episodes may be located on my YouTube channel.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
People are people. I am one of them. We come in different shades, heights, weights, with different cultures and religions. Music is the common denominator. I think it’s important not to have ideas about what music one might like based on what they look like or where they are from. Especially today, where all cultures are represented in the music of the world and is available to everyone. I like using music to bring people together and not to focus on their differences.
As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career?
If I have faith that things are going to turn out, it is easier to overcome obstacles. I stay motivated because I love what I’m doing. Also, I know that whatever setbacks or disappointments I have … are temporary. They are usually signposts trying to lead me in a successful direction.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1 . You’re going to hear “no” a lot more than “yes”. It doesn’t mean to stop or give up. Lucky for me, I didn’t. Over the years, I have been saddened when extremely talented musicians or singers have given up on their musical talent because of the obstacles they faced in their search of success. I often wonder about the inner music they never created.
2 . Obstacles are there to build character and persistence.
Problems in life, my life or in the lives of others, make great fodder for song lyrics. As I write about someone’s story, I try to put myself in their emotion. While directing a TV show in the 1990’s, one of our beautiful young hosts showed up to the studio crying and extremely upset and the shoot had to be cut short. As I invited her to sit down, she shared her situation with me. She was a “cutter.” I didn’t even know what a cutter was; someone that uses a knife or other sharp object to cut themselves. Suicidal? Needing attention? I had no idea. She showed me the scar marks on her arm and explained that the pain from the cutting took the place of the pain her life was causing her. I had no idea how to respond. I just listened. I felt sad for this talented young woman. All I could offer her was a hug. After she went home, I wrote “Don’t Fall Between the Daylight” about a cutter that I hoped would not die. “Don’t fall between the daylight into no self-respect. Don’t cut yourself so deeply. Leave the stripes where they’re at. And cry.” I never told her the song was about her. I was extremely pleased several years later to learn that she was happily married with two children, enjoying life, and following her dreams. Smile. As it turns out, that song has been used by several suicide prevention organizations to help healing and to let young “cutters” know they are not alone.
3 . Keep a sense of humor about life.
I appreciate life but I understand life isn’t always easy, and it isn’t always fair. My response? I try to see the positive side of everything and add silly humor which can cure all sorts of ills. Trying to find the funny in life’s twists and turns helps me stay sane.
As a side note, I was a U.S. soldier, Army, 25th Infantry Division, Vietnam. I saw things I wish no one would ever have to see. War is hell. I made it back home is reasonably good shape and with the resolve to try to find the humor in things that go wrong instead of becoming survival angry.
So, what do I do after surviving my first fire fight in a Vietnam swamp, I write a crazy novelty song honoring the “Dustoff,” the Army helicopter that swooped in after or during a fire fight to pick up the wounded and the dead. These silly lyrics about war included: “I got a bullet in my side, and it hurts so bad. But you know I can’t die cause my girl would be aad. 20 more days and ‘Jody’ be taking my place.” (Jody was the name of the guy back home trying to hit on your girl.)
4 . Your best friend is you; your “self talk”.
I am blessed to have many people of all ages in my life who love and care about me. They are from all different walks of life, and I love good conversation with them. I am constantly trying to learn new things. But the person I talk to the most is me. There it is. I admit it. I talk to myself. And, yes, I answer me. Finding calm and getting in touch with my inner self gives me peace and opens the door to problem solving and creativity. Many of my lyrics have been created while sitting in a jacuzzi looking at the stars.
5 . Appreciation brings happiness.
Is my cup half empty or half full? Both. While I strive to excel at what I do and to help others, at the same time I have great appreciation for what I have. Like many others, Covid hit us hard financially. Two tours that had been in the works were cancelled as well as all domestic performances. The recording studios were closed. For a brief moment, our music life seemed to stop. But, we took advantage of the moment. When other artists pulled back their material, we released my song “So Beautiful.” With less major studio competition, “So Beautiful” went to #2 on national radio charts. We focused on what we could do with what we had available to us. Pepper Jay and I used the Covid years to record demos of our original songs in our studio on the ranch, and to get involved with several online greenscreen concerts. My favorite was on Sansar which for me was a great AR experience and many fans joined in as avatars! I try to live in appreciation. https://youtu.be/WSq6GsQsXtY?si=li47uPtW0c89ruqo
Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?
I try to write things down or record ideas as they come to me. When I’m ready to write, I pick a start date and time and I begin to eliminate all outside influences like the radio, TV, other projects. Instead, I begin to listen to my inner voice, to the creativity inside of me. Sometimes, the creativity starts immediately. Sometimes, it takes a day or two. I am not distracted but can focus complete on the musical ideas that come to me. I feel I am more in touch with myself and with nature. Also, I believe I’m not sensitive to emotions I want to express.
I believe it important for a songwriter to know the fundamentals of songwriting. For example, I am very familiar with pop, country, rock song structures. I know the who, what, where, when, to start my first verse, etc. When working on creativity, I wouldn’t also want to be thinking about music fundamentals or, did I spell that word correctly! That’s why many times I use voice memo when songwriting. I don’t have to write it down all the time.
I have had very few song collaborations. In the 1970’s, John Vestman, RIP, and I wrote “Brand New River” and we also wrote many radio jingles together. Since 1990, I’ve been working with music producer Pepper Jay who often writes with me. Many songwriters, especially in and around Nashville, ask me to cowrite with them but it rarely comes to fruition.
Recently, however, we’ve had two wonderful Nashville co-writes. Pepper Jay gave country singer Ray Ligon a song I wrote about 6 years before, “Workin’ My Way to Nashville.” Pepper Jay worked with me on it and then had placed it back in my unfinished songs folder. We immediately agreed to bring the unfinished song to Ray and Pepper Jay explained how she wanted it played and sung and it was a perfect fit. With Ray’s input, we had our finished song, “Workin’ My Way to Nashville” that Pepper Jay brought to Larry Beaird Music Group in Nashville for Ray Ligon to record. Available on all music platforms.
I love writing songs for young people to sing. If you’re a singer 8–24 years old, I have several songs for you to choose from to record. One of those is a co-write between me, Tarryn Aimee Smith and Pepper Jay called “Homework Again.” Puts a smile on my face.
Co-writing requires kindness, respect, good communication, and patience.
Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?
The majority of the music I create is positive, happy and hopeful of love, which resonates with almost everyone in the world.
How do you connect with your audience?
I have a deep appreciation for my audience taking time out of their life to spend an hour or 1 ½ hours with me. I have a saying “There’s never a stranger in the audience.” I treat every audience member as my best friend. Pepper Jay wrote a textbook that I helped her with about audience psychology, “Dynamic Song Performance, the Singer’s Bible” (Available on Amazon). Learning specific performance skills can assist anyone in connecting with their audience, whether they are a singer, teacher, or public speaker.
With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry?
I approach my performances as if I am an athlete. My performance is high energy and from the heart. I have nothing if I don’t have my health. I try not to eat or drink anything that hurts my body (except for ice cream). I keep a workout schedule and go to the gym whether I want to or not. I try to drink plenty of water. And, if I’m not resting or sleeping enough, Pepper Jay will start getting after me to do so.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
I believe in the power of love. I was asked a couple of years ago to perform my song, “Like a Rock n Roll Band” at an Oscar Viewing party in the grand ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel. The lyrics explain that “love’s a potion that heals the many, anytime we cry.” And “Love can make you happy, oh yeah, love can heal your pride.” “With harmony standin’ hand in hand, Let’s come together, like a rock n roll band.” You can imagine my surprise when I finished performing the song and the audience was exploding with applause, a presenter walked onto the stage with a large trophy presenting it to me for “Peace Song of the Year” for my song “Like a Rock n Roll Band.” I have been blessed to receive many music awards over the years, but this one in the name of peace and love means the most to me. That trophy sits on my fireplace mantle. Peace begins with me. I try to spread love and hope you will do so also.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would be the music producer, composer, and arranger David Foster. I particularly enjoy the stories he tells about the songs he creates.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
Please visit my website, www.JohnMichaelFerrari.com and connect with me on my social media and music platforms. If there’s anything I or Pepper Jay can do to help you musically, please DM me. Thank you to Authority Magazine for this interview.
Thank you for your time, and your excellent insights! We wish you continued success.
About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.
