Prior to the release of his anticipated sophomore album Distant Echo, we caught an interview with UK guitarist and composer Michael Alan, to find out more about the creative process for the music, his journey as an artist, his plans for the future, and plenty more.
Here’s the conversation in full.
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Hi Michael, great to connect with you, and my congrats for the upcoming album. To introduce our audience to you – where did you grow up, and what’s your earliest memory of music?
From a council estate just outside Leeds and my earliest memories were Top Of The Pops TV show when the likes of David Bowie (ziggy stardust) SLADE / the sweet / t Rex appeared on the show
What made you choose to learn the guitar specifically, and did you dabble with other instruments along the way?
I was looking for a way out after starting work in a factory at 15 at that age I saw music as a ticket to fame and fortune (ha ha) – we all know the reality not as easy as that !
I started to get heavily influenced by by Led Zeppelin /deep purple/wishbone ash all these great guitar sounds and players just wanted to do the same .
Tell me about the inspiration for and meaning behind the title Distant Echo, your brand-new album – how does this concept weave its way into the tracks of the project?
Distant Echo is an expansion and the final piece from my journey after releasing my debut album Calling. After re-visiting some tracks and exploring a few opera pieces I felt my writing wasn’t finished so this is partly a echo from that.
Is this entirely a solo release or did you collaborate with a producer?
All my music is independent and my good friend Dave Johnson who I have worked with for many years both inside studios and out live has a studio in Bingley where I record all my music. Dave is such a fantastic producer helps me unconditionally.
How do you start when composing a new track, and how does an upbeat or conversely melancholic mood change the way you might represent a certain story or experience?
A riff is the main inspiration and then the theme gets a grip and I build on the whole emotional journey.
“I am self taught, I don’t hold any music theory; it all comes from my soul.”
Specifically, how did In The Name Of come to be, and subsequently the immersive cinematic mix?
In the name of was the sheer sadness and frustration of us all as humans – every time I put the TV on or listen to the news, it’s all negative, bad news and sadness, so I wonder In the name of what? And who are all these terrible things happening for?
The track was originally on my debut album Calling and I re-visited it I had to make it more powerful and bigger to put my point across (it’s a prayer for mankind )
Did you plan to write the album or simply compose songs consistently enough that a full album emerged in the end?
It’s unfinished business from a few tracks like I mentioned Blue Skies ( I added opera soprano guest vocals by Caroline Joy) Alone again was a further remix of the original Reflection (remix), again I had added more angelic soprano vocals of Caroline Joy and adding my latest releases Broken /2025/ sweet Dreamz /the wounded warrior puts all the latest music in a great place for the listener.
You’ve built an impressive audience on TikTok, people are craving live music increasingly – what can fans look forward to from you in the coming months, after the album launches?
I am constantly writing putting together new material for my next releases and I am reaching out to try and get out on to a live show scenario to perform these songs live. Possibly as a support or maybe a short run of small gigs on my own.
How different was your approach when creating this project after the 2023 album ‘Calling’?
I am impatient, and I slowed down to create what I call a masterpiece. This new album I believe is as good as any that’s out there and deserves the recognition. Not because I’m an independent artist but because I believe it resonates with most people all over the world.
That’s the beauty of my instrumental music, it holds no language barriers and when people understand the title or back story to the tracks they can incorporate their own lyrics.
How often do you perform live, and how easy is it to get live shows in and around Leeds right now?
Live is hard as we all know but I am hoping to connect with booking agents, maybe get a chance to be an opener for someone. I have done the open mic stuff but as an original artist it’s too frustrating .. I played last December in Leeds and it was such a thrill to be onstage and listen to the power of my music. I play livestreams often on TikTok where I connect my music to people all over the world.
What’s the best way people can support you right now?
Come follow me on my socials and see me live-streaming on TikTok: @michaelalanrockguitarist
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
To all the people that have streamed my music and shared my live experiences thank you for your continued support support the best is yet to come.
Love you all thank you.
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Find all of Michael’s Alan’s original cinematic guitar compositions on Bandcamp & Spotify. Visit Michael Alan‘s Website or follow him on TikTok & Instagram for regular updates.
