Vol 143: Breakfast and Music Adventures with Former MuchMusic VJ Michael Williams

Hanging at The Mix having Breakfast

We really wish this amazing crew neck was around but check out this amazing picture of Michael

Rick Campanelli, Michael Williams, Maestro Fresh Wes and Sean Menard on stage at Imperial Theatre

Welcome back, Strange Crew!

Imagine having the absolute honour of sitting down for breakfast with one of the most iconic faces of MuchMusic, the channel that brought the magic of music into our living rooms for years. That's exactly what happened to us at Strange Grooves when we had the incredible opportunity to interview former MuchMusic VJ Michael Williams. We met Michael and other iconic VJs at the MuchMusic Documentary, “299 Queen Street West, screening at the Imperial Theatre in Saint Johh a few weeks back.

When the opportunity presented itself to chat with this legendary figure, we couldn't say anything but "hell yeah!"

Now, let’s put the beep beeps on for a minute; before we delve into our sit-down with Michael Williams, we must first acknowledge the importance of MuchMusic in our lives. For many, MuchMusic was more than just a television channel; it was a cultural institution. It was where we discovered new music, tuned in to watch our favourite music videos, and felt a sense of connection to the VJs who brought it all to life. These VJs became our friends, our guides to the music world, and they are etched in our memories as part of our music journey forever.

Okay, now let’s talk about Michael. Michael Williams was one of the core members at MuchMusic from 1984 to 1993. During his tenure, he became a household name, hosting iconic shows like "Soul in the City," "RapCity," "Electric Circus," and more. His charisma, passion for music, and down-to-earth demeanour endeared him to viewers across Canada. His infectious enthusiasm for music made him a beloved figure during MuchMusic's golden era; evidently, he still is today. Sean Menard’s documentary showcases that beyond a doubt now more than ever.

When we sat down with Michael at the Delta for breakfast, it was more than just an interview; it was a meeting of kindred spirits. We shared our love for music and reminisced about the good old days when MuchMusic ruled the airwaves. We discovered that Michael's passion for music is as strong as ever, and he has stayed deeply connected to the industry.

In the episode, we discussed Michael's experiences at MuchMusic, and he shared some incredible music recommendations that piqued our interest. But that's not all; Michael's journey post-MuchMusic was equally fascinating. He went on to run his own recording studio, Black Rose Studios in Toronto, a space where musical magic happens. His dedication to music as a VJ and studio owner shows his unwavering commitment to the industry.

We were privileged to hear stories, recommendations, and insights from someone who played a pivotal role in our music-loving lives. We want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to Sean Menard and the entire crew who put together the amazing MuchMusic documentary, which allowed us to connect with Michael.

For those who grew up with MuchMusic, this exclusive interview was a nostalgic journey down memory lane. MuchMusic and its VJs were our companions on our music discovery quests, and it's heartwarming to know that the passion for music still burns brightly in the hearts of the people who were the faces of the channel.

WE HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS RIDE AS MUCH AS WE DID! Part 2 will be happening when we visit Michael in Toronto next year ;)

Until next time, Keep it strange!