Today we’d like to introduce you to Miguel St. Michael.
Hi Miguel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, I was able to fully experience the contrasting cultures of my Mexican-American heritage. My dad really exposed me to such a plethora of music, from Disco, Pop, and R&B to Cumbia, Tejano, and Norteño standards.
I started singing when I was just a teen and participated in theater, band, and choir at La Joya High School.
When I came to college, I was a member of the University of Texas Longhorn singers show choir which really helped me further develop my voice and performance style.
When I graduated, I came across a group called Son de Rey and immediately fell in love with the group. When they were looking for a background vocalist, I auditioned only to realize I’d be the lead vocalist. We went on to record 1 EP and full-length album and several music videos. Between 2014 and 2015 we received 5 Austin Music Award nominations.
Son de Rey helped me find my voice and audience in Austin and Texas, and after a decade of performing with the group, I decided it was time to start my own original project to amplify my voice and give more queer visibility to Latin Music.
My producer GRAMMY winner Fabian Hernandez gave me the push I needed in the studio and working with me on bringing the music I had been writing over the years to life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been at times smooth and bumpy.
When I first started performing in Tejano Music, there were no out artists or celebrities at the time, so I often felt insecure and pressured to hide my queerness on stage.
Although Austin embraced me from the beginning, it was difficult performing in the more rural, bible belt areas of Texas. Although I never experience outward homophobia on stage, people did think that I was really different and that was off-putting to a lot of people.
As a singer in Latin Music, I think I tried so hard to make the point that “hey, my culture is just like yours so please accept me” to people who wouldn’t normally even want me in their circle, so much that I ignored those who would have joined my following from the start.
When the queer community did learn that I was one of them, the opportunities to play at their venues and events were turned down by my management in fear that it would hurt that the band’s image, and that is something that crushed me.
I realized that Latin Music was lacking someone like me, but I had to follow my heart and share my story via my music to really find my tribe and musical following.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a queer Mexican-American Latin Pop singer-songwriter, and producer. Along with composing original music in English and Spanish, I also produce and direct music videos for myself and other artists.
I’m most proud of my recent work that will be featured on my debut solo album “Entre Luces” as it really conveys my heart and the stories that represent my queer love and journey as a young artist here in Austin.
My parents are very conservative and Catholic, and this whole experience has been difficult for them. I’ve also never really shared with them this part of my life, so this album is essentially a way for them to learn about my struggles and success as a queer man. It’s the best way I can have this dialogue with them and for them to know that I’m “okay.”
I think was really sets me apart from others are the productions I create on camera, and on stage. I really want my fans to get to know me from every angle and have a unique, fun experience when they watch my videos or come to my shows.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was the many family gatherings we would have during the holidays, specifically Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas. I have a big family with lots of Aunts, Uncles, and cousins so I cherish those memories a lot. There’d be music playing, so much food to eat, laughter, and the occasional drama. But aside from the joy that art and music have been giving me, there was really no greater happiness for me as a kid than when I was with my family.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.miguelstmichael.com
- Instagram: miguelstmichael
- Facebook: facebook.com/miguelstmichael
- Twitter: twitter.com/miguelstmichael
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@miguelstmichael
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/miguel-st-michael
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0aIYFBECYU27KCVE1M48Jo
Image Credits:
Fabian Hernandez
