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Meet Michael Hill, an exceptionally talented singer-songwriter who, at the tender age of 13, has already penned and performed several songs – including one inspired by his summers in Cornwall, with his grandparents who live in Tregorrick, writes Alex Duff.
Michael, alongside his dad Andy Hill, who went to Penrice School, joined Cheryl Gordon’s Breakfast Show on CHAOS Radio to talk about his love of Cornwall, his busking in Padstow, and his dreams for the future.
Michael’s journey into music began at age seven when his parents gave him a guitar. “I just started messing around with it,” says Michael. “Then I started singing and putting some songs together.”
Initially replicating songs by Ed Sheeran, who Michael describes as a ‘huge influence’, he then found writing his own songs a great way to express his feelings.
Proud dad, Andy, actively ferries Michael around the country, from London to Cornwall, to busk, gig, or take part in open mic sessions.
“He’s usually the youngest performer when he does open mics,” says Andy, “and he always does well. He usually impresses people.” This summer was no exception, with Michael doing just that while busking on the streets in Padstow.
Away from music, Michael cherishes the memories of his long summers in Cornwall, especially his adventures at Porthpean beach.
“We’d go out in my grandpa’s boat. He built his own little wooden boat, so we’d go out fishing there – that’s probably my favourite memory,” Michael shares. And it’s these memories of his summers spent in Cornwall that inspired his song ‘Finally Free’.
During the show, Cheryl played another of Michael’s songs called ‘Haunted’, aptly named for her Halloween show. The song, however, delves into deeper themes than its title might suggest.
“I wrote this song about school and getting bullied. I get bullied a lot because of my music and singing. I just had enough of everyone having a go at me, so I wrote it down. It’s for all the other singers out there who get abused online – it’s just unfair.”
The song is haunting, both in its lyrics and melody: “Fly away from the fires. Run away from the liars. But they haunt me and again and again and again, and again and again and again,” sings Michael.
“Michael, I have goosebumps,” Cheryl admitted after airing the track. “That’s an incredible song; you should be super proud. You have such a lovely sound to your voice, and the way you’ve written that song is soulful. It’s a great listen.”
Despite the bullies, Michael’s ambition remains unwavering, “It’s been my dream my whole life – I really want to be a singer-songwriter.”
Have you been fortunate enough to see Michael perform in Cornwall? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Missed him this summer? Be sure to check out ‘Haunted’ and his other songs on Spotify.
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