Michael Cartellone Shares The Secret To Blending Art & Music

MC ARTWORKS YouTube Channel

If you’re a Lynyrd Skynyrd fan, then you know Michael Cartellone as the group’s energetic drummer. Formerly a member of Damn Yankees, Michael joined Skynyrd when they were in need of a drummer in 1999.  

It’s well-known fact that Michael is a killer drummer. But few people have any idea that he’s also a killer artist.

When Michael isn’t playing his heart out on stage with Skynyrd, you can find him working diligently on one of his paintings. However, he doesn’t always seperate his two passions from each other. Many of Michael’s paintings showcase a musical influence, including one he painted in honor of a fallen Skynyrd brother.

Michael never got the chance to play in Skynyrd with Ronnie Van Zant, but grew up with a great admiration for him and his talents. Now, as a member of Skynyrd, Michael decided to immortalize the band’s late lead singer in a stunning portrait painting.

This painting was one of the main topics of conversation when Michael sat down for an interview with CBS News in 2010. He went on to share how he’s able to find a good balance between art and music:

“For me honestly, it’s kind of two halves of a whole. Music and art have coexisted my whole life. A lot of the Skynyrd fans do know of the painting that I do, and it’s been very warmly received.” 

When asked if he gets the same satisfaction from both of his passions, Michael described his feelings in the perfect way:

“I get an equal satisfaction, however they strike different chords as it were. There’s the physicality of the drumming and the interaction with the audience. And then there’s kind of that quiet, almost recharging of the batteries of the painting.”

No matter what he does, Michael rocks it! He’s certainly a man of many talents.

Tune in below to watch Michael’s full interview with CBS, and learn more about some of his paintings in the process.

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