MICHAEL POLLACK
warnerchappel.com
The youngest of our songwriters, Michael Pollack was a freshman at Vanderbilt where he attended a Billy Joel concert, in which Joel did a Q&A session. The Long Island native (and big Joel fan) raised his hand and asked if he could play with the music icon. After a pause, Joel said yes. Pollack jumped on stage and accompanied him on the song “New York State of Mind.” The video of Pollack’s impromptu performance (youtube.com/watch?v=zxLjtx8wukQ) went viral and led to a whirlwind of press and interviews that included CNN, The Today Show, Sirius/XM Radio as well as publications like Rolling Stone and The Huffington Post. Currently, Pollack is working under a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell as a songwriter.
Your performance with Billy Joel was so flawless that some have alleged it was planned.
Actually, it was totally spontaneous. If you watch the video you’ll see that I was nervous when I asked the question. But, when I got on stage those nerves disappeared.
How did the video’s popularity (over 2.5 million views) affect you?
It changed my life in a big way. All of a sudden everyone knew who I was, which created opportunities I didn’t have before. And that eventually led to a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell as a songwriter.
It’s been reported that you don’t like singing your own lyrics.
That’s true. I always thought of myself as a piano player. I didn’t have as much confidence in my voice. Ultimately, I got over it and put the two together.
What does your publisher do for you?
They set up collaborations with other songwriters. At first, I was hesitant because I always wrote songs by myself. Now, though, I look forward to it. They also help to place songs with major artists. In fact, I just worked on two songs for a Kelly Clarkson LP.
You started as a performer––is that still a goal?
I’ve put that on hold for now. I just started my career as a songwriter and I want to focus on that. I’m still learning, and the process is a lot of fun.
Today, there are typically multiple writers on a song. How do you feel about that?
That’s just the way it is, and many times it’s justified. Even producers, who may not write but help craft a song, should get credit. They can be just as much a part of it as the writers.
That’s an enlightened attitude.
I believe there’s always gonna be another song to write. So, it’s not something I worry about.
Your Internet presence (other than a couple videos) is sparse. Why is that?
I’m so focused on what I’m doing now that I just let it go. I even gave up my website. Eventually, I’ll get to it but it’s not a priority for me right now. •
