e8: Michael McArthur

Michael McArthur. Photo by Michael Flores.

Over the past decade, Florida native Michael McArthur has filled a handful of EPs with his own mix of raw soul and lushly layered folk. In 2019, he makes his full-length debut with Ever Green, Ever Rain, an album that shows the range of McArthur's gorgeous voice and ability to craft emotionally resonant songs.

Recorded with Grammy-winning producer Ryan Freeland and inspired by a period of isolation and self-repair, Ever Green, Ever Rain is earthy, creative, and introspective. Here, the singer-songwriter answers his e8 and speaks about the album's title, trusting yourself, the romanticism of the road, and more. 

What’s the story behind your album’s title (Ever Green, Ever Rain)?
The green goes on forever here in Florida, and in the summer, you can almost set a watch to the daily thunderstorms. I sit on my front porch a lot and think, and listen to music. I'm drawn to the idea that sometimes the destroying of a thing is the creation of a new thing. You don't get the green without the rain. I don't look at it as "you have to have the hard times so you can appreciate the good times." The way I see it is, you have to have them both, like food and water.  "How can we be ever green without solemn days, the ever rain? Falling leaves bring the change, fingers laced to the final frame, 'Ever Green, Ever Rain.'" 

Why did you chose to anchor the album with the songs you did?
Each song serves as a chapter in the overall story. It's not linear, but they all help to prop up the same theme in one way or another. I had over 40 songs in a binder when we started making this record the first week of July. I was finding it hard to choose a handful of songs from the box full I had, so the producer, Ryan Freeland, suggested that I pick just three important songs to do on day one. What a great idea. I'd go back to the house I was renting in Los Angeles each night, think about the pure magic we made, and pick four more for the next day. And so we went.

Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
I think a lot. I ask questions. I watch movies. I go for walks. I sit on my front porch. I listen to her laugh. I try my best not to let the stress of career interfere with the connection I have to those I love. And I don't wait for some transcendental awareness to pick up the pencil. I put it between my fingers, and rest my palm on the page. Songs aren't easy, but they are simple if you pay attention.

---

​What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out?
Find the courage to be who you are and who you want to be at the same time. Pay no mind to what everyone else is doing, or how old they are, or how long they've been at it, or how many followers they have, or what their album cover is. Just make the greatest art you can, and show it to people. The rest will happen in time. We're all on our way down a river. We can't know where it leads, but still it takes us to where we're going. Trust the vessel. Trust yourself.

What’s your favorite food on the road?
Anything cooked in a kitchen, inside a house.

What’s the most frustrating thing about being on the road?
Right now, when I leave for tour, I go alone as I play solo acoustic most often. Countless hours in a car, and no one to share it with. Hoping that changes soon.

Favorite thing to do on a day off?
That depends on where I am. If I'm somewhere new and unfamiliar, I like to go where there is to go and know a little about what it's like to live in that town. Traveling has always been very romantic and exciting for me. There's so much life outside of my own front yard, and I want to see it. I also like to run, and go for hikes.

Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
I have so many, but here's one: It's a dream that one of my heroes will call and say that they love a song of mine. Let it be John Prine.

Website/Facebook/IG/Spotify