Coming Clean: 5 questions with musician Michael Ronstadt

Michael Ronstadt defines his wide ranging musical style to include singer-songwriter, folk, jazz, classical, Americana to new age.

As a young child, Michael Ronstadt was surrounded by family music at parties and gatherings. His father left his job while Michael was in elementary school to play music full-time. Michael has fond memories of spending weekends listening to his dad’s trio, The Ronstadt Cousins, at Westward Look in Tucson, Arizona.

Hailing from a family of musicians (including aunt Linda Ronstadt), it comes as no surprise that Michael began playing music while in grade school. The cello was the first instrument he learned.

Now with his own musical career, Ronstadt gives back the only way he knows how — through music. He recently shared his thoughts with Soapbox on living a musician’s life.

Ronstadt holds a Master of Music in Cello Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, under the tutelage of Yehuda Hanani.

1) How would you describe your musical style to others?

Musical style is one of the hardest things to define for a multi-genre artist. I’m a blues/folk cellist, guitarist and songwriter who plays not only folk but also jazz, classical, Americana and new age. I think the term that defines what I do best is folk-Americana.

2) What fuels your passion?

I am interested in creating something from nothing and it culminates in sound. I love recording and releasing albums. I have the unfortunate problem of releasing three to five albums a year whether I plan to or not!

I’m also very interested in connecting with people and telling stories on stage, as is my family’s tradition. We are song-collectors, song-writers and song-interpreters in my family and when I tour with my married-to Serenity Fisher (piano/voice), we love continuing that tradition. If we can bring you to our living room and give you an old-fashioned, feel good music gathering, we have done our job.

3) Why Cincinnati?

Every city has its music tribe and I know so many great musicians here. It’s a wonderful place to feel at home, creative and inspired. Cincinnati is also a beautiful location in the middle of many bigger areas that makes it easy for me to travel. I really love the people in my music circle. I work with my favorite people and am so blessed.

4) What has been your biggest challenge?

The biggest challenge in any industry is trying to balance the various jobs one has to do in order to pay the bills as a self-employed musician. I teach private lessons; I’m a recording engineer and studio musician in person and long-distance. I perform 200 to 300 shows a year and maintain my website. I also design album covers for myself and others. I run sound and live-record many of my groups. It’s not easy, but it all adds up and pays the bills and I’m thankful I have seen the country and beyond due to my musical explorations.

5) If you were tossing a coin into the Tyler Davidson Fountain regarding the music scene in Greater Cincinnati, what would your wish be?

I hope that people in Cincinnati realize how rich and varied their music community is and continue to remember to support live music. I am so blessed and have so much gratitude for the fans, family, friends and fellow musicians I get to see in the audience and on stage. I hope to keep making people happy and putting smiles on the faces of our community.