EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Michael Pickering Talks New Single ‘Don’t Go’

On-the-rise country music singer/songwriter Michael Pickering returns with his brand new single titled ‘Don’t Go’ which has been expertly produced by renowned hitmaker Tim Prottey-Jones. Here we chat exclusively with Michael to discuss the release in more detail:

Congratulations on the new single. How have you found this creative process?

Thank you, honestly, this particular process has been a lot of fun. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to identify who I am as an artist, and I think the new single is very much sending me in the right direction

You worked with Tim Prottey-Jones on this track. What was that experience like?

Working with Tim is an absolute dream not only is he incredibly talented but also has an ear for music like no other. Tim and I make a great team.

How did you build this song? Did you have an idea first, or were the lyrics and melody there to begin with?

Unlike a lot of songs I’ve written this one actually started with the first line of the first verse “We’ve all got that friend”. It came to me while walking through Nashville, first lyric and tune and I explained from there. Once I got back to my apartment I put it down on Guitar and that was it… I was told to always write what you know and I’ve found when you do the song comes flowing out.

What are you hoping fans take away from this lyrical story?

There are two things I’d love people to take away lyrically. A light hearted, fun eye roll and a smile at that friend we all have but also that it may be frustrating in this situation but when I comes down to it they just want to spend more time with you and this is their way of saying. It’s kinda beautiful if you think about it.

Do you have any set goals in mind for this release?

I like to try and keep my expectations quite real, so I’d have to say I just want this release to reach as many people as possible and have it played in as many places as possible. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely dream of having my music played by Bob Harris on the BBC Radio 2 Country Show, but for now, I just hope people hear my music and enjoy it.

How do you feel this offering differs and builds on previous releases?

I feel like this has a slightly harder hitting edge to my other releases, which I think reflects my passion and drive for country music and the UK country scene

Looking ahead, what else does 2025 hold for you?

Now that would be telling … there are a few gigs coming this year. I also have so much music being worked on as we speak, again with the amazing Tim Protty-Jones. I’m always writing and I’m very much in a position where I will play gigs anywhere just hit me up and I will be there.

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