We had the pleasure of interviewing Mike Kuster, an inspiring indie country musician, to explore his musical journey, inspirations, and the challenges he has faced along the way. Mike’s passion for country music was sparked in childhood after witnessing a captivating performance by his father’s friend, Benny Dean. Surrounded by a family who loved country music, Mike absorbed the sounds of various eras, from the 1940s to contemporary hits.
Despite taking a break to focus on family, the pandemic reignited his passion, leading to the creation of two albums and an EP. Mike’s music stands out with its traditional roots, offering a refreshing blend of classic sounds in a modern landscape. His dedication to storytelling through real-life experiences and emotions resonates deeply with listeners. As he continues to write and perform, Mike Kuster is carving out a unique space for himself in the country music scene. Here’s his inspiring story.
Can you tell us about your journey as an indie musician? What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
As a child, my father took me to see a friend of his playing a gig somewhere with his band. Benny Dean was the artist’s name, and he put on a heck of a show. I was hooked. I wanted to perform country music. My dad played guitar. So, I learned from watching him play. Since my grandparents and my parents listened to country music, I was exposed to everything from the 1940’s to the present.
I began writing music in college and performed until my wife and I had children. Once the pandemic hit, I returned to music while stuck at home. I started posting videos and eventually got connected with a producer in Nashville. We’ve made two albums and an EP since then. I gathered a live band, and started performing again shortly after that first album was released.
How would you describe your unique style and sound as an artist? What sets you apart from other musicians?
I’m pretty traditional and very rooted in the music I heard as a kid. So, I don’t stray too far from that. A lot of musicians are younger or chase those newer sounds. I’m happy making new music that sounds like those timeless classics. There is variety in all of that. So, I just think folks here that older sound, and really like it. It’s so old it sounds new!
Could you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an indie musician and how you overcame them?
The biggest challenges are getting folks to even hear my music. While it’s never been easier to get music out to folks, there is so much that it’s hard to get noticed. I don’t feel that I’ve overcome that challenge, but we keep promoting and sharing through social media, traditional media, radio, digital streaming services, and performing live every chance I get.
What is your creative process like? How do you approach songwriting and composing music?
I’ve never been good at sitting down and just writing a song. Most of the time, I’ll get a line that strickes me stuck in my head. I usually write that down and record it. I’ll go back to those notes when I need a song. Other times, a whole song will just come to me, but it’s never when I’m planning to write.
I’ve had songs come to me in dreams, in the shower, or just driving down a road. “Frog Eye Mud Bog”, my current single, is an idea that I had for a LONG time, but just couldn’t figure it out. While we were recording guitar tracks in the studio, the song pretty much came to me. I wrote it right then and there.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music? What inspires your lyrics?
I don’t have a set agenda for most of my music. I just try to write about real life; places, emotions, experiences that I know or that I’ve witnessed. I do find that there are themes that emerge, but it’s not intentional. My EP Montain Monsters of Maryland is the exception. That project was my goal to write a Halloween album about the stories we heard around campfires here in Frederick County, Maryland.
What are your long-term goals as an indie musician? Where do you see yourself and your music in the next few years?
I really want to keep growing with the songs I write. So, I’m hoping to collaborate with other songwriters for my next album. I have a bunch of songs started, but not finished. Songwriting is very important to me. So, that is where I want to keep growing. As a performer, I want to keep getting out there and playing larger venues. Hopefully, I’ll be out there opening for some of the larger names in Country Music.
