If you love something, set it free …
In his single, “He Looks Good on Her,” Michael McCall tells the bittersweet story of a man forced to watch his ex move on and find new love. In a refreshing twist, he is able to come to terms with her decision and gain closure because her happiness is his ultimate goal–with or without him.
In freeing her, he frees himself.
When asked what he hopes listeners take away from the single, McCall states, “I think the message is that while your heart may break, amidst some bitterness or hurt and knowing you did everything you could, you can find fulfillment and closure in another’s newfound happiness.”
McCall, who says he knew from age seven he wanted to be a musician, names George Strait, Keith Whitley and Jon Bon Jovi as influences. Certainly, he evokes the sense of Americana found in the works of John Mellencamp and Bryan Adams, while capturing the wistfulness that Gary Allan perfected in his love lost masterpiece, “Smoke Rings in the Dark.”
“I have an admiration for King George’s commitment to who he is, and Bon Jovi and Keith Whitley for their song craftsmanship. All three are stylists that stand the test of time.”
McCall found his way to Nashville after making a pact with a friend to pursue their separate artistic paths.
“I made a deal with my good friend Donnie King–that I would pursue my music if he would pursue his art. It was so important to me that Donnie pursue his dreams, even if it meant facing my own fear of failure.”
But McCall had caught the eye of the legendary Buddy Hyatt of Toto, who has worked with the likes of George Jones, Mickey Gilley and Tracy Lawrence. Hyatt saw potential in the young songwriter and signed on to produce the newcomer.
McCall said most of his shows were cancelled this year because of the pandemic. “I did have a show at a venue called The Rain in Dothan, AL. We’re working to put new dates on the schedule for 2021 (COVID permitting, of course).”
McCall said there is an old train track that that state of Mississippi has turned into a walking trail. “It’s been a Godsend for me; I’ve hiked about 5 miles every day which is keeping me semi-sane during the pandemic.”
With his soulful, almost retro style, McCall sets himself apart from the pack. He will be one to watch in 2021.