Michael Jeffrey Paving a Trail Back Home through Release & Reflection
I met Michael Jeffrey at an Open Mic in Seattle earlier this year. Tim’s Tavern had booked me as a featured artist for the evening. Michael absolutely blew me away with his depth & the power in his voice. I think everyone should be a fan of his
Tell us a bit about your musical journey—when did you first start writing or performing?
I actually started writing music pretty recently. It wasn’t something I had planned—I was just trying to survive one of the hardest chapters of my life. My marriage ended after a series of betrayals, including my ex having an affair with our marriage counselor. She was a therapist too, and eventually he offered her a job—things unfolded from there. It was a complete collapse of everything I knew: my marriage, my work, my identity. At the time, I was a pastor leading a small nonprofit doing community work, and it felt like everything I had built just died.
Therapy wasn’t really an option after all that, so I turned to music. Writing songs became a way to process the pain and confusion. It started out just for me—I always said, “I write sad songs that make me feel better.” Eventually I brought one of those songs to an open mic. I thought it was garbage, honestly. Years of being told I wasn’t good at much—especially not songwriting—had taken their toll. But after I played, the host came up and asked if it was my song. He told me it was incredible. That moment gave me just enough confidence to keep going.
What pushed you to take your music more seriously recently? Was there a turning point or a moment that lit the fire?
That open mic moment really was the spark. It was the first time someone responded to my music in a way that made me feel like maybe it was worth sharing. I didn’t suddenly think I was great, but I realized it was real. It was helping me heal—and maybe it could do that for someone else too. That simple encouragement helped me take the next step, and I haven’t stopped since.
How does songwriting fit into your life right now? Is it a form of release, reflection, or something else entirely?
It’s definitely a form of release and reflection. It’s how I work through what I’m feeling or what I’ve been through. Music gave me a voice when I didn’t feel like I had one. It helped me reclaim parts of myself that had been lost in all the chaos. Now it’s a part of how I stay grounded and connected to what matters.
Your performances feel deeply emotional—what do you hope people feel or take away when they hear your music?
I hope people feel seen. I want them to know they’re not alone. If someone’s going through heartbreak, loss, or just trying to figure life out—maybe something in the lyrics or the way I sing it makes them feel understood. That matters to me. That’s why I do it.
Can you walk us through your process? Do lyrics or melodies come first, or does it change from song to song?
It’s different every time. Sometimes it starts with a single line that just hits me, and I build from there. Other times it’s a melody I hum into my phone while driving. I don’t overthink it. I try to stay honest and let the song tell me where it wants to go.
Are there any artists or albums that have shaped your sound or approach to songwriting?
Yeah—Chris Stapleton and Chris Cornell for sure. Their rawness, their range, the way they write and perform with soul—that really speaks to me. I also pull a lot from rootsy, bluesy, singer-songwriter stuff that feels lived-in and honest.
What are you currently working on? Any new releases or upcoming shows we should help promote?
Yes. My first EP, Trail Back Home, is already out. Every song on it is like a chapter in my healing process—it tells the story of the past two years, from heartbreak and loss to finding some peace and direction again. I’m also playing shows around the release, with more dates rolling out soon.
What’s the best way for people to hear your music or connect with what you’re doing next?
The EP is available on all streaming platforms. Instagram is the best way to stay updated on shows, new releases, and everything coming next. I’m also putting out more performance videos and behind-the-scenes content, so keep an eye out.
