Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Carrillo.
Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been involved in the local music scene here in San Antonio for over a decade. In 2008 I started running sound for a bar called The Warhol (renamed to The Ten Eleven.) During this time I would book shows, run sound, and also pushed promotion for my band Deer Vibes. Deer Vibes is an indie rock band, usually, a larger ensemble of orchestral instruments over the general band set up. We released our full-length album with the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio at the Empire theater. While Deer Vibes was heavily based on instrumentation, I was left wanting to create a more lyrically focused singer songwriter project which would become my band “Michael J, & The Foxes.”
In 2016, after 8 years of working for The Ten Eleven, I opened my own bar, Ventura. We continued the tradition of booking great bands, local artists, and having many fundraisers and special events. Ventura which unfortunately closed in March of 2020 due to the coronavirus and Texas mandate shutting down bars and venues. I’m now a music teacher with the San Antonio Sound Garden, and am also working towards my next business venture. Musically speaking, I’m working on recording the first debut album of Michael J. & The Foxes. The title is pretty long… I call it “Singing Love Songs About Etc” to keep it short and sweet.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every artist and business owner has ups and downs along the way. I would say the hardest part of both, is being confident in what you do. To put yourself out there and say “this is my vision” requires a leap of faith some people don’t ever take. I’m grateful for the people who have supported me through the rough times, it’s always worth it when you can be surrounded by people who believe in you.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m very proud of my songwriting with Michael J. & The Foxes. From the beginnings of a big band like Deer Vibes, to breaking down ideas and being vulnerable as a musician is so exciting to me. I think words are like puzzles and I like putting them together. Figuring out how to be clever, or picking times to be straight forward. There are so many options when it comes to writing and I love them all. I think I have a good ability to aim for the heart when I write. I try to find emotions other people can’t put into words and hope they connect to the songs on that level.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Opening Ventura was definitely the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. But I’ve always loved music, and being able to bring people together who share similar interests and passion for what they do. As much of a risk as it was, I don’t think I felt like I had a choice. My love of music laid the path for opening a music venue, and I did as much good as I could have in the time I had it. I recommend anyone with an itch to start their own venture do so. No matter what happens, it’s a life-changing experience.
Contact Info:
- Email: michaeljandthefoxes@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/mikeyvibe
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeyvibe/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWp6f3GaX1A
Image Credits
Anthony Gauna
