Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael O’Grady.
Michael, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Warren, Ohio. I grew up playing guitar, piano, and drums. The first concert I ever saw was AC/DC! I moved to Los Angeles, California, in 2010. Attended Musicians Institute for Guitar Performance and graduated in 2012. In 2014 I played in a pop-rock band managed by Randy Jackson (American Idol). Since then, I have played with various artists as a working musician and hired gun. Was a sub guitarist for The Sayers Club House band for their Sessions artist showcase nights right up until Covid-19 struck.
Through the Pandemic, I have been working with a new band called Mechanical Roots and started a podcast called Michael O’Grady & The Creatives. Interviewing fellow colleagues about how they’re able to work and get through and adapt during these difficult Covid-19/Pandemic times.
The Michael O’Grady & The Creatives is a podcast that is centered around interviewing all walks of the wildlife of creativity. Based in Los Angeles, Michael O’Grady (Musician/Performer) sits down and talks with musicians, actors, filmmakers, agents, producers, and anyone involved in the creative world. Discussing topics from when “The Bug” bitchya, to gear, the creative process, and what our world will look like for our future as entertainers. These first episodes are being logged as “THE LOCKDOWN SESSIONS”.
Has it been a smooth road?
I moved out here to Los Angeles cold. Not knowing anyone or how the business works. Of course, there have been some peaks and valleys. From getting a gig, that seems like the paychecks will last forever to playing for peanuts and not knowing how you’re going to pay next month’s rent. Everything is always a learning experience and can’t see myself doing anything else. As a musician and an actor, I have been fortunate enough to get work and keep learning the process.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Performing music as a red gun for various artists and being able to jump into situations for live shows with sometimes no rehearsals. I currently perform with Mechanical Roots (band) and am The LA guitarist for actor/musician Thomas Ian Nicholas (American Pie & Rookie Of The Year).
Some commercial work and I am in the new music video for THE STROKES single Bad Decisions where I play the guitarist Nick Valensi. In January, I was a supporting lead in a short film called “Breathe The Beat” about a washed up metal band looking for a comeback. I play guitarist “DAVID” the short film is currently in post-production.
Hosting my new podcast show MICHAEL O’GRADY & THE CREATIVES available on YouTube, iTunes, and Spotify.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles has always been a hub and has so much to offer and it’s where the Entertainment business thrives. However, during these times, I am not sure of the future, no one is. It still seems like the place to be; however, we’re faced with these “new normals,” and a lot of stuff CAN be accomplished from home and anywhere in the world you can reach the world. I am hoping people can really get creative and find new ways to reach their goals, including myself.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @michael_ogrady & @michaelogradyandthecreatives
- Facebook: Michael O’Grady
- Other: youtube.com/michaelogradyguitar
Image Credit:
Headshot, flannel, black and white photo by Tyler Miles Photography
Live shot by @william_greenburg
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