Michael Pos Connects on the Emotional Power of "YOU" in His Latest Release and Revealing Interview
- STAFF
- Oct 21
- 8 min read
Updated: Oct 24
By: Staff
“YOU” is a breathtaking blend of raw emotion, masterful songwriting, and a soulful delivery that captivates.
In a world where music often leans toward the loud and flashy, one artist is quietly crafting songs that resonate deep within the soul. Michael Pos is back with his latest release, "YOU", a tender and timeless ballad that blends folk, blues, and soul into something extraordinary. The song’s opening is soft, yet undeniably captivating, inviting listeners into a space of reflection, intimacy, and raw emotion.
We spoke with Michael to dive deeper into the song’s origins and what makes his music so special. "YOU" is a meditation on human connection, hope, and resilience, themes that Michael holds close in his personal life. The artist revealed the heart behind the track and how his journey from corporate life to full-time music shaped both his creative process and his sound. With a unique mix of classical training and a love for modern songwriting, Michael’s work bridges two worlds that might seem worlds apart but come together in a seamless, evocative harmony.
In our conversation, we explored his vision for the future, the challenges of balancing his own label with his musical aspirations, and the profound influence his faith has on his work. From his move to Nashville to the impact of formal education on his artistry, Michael’s story is one of transformation, growth, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity.
Get ready to uncover the layers of "YOU" through Michael’s own words. This is a journey into the mind of an artist who dares to make music that moves both the body and the spirit.
You’ll want to read every word
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Michael Pos, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. How has your personal musical journey brought you to this point? Did your evolution into a professional career happen gradually, or was there a pivotal moment that set everything into motion?
A. Music has always been both a compass and a companion. For years, I balanced a demanding corporate international career while writing and composing quietly in the background. Over time, the balance shifted — music became less of an outlet and more of a calling. My kids said “Dad, you have done well for us…now go have some fun”. So I did…and the pivotal moment came when I realized that the same discipline I applied in business could serve my creative work. From that point, I committed to bridging both worlds: emotional authenticity and professional structure. That shift became the foundation for everything I do now — both as an artist and as the founder of RCSQ Records.
Q. What is the story or inspiration behind this beautiful song “YOU”? How was the song brought to life?
A. “YOU” is a song about gratitude — gratitude towards my wife Lisa for many years, a love that matures rather than fades. It’s written from the perspective of someone who’s lived enough life to understand that connection, laughter, and simple presence are what give meaning to the years. The melody came first, softly looping on guitar late one evening. The lyrics followed almost like a letter — intimate, conversational, and sincere. In the studio, we kept it close to that original intimacy; it’s a love song, but more than that, it’s a meditation on the quiet strength of companionship.
Q. You’ve described the song as a reflection on human connection, hope, and resilience. How do you see these themes playing out in your personal relationships?
A. For me, resilience in relationships isn’t about avoiding hardship — it’s about returning to grace, to understanding. Hope lives in small gestures: a hand held, laughter after tension, forgiveness after pride. Those are the real harmonies of life, and that’s what “YOU” tries to honor. My relationships — with loved ones, with faith, even with my audience — are built on that rhythm of returning, listening, and choosing kindness again.
Q. There’s such an intimacy in the song's sound. Was it your first choice to keep the arrangement stripped back, or did that feel like a natural evolution in the studio?
A. It was very much intentional. We wanted the production to disappear and let the emotion speak. There’s a temptation to add — more guitars, more percussion — but the song itself asked for restraint. The minimal arrangement became part of its honesty. Every note, every silence, carries weight. The intimacy wasn’t designed — it was preserved.
Q. As someone with a rich background in classical composition and a deep understanding of musical theory, how does that influence the process of creating emotionally connected, raw songwriting?
A. Classical training gives you tools to sculpt emotion — to know why a harmony feels unresolved or how tension releases through melody. But the challenge is to let intellect serve emotion, not dominate it. I strive to allow theory/craft to become invisible — and to allow it to support what the heart is trying to say. That’s where the two worlds meet: disciplined craft in service of something deeply human.
Q. Eclectic Roots Groove is such a distinct term you’ve coined for your style. How did you arrive at that description of your sound, and what elements of your life and musical background most heavily influence it?
A. “Eclectic Roots Groove” grew out of trying to describe something that didn’t fit neatly into one category. My roots are in classical composition, but my heart leans toward the grooves of blues, folk, and soul. Eclectic Roots Groove became my shorthand for that space — where melody meets movement, and intellect meets emotion. It’s music that thinks and feels at the same time.
Q. You’ve mentioned that your work bridges classical depth with modern songwriting. Can you share a moment when these two worlds, classical and contemporary, collided in a way that reshaped your perspective on music?
A. During my graduate work at Peabody, I was composing orchestral pieces while listening obsessively to contemporary songwriters — Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and Sting. One night, I rewrote a classical motif as a primitive and emotive dance that had good success in Baltimore and something clicked: structure and story could co-exist. That realization reshaped how I approached composition — I no longer saw “high art” and “popular music” as opposites, but as partners in emotional storytelling.
Q. Having transitioned from the corporate world to a full-time music career, what have you found most rewarding about embracing your artistry? Was there a particular turning point or realization that made you take that leap?
A. The most rewarding part has been reclaiming time — time to create, to reflect, to be present. The turning point came when I realized that the creative life isn’t just about producing music; it’s about living truthfully. The corporate world taught me structure and strategy, but music brought me back to the ‘joy of the search’ . Once I saw that clearly, the leap felt less like risk and more like alignment.
Q. Your music feels shaped by both your professional experience and personal growth. Can you point to a specific moment where your life experiences deeply influenced a song you wrote, perhaps more than your formal training?
A. Absolutely. When I wrote “Move My Ship,” it came from a period of uncertainty and transition. The lyrics reflect both surrender and direction — themes you can’t learn in a conservatory. Life experience gives dimension to melody. Every challenge, every change, becomes part of the instrument you play. My education gave me the notes; my life gave me the reason to sing them.
Q. Having completed your Master’s in Musical Composition from Peabody Conservatory, how do you view the role of formal education in the development of an artist? How has your education shaped the way you approach music today?
A. Formal education teaches you discipline — how to show up for your craft even when inspiration doesn’t. It also gives you perspective: understanding music as language, as architecture. But the real growth comes when you move beyond structure into soul. My time at Peabody gave me fluency; life gave me the accent.
Q. What does your move to Nashville represent for you, both musically and personally? Do you feel it’s brought out something different in your music?
A. Nashville has a heartbeat that’s hard to describe — it’s collaborative, curious, and grounded in storytelling. Moving here allowed me to connect with musicians who value authenticity over perfection. Personally, it’s been a return to roots — a reminder that music is communal. It’s changed my writing — there’s more openness now, more room for conversation within the songs.
Q. As the founder of RCSQ Records™, how has owning your own label influenced your artistic freedom and control over your work?
A. RCSQ Records was born out of necessity — and vision. I wanted a home for artists who believe in integrity, craft, and meaningful connection. Owning my label allows me to make creative choices based on artistic truth rather than algorithmic pressure. It’s not just about freedom — it’s about stewardship. The goal is to create work that lasts.
Q. Running a record label while still creating music is no small task. What are the biggest challenges and rewards you’ve experienced balancing these two roles?
A. The biggest challenge is time — giving both the artist and executive sides of me enough space to breathe. But the reward is immense: every decision is guided by empathy for both perspectives. It’s taught me patience, humility, and a deep respect for the unseen work behind every song that reaches an audience.
Q. You’ve mentioned the influence of faith on your work. How does that spiritual grounding shape your process and the themes you explore in your music?
A. Faith, for me, isn’t dogmatic — it’s relational. It’s the core of who I am. God pursued me when I was very young, even though I was raised in a family of brilliant atheists. I remember my father emphatically saying, “God is dead,” echoing Nietzsche’s words. But as a seven-year-old boy, something within me resisted that idea. I quietly said to myself, “That’s not true.”
So, the fact that I have faith at all feels like an oddity — a gift I didn’t create. My belief stems from deep gratitude for what God has done for me, specifically what Christ has done for me — giving me access to something I could never reach on my own.
It’s also the awareness that creation itself is an act of grace. That belief shapes how I write, how I collaborate, and how I understand the purpose of music. Each song becomes a kind of prayer — not necessarily for answers, but for clarity, connection, and compassion.
Q. Michael Pos, we can't thank you enough for sharing these intimate details! Looking ahead, what’s the next chapter in your journey, both as a creator and as someone with a long, multifaceted career? Where do you see your music taking you in the next few years?
A. The next chapter is about integration — bringing together everything I’ve learned into something that feels both grounded and expansive. I want to keep exploring the edges of Eclectic Roots Groove, collaborate with artists who share a love for honesty, and build RCSQ into a label known for both musical depth and human connection. If there’s a destination, it’s simply this: to keep creating work that moves the heart and makes people feel seen.
Michael Pos, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
