MC: Do you create what happens for each song visually? Is it in the context of the whole show or as separate set pieces that are then joined together?
Miguel: I let the music in the set-list direct the production. Some of it needs to feel very intimate, and some parts of the production are attention getting––very big and bold. The set-list really comes up with all of that. The lighting director that I work with has an excellent feel of my taste. We have been working together for these three and half years so he understands me. On this tour, we have a lot of big elements that I am excited about.
MC: Could you tell us what to expect, or should we just be surprised?
Miguel: I need you to come see it for yourself and not give it away!
MC: Performing multiple shows, traveling, doing interviews and meet-and-greets must be an enervating existence. What do you do to preserve your voice?
Miguel: It’s mainly warming up and warming down. And I have learned that it’s best to keep speaking to a minimum.
MC: We note that you work with the Los Angeles-based vocal coach Lis Lewis. How has she helped you?
Miguel: Honestly, she is the only real vocal coach that I ever worked with. I got a chance to really observe the technical elements of how my voice works. I have never been trained vocally at all. She really gets in there and tightens up and smooths some things out.
MC: We know you had a production deal at a really young age, while still in high school at San Pedro High. Did you go to school and also record? And having come up as you did, with being signed and your career taking a long time to evolve, was there a frustration with those roadblocks?
Miguel: There was a frustration. Feeling like it wasn’t natural. I wanted to be real. It didn’t feel right to me. I was the kid that was always singing. I was just trying to figure it all out. (Continued on next page)
