#ThrowbackThursday Woodson: Making Music That Lasts Forever

I first interviewed Woodson Michel in 2012. Today we confirmed that he will be returning to #ConversationsLIVE on Sunday, January 18th @ 5:30p.m. et (4:30p.m. ct/2:30p.m. pt) with his new single. Below you will find his feature in #ConversationsMag that ran in Dec. 2012. You can hear our first radio interview together here.

by Cyrus Webb

When I heard recording artist Woodson's single LET ME BE I knew that this was a song that men and women would make one of their favorites of the year. The message is clear: No matter what you've been through in previous relationships, don't be afraid to give another guy a chance.

If you are looking for music and a story that is worth your time, then my conversation with Woodson will interest you. He has gone from being literally in the background of music to taking the mic and his career in his hands, allowing his dedication to the craft to lead him. Talk about living life unafraid. Here is an example of what you can do when you are willing to give your all.

"To get to where you want to go you have to go through your ups and down," Woodson told me. "When you pay your dues you are going to be able to reap the rewards." And the rewards have included being able to share his music during live performances and the online audience he is garnering. "For me every song is a different message, depending on what I'm feeling." That is what he believes is the key to how he is able to cross-over to different types of music lovers.

There was a time, though, when Woodson's voice was not to be heard. "I knew I had been given this gift in 2005," he says. "I came out of college and started a group, but I was the back-up guy and wasn't really serious. Over time, though, I made the decision that we were going to give it our all. It took me time to grow and get prepared. Now I'm in a place where I am comfortable saying I can see myself doing this forever."

Like everyone else, Woodson has had to wrestle with the demons that come from being in the public eye. "Fear is everywhere," he says. "You have to attack your fear and conquer it. People aren't going to like everything that you do. I'm trying to give you an expression of myself. Because I am coming from a real place, I know the fans are going to get my point."

Since it is now just built around him, there is also the pressure that comes with being out front. "Everything now is about the total package. Branding is going to get you where you need to be. You have to do more than just look good. Likewise you have to be able to bring more to the table than the singing."

I was curious as to how his idea of success has changed during his growth in the business. "For me success is something that can come in stages.," he told me. "Getting the song (Let Me Be) done is a success. Once you start something you don't want to quit. It's going to take a lot of time and energy. If you are doing your part, though, it will come to you."

Woodson's advice to you: "Believe in yourself and pursue what you love with a true intent. If you can do that then it will come."

His single LET ME BE is available now on Amazon.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @IAmWoodson and check out his page on Facebook www.facebook.com/woodsonmusic.