We recently had the chance to connect with Michael Ursu and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
Success, recognition, validation from strangers. If I stopped, I’d explode!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey my name is Michael Ursu. I’m the son of an immigrant who defected from Romania and found her way to NYC. I grew up playing music and a LOT of video games… decided to hit the west coast and went to Occidental College for a B.A. in Music Composition. However I found myself on the opposite side of the camera, and fell in love with acting immediately. When the pandemic hit, I was at a loss acting-wise. I managed to get some followers on TikTok doing silly sketches, but it wasn’t soul-satisfying. One day I’m scrolling aimlessly and a guy pops up saying “Need a side hustle? Narrate audiobooks!” I thought ok, I know how to record music. Started on ACX and published several, then got on other VO casting sites and now I do it full-time – narrating ads for brands like Del Taco, Intel, and Zyn, and I’ve even lent my voice to popular game series like SILENT HILL. I’m also a rising star in the vertical series world too !
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
Not my earliest, but there’s really no feeling like conducting a small chamber ensemble. Them following your intensity.. almost like a general commanding his army.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Perhaps in the beginning, but I was never, EVER fond of a “Plan B.” Even when I was trying to make it in music with composing and playing shows. Sure, I had a day job back then – so grateful to be full-time now – but I don’t think the most talented rise to the top. It’s the people with grit who are just too stubborn to stop, who make it.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
Work hard and you’ll be rewarded. Oh no no no. Find the lucrative commercial VO gigs that only take an hour of your time and pay big, and THEN you’ll be rewarded.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If anything I’d probably ramp up the bacchanalia and party harder.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michaelursu.weebly.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makumusic/
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michael.ursu
