Collaboration in Creativity: Michael and Awsten’s Journey to SIDEQUEST
The Moment of Creation
Fast-forward the clock, and as the moment arrived for Michael to collate the solo music he’d accumulated over the years into a proper album, he knew he had to involve his buddy, Awsten.
A Flattering Proposal
“I was flattered,” Awsten smiles, recalling Michael’s initial approach. “Because Michael said they were gonna have Jack Harlow do it first, and he was like, ‘No chance. We need Awsten.’”
“Wait… you’re having us on there, right?!”
“I’m totally fucking around!” Awsten jokes, adding a playful twist to the conversation. “You should print that, though.”
“That makes me seem so much bigger than I am,” Michael laughs, appreciating the camaraderie. “But before my album was even written, I had gone to Awsten because I love his creativity. I felt like people had been wanting us to do something together since I first heard of your band’s name, so it’s definitely been a long time coming.”
The Creative Process
Michael expressed how Awsten’s input was invaluable during the creation of the album. “Awsten was someone I went to for a gauge on if stuff I was creating was cool. He has a really good eye for authenticity, especially concerning words and concepts. I was always asking him a lot and getting his opinion.”
Initial Meetings and Ideas
The two artists first met at a sushi place, where Michael played Awsten some of his early demos for SIDEQUEST through his phone. The atmosphere was relaxed, allowing ideas to flow freely.
“I get so excited thinking about, ‘Oh my god, okay, what’s the colour palette? What’s the message? What’s the log line? Is there a concept?’ And if not, let’s fucking build it,” Awsten explains. “Instantly, it was very exciting, and like, ‘We could do anything.’”
A Free-Spirited Approach
“It was so loose,” Michael adds. “No idea was bad or stupid or crazy because it was like, ‘Well, fuck it, why not?’ Every decision was, ‘Let’s just fucking swing.’ If it sounded fun or enjoyable, then hell yeah, let’s do it.”
Acknowledging Contributions
Michael was so appreciative of this liberating process that Awsten even gets a special mention in the SIDEQUEST album notes, where he is labelled a “confidant.” But how do they describe each other professionally?
Describing Each Other
“Perfectionist is one word,” Awsten says about Michael. “And that’s not a bad thing…”
“It’s pretty annoying!” Michael counters with a laugh. “I’ve got one for Awsten! Unfiltered. You throw every idea at the wall, and then you trusted me to take the good ones. That’s where I thrive: bringing out creativity from others while figuring it all out.”
“For Michael, I would also say generous,” Awsten continues. “Sometimes features can be like, ‘You’ve got 20 seconds, and you can’t say fuck.’ (Laughs) I so appreciated being trusted.”
Conclusion
The collaboration between Michael and Awsten showcases the power of friendship and creative synergy. Their unique approaches complement each other, resulting in an exciting and liberating creative process for the SIDEQUEST album. As they continue to explore new ideas and concepts together, fans can look forward to what this dynamic duo will create next.
FAQs
What is the main theme of the SIDEQUEST album?
The main theme revolves around creativity, freedom of expression, and the collaborative process between the artists.
How did Michael and Awsten’s friendship influence their work?
Their friendship allowed for open communication and trust, fostering an environment where ideas could flow freely and creatively without fear of judgment.
What roles do Michael and Awsten play in the album’s creation?
Michael serves as the primary creator and perfectionist, while Awsten brings an unfiltered and spontaneous approach to the collaboration, helping to shape the concepts and ideas.
