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Michael Jonathan Richards is an award-winning, New York-based songwriter whose diverse catalog spans pop, country, rock, dance, stage, and inspirational music.

Early Career

Shortly after graduating from Skidmore College, Michael was selected as one of five promising songwriters for the inaugural BMI Contemporary Songwriter Workshop in New York, founded by BMI executive Samantha Cox and renowned songwriter Billy Seidman. The workshop focused on refining ideas, melodies, lyrics, and rewriting skills, providing a strong foundation for Michael’s songwriting career.

An early breakthrough came when German artist Nina Falk recorded Michael’s song “I Will Hold You Now” in both English and German, following her hit “I Will Love Again.” This experience inspired Michael to join Songlink International, a platform connecting artists, publishers, and songwriters worldwide. Through Songlink, he secured several domestic and international recording and publishing agreements.

Nashville and International Work

Michael then moved to Nashville, where he spent a year learning from and collaborating with Juno Award winner and former SOCAN chairman Mel Shaw. Their partnership broadened his appreciation for various genres, writing styles, and themes. During this time, he began to view each song as a journal entry, recognizing that personal experiences often resonate as universal human stories.

While exploring Nashville, Michael stumbled upon an old church housing an out-of-tune piano that seemed to be waiting just for him. As he sat down to play, he experienced a profound shift in his musical direction, a move away from Hollywood-style narratives about lonely hearts and saving love, toward music rooted deeply in genuine, lived experience. It was in that moment of quiet inspiration that he penned “One Great Star,” a song he has rewritten more than 50 times. This song remains a powerful reminder to persevere, embodying the resilience and authenticity that now define his creative journey.

This openness led to his first pop-rock song, “Spark*,” recorded by artist LIZA. The song went on to win the International Grand Prix of Composers in Aachen, Germany, selected by a distinguished jury of national and international music executives.

Around the same time, his song “Wake Up” was recorded by Jeronimo for the charting debut album One Kiss, accompanied by a music video filmed on location in southern France.

Michael maintained his Nashville connections through remote collaborations with veteran producer Anthony “Tony” Morra of Downtown Batterie and Blair Masters, a longtime studio and touring musician for Garth Brooks.

Publishing and Current Work

In 2022, Kent Jacobs of Velocity Entertainment introduced Michael to Sherwin “I-Roc” Charles, a seasoned manager, producer, and song placer. Their collaboration led to a publishing agreement with Mojo Music & Media, which was later acquired by Concord Music.

Most recently, Michael has been working on new additions to his BMI catalog by actively revisiting older works, a project inspired by today’s fast-changing music landscape and a longing for the simplicity that once defined his songwriting. This includes songs like “And Time Went On,” “One Great Star,” and “When You’re With Me,” infused with fresh perspectives and personal growth. That said, he has also reunited with Nina Falk to co-write the holiday-themed “A Light in the Window,” in English and German, which is currently scheduled for release in December 2026.

Alongside his songwriting, Michael is currently creating a keepsake line, building upon his new publishing company, MJRTunes Worldwide. The venture blends the artwork of his father, multi-award-winning digital and print artist Alan M. Richards, with his own original lyrics, helping others celebrate life’s special moments.

Michael continues to expand his catalog, using songwriting to share personal yet universal stories across genres, reflecting the experiences that connect us all.

In Michael’s Words

In a high school production, I recall doing something completely unscripted, probably to make a small part bigger. After the show, the theater director made it a point to tell my mother that I was relentless. Back then, and even now, I’m not sure it was a compliment.

But hey, if it’s not working, why not change the script?