63. Michael Cristiano Part 2 - Paninis, Perseverance, and Profound Moments

Michael Cristiano is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer, best know for his work with Legendary Australian group The Seekers and now coming out from behind the scenes to launch his debut solo album Mai Finirà.

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In the final installment of this two-part episode, Lui sits down with Michael for a heartfelt and free-flowing conversation over Italian paninis from a mutual favourite restaurant Cirelli & Co, in Melbourne’s iconic Hosier Lane. Episode 63 (Part 2) dives deeper into Michael’s musical journey, his Italian heritage, and the challenges and triumphs of a career in music. From discussing the creative process to reflecting on the state of the music industry, this episode is packed with insights, laughter, and a shared passion for storytelling through art. Highlights include Michael’s thoughts on perseverance, the rare quality of care in his work, and a philosophical take on life’s unexpected turns.

Highlights

The Tension Between Talent and Perseverance (00:29:46 - 00:29:57) - When asked what advice he’d give to aspiring musicians, Michael emphasises the dual need for talent and relentless work ethic. He reflects on how life’s distractions—relationships, financial pressures—can derail even the most gifted, making “don’t give up” a mantra that resonates differently for someone like him, who never had a Plan B, versus others who face daily temptation to quit. “The real talent’s in the work. If you’ve got a gift and a talent, you need to cultivate that... the hardest thing of all is don’t give up.”

Life’s Unexpected Gifts (00:32:31 - 00:33:17) - Michael’s reflection on how opportunities often come in unexpected ways—sometimes better than planned—offers a profound lens on trusting the journey. Drawing from personal anecdotes and the Rolling Stones’ wisdom, he suggests that what we need might outshine what we want, a sentiment that resonates as both a career and life philosophy. “Quite often, it’ll come to you in a way you hadn’t expected... sometimes what you need is better than what you want.”

The Struggle and Resilience of a Music Career (00:30:01 - 00:30:13) - Lui and Michael explore the realities of pursuing music in Australia, from the geographical challenges to the dominance of tribute bands over original acts. Michael shares his experiences touring with major acts and the stark contrast between Australia’s sport-centric culture and the music-driven vibe he encountered in Nashville. This candid discussion sheds light on the resilience required to stay committed to an artistic “I’ve taken so many hits... you’ve got to have a really thick skin, you’ve got to believe in yourself and know that you’re going to get somewhere.”

The Rarity of Unwavering Care in Art (00:52:17 - 00:52:30) - Lui pinpoints a standout quality in Michael’s work: an unwavering care that permeates everything he does, whether producing a platinum album for The Seekers or performing solo for thousands. This observation, sparked by Judith Durham’s praise, underscores how Michael’s dedication sets him apart in an industry where such consistency is rare.“It’s an unwavering care for what he does. No matter who you’re doing it for or with, it’s the same level of care across the board for everyone.”

Available now on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe and comment to join the conversation! Share this episode with friends, leave a review (let’s get that 29 to 30 five-star reviews on Spotify!), and subscribe for more unscripted chinwags on The Lui Diaz Podcast. Grazie for listening!

🫶 Thanks again for listening and watching! Let us know what you think and catch you in the next episode.

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Audio Recorder - Zoom H6

Microphone - Shure SM58

Camera - Insta360 X4

Headphones - Audio Technica ATH-M50x

Mic Stands - MELODIC

Micro SD Card - Scandisk Extreme

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