Michael Lee Pinder grew up surrounded by music. The son of Mike Pinder, a founding member of the Moody Blues, and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, it should come as no surprise that Michael Lee was always captivated by it, and took to songwriting naturally, pouring out melodies from an early age. Having released several studio albums with his brother Matt (as The Pinder Brothers), Michael Lee still actively writes, records, and produces music in his private home studio, with his sound warm, and sophisticated, offering a guiding voice that cuts through the noise, and a reassuring insight into the world. Now Michael Lee has embarked on a new chapter, with a solo album, and an approach to the world with a refreshing sense of wonder.
Michael Lee Pinder’s new single, ‘Phantom Firefly (Glow)’. sees him at his most compelling, with his distinctive guitar melodies joined by ballad-like piano, and crisp, soulful vocals.
With charming style, he shows how easy it is to be distracted by the illusion of external glory, with its glimmers of silver and gold. When many “search for the light”, they lose out on what’s real, and “dimming what’s inside, waiting for the future to arrive”. Pinder brings to us a reminder that we need to radiate from the inside, rather than chase after success.
The music video for ‘Phantom Firefly (Glow)’, brings the sentiments of the song all together, as it opens with a little girl, who approaches a roller rink with what seems like just an average day of skating. She’s clearly discouraged however; but the rink employees – all wearing “Pinder” name tags – keep an eye on her, waiting to see if they need to offer her some assurance, or boost her confidence in some way. The opportunity arises, and the rink’s owner, with the assistance of some shiny outfit adjustments, manages to instill in her some confidence, and restore her joy. She is transformed, gliding around the rink. It’s pure whimsy, but at the same time, it shows that anything is possible, with a little courage and imagination.
Be inspired by the music video for ‘Phantom Firefly (Glow)’ below, and find out more about Michael Lee Pinder and his music online via his Linktree.
