George musician releases emotional new single, 'Is It Real?'

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS - Heartache, loss, disappointment and rejection are emotions that most people experience at some point in their lives.

Dreams can be shattered in an instant, leaving a sense of hopelessness that feels overwhelming.

For local musician David Michael, that became a harsh reality in January 2024.

Within the space of a month, he lost his mother to cancer, went through a divorce and became the primary caregiver for his father, who is living with dementia.

The emotional toll was immense, and he believed he had closed the door on love for good.

Seeking a fresh start in a new town, he became involved with his local church, hoping to rebuild his life. Through the church community, he formed new friendships and found the kindness, encouragement and support that slowly helped restore his sense of hope.

Among those new friends was one woman who stood out. While she was warm, caring and always willing to help, he found himself wondering whether her kindness was simply friendship or whether there was something more.

Those unanswered questions and mixed emotions became the inspiration for his latest single, "Is It Real?", a song that explores vulnerability, hope and the uncertainty of opening your heart again after heartbreak.

A friend from Wellington sent him a melody that he had written and Michael added the lyrics and his own soulful voice.

The track reflects a deeply personal chapter in his life while capturing emotions that many listeners will recognise, making "Is It Real?" a relatable story of healing, second chances and the courage to love again.

Michael expressed his thanks to Werner Carstens, his long-time friend and fellow musician, for the musical arrangement and production under the collaborative umbrella, Wonderblind. Wonderblind is a group of South African storytellers writing and performing songs about ordinary life and the beauty hidden inside it.

Listen to the song on Spotify, YouTube, etc.

David Michael, will be performing live at Scarab Market this coming Saturday, 1 August, from 10:00 until 14:00. His unplugged acoustic guitar style covers everything from Paul Simon to Green Day, including some original compositions spanning the past 3 decades.

Michael is pleased to confirm that the inspiration for the song, George Herald's very own Dorothy Ings, is now his wife!

Happily married and enjoying life are David and his wife, Dot.