J. Michael Harter started as a solo Artist in Nashville giving Broken Bow Records their first charting single, “Hard Call To Make”. He toured with Clint Black, Josh Turner, Craig Morgan, Little Big Town, & Kix Brooks, and also wrote with some of Nashville’s most notable songwriters.

In 2009 J. Michael signed to Nashville’s Bigger Picture Group as a family band, 'The Harters’. With several singles released to Country Radio, and a video in rotation on CMT & GAC in 2011, ‘The Harters’ received attention in major media outlets and toured with Country music icon, Alan Jackson.

J. Michael was kind enough to answer some questions from us to help you get to know him.

KICK-FM:  Where do you call home?

I am currently living in Nashville and have been for the past 6 years. I absolutely love it!! But, I can't lie, I will always call Arizona home. I was born in Mesa, and grew up in Tempe. We still have a cabin in Flagstaff and that is home in my mind. Go Cardinals!!!

KICK-FM:  What and/or who influenced you to make music?

I'd have to say my Dad and Grandfather were responsible for passing the "Music bug" to me. They both played guitar and sang. We had an old upright Player piano that I started banging on while still in diapers!! My Dad had a band when he was younger but then he decided to get married and have 5 kids….so needless to say, that put the brakes on his career.

KICK-FM: When did you sing your first song?  When did you write your first tune?

I started digging into singing when I was about 13. I know I must not have been very good because my Mom would ask me to close my bedroom door. But, hey, practice pays off!! I wrote my first song at 16 for my high school girlfriend, Cori. Ahhhhhh how sweet

KICK-FM:  Do you have any new projects you’re currently working on?

I am currently writing to finish my second solo album. We have 7 songs cut so far and are looking to cut another 5.

KICK-FM:  How do you use social media like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to reach your fans?

I use social media to update my fans on what Im doing, shows, etc.. Although most of the time my updates are just me being goofy, posting funny quotes, pictures and videos, and talking about my life. I want people to know the real me. I think thats important.

KICK-FM:  What’s next for you for the rest of 2012 and 2013?

The rest of 2012 will be writing, recording, and playing a few more shows. Then I'm off to Arizona for the holidays. 2013 is going to be a busy year for me. Finishing the record up and then launching it. Thats when the real work starts.

I use social media to update my fans on what Im doing, shows, etc.. Although most of the time my updates are just me being goofy, posting funny quotes, pictures and videos, and talking about my life. I want people to know the real me. I think thats important.

KICK-FM:  If someone listens to just one song of yours …which one should it be and why?

That's a tough one..hmmmm…I'd have to say "Everything in Arizona" off of the Unexpected Change album. Its the first song I wrote when I moved to Nashville. Its about my journey here and leaving my girlfriend behind in Arizona. In the song, I wrote the second verse about turning around and heading back home to her…I never really did that.. I think writing it that way was my way of coping with missing her.

J. Michael Harter will be performing in Quincy at Johnny Bang Bang's this Friday along with Jake Clayton and Cali Tucker.  Keep up with the latest happenings with J. Michael via his Facebook page and his website.

 

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