Date Signed: May 2020
Label: Riser House Records
Type of Music: Pop
Management: N/A
Booking: N/A
Legal: N/A
Publicity: Rebecca Shapiro, [email protected]
Web: itskarlmichael.com
A&R: Brandon Perdue - Riser House Entertainment, Brandon@ riserhouse.com
Having amassed 100 million Spotify streams via tracks imprinted with his lyrical style, it is absurd to deny British-born singer Karl Michael’s songwriting gift. Perhaps it was inevitable that a deal with powerhouse publishing group Primary Wave would eventually occur. One day, the company suggested he travel to Nashville to co-write with Dallas Wilson, another talented songwriter attached to Riser House Publishing. Besides discovering another effective writing partner, Michael was entranced by Music City, prompting him to move there.
Naturally, Wilson played Riser House Records the duo’s inspired creations. One song in particular, “Highs And The Lows,” acted as a tipping point. “Okay, we have to meet this guy,” blurted Brandon Perdue, Michael’s A&R, after hearing the tune. Although Riser House has historically focused on country, Michael’s talent convinced them to sign the pop star that previously competed on the U.K.’s iteration of The Voice. Perdue insists Michael’s television appearance didn’t influence their interest one way or the other.
Despite Michael’s reticence toward becoming an artist, a meeting was arranged. “They tied me in a chair and beat me until I said yes,” jokes the crooner, whose unwavering persistence brought him out of poverty. To solidify the deal, Michael was flown to Turlock, CA, where his vocal majesty and writing chops impressed label chairman Matt Swanson.
His third signing, Riser House has been Michael’s smoothest. “This
is the best label I’ve been with,” he raves. “I love every person there. They believe in me and I believe in them.” Besides constant contact with Perdue, Michael appreciates the confidence generated by the sense he’s found a place of trust. “They’re not going to stab me in the back,” attests the former construction worker. “They’re just a good bunch of people that want to put music out.”
Michael’s advice for beginners is elementary––don’t be a dick. “That person could be the boss of you later,” he cautions. “Nashville isn’t like that, but London is very cutthroat.”
“Beautiful Creature,” Michael’s ode to unconditional love, is presently available for your swooning pleasure. Expect a full-length offering to surface sometime soon.
