Loving his West Michigan roots, Jason Singer opens up about Michigander’s full-length debut for Local Spins, which also premiered tracks by Sonny Ski, Kyle Joe, The American Hotel System and more.
‘Best Band Ever’ and an ‘Exciting’ Debut LP: Jason Singer of Michigander. (Courtesy Photo)
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As Jason Singer puts it, the new music on Michigander’s full-length debut album means he’s “graduated from college” and “ready to do the real thing.”
Of course, the Michigan native’s musical education actually came in the studio and on the road the past several years, but it’s clear that the anthemic pop represented on the upcoming self-titled release boasts a more mature, honest and cohesive milieu.
The now-Nashville based Singer, aka Michigander, characterizes the singles and EPs that he’s released since 2016 as his “college years.”
“This is my entrance into the real world and this is the career now,” he offered, acknowledging the more mature messaging and musical confidence displayed in tracks recorded recently by producer Jeremy Lutito in Nashville.
“I don’t shy away from some political things and just personal things and being the most honest with myself that I’ve ever really been. I also feel like sonically in the way it sounds and the way it flows tougher is really cohesive. … I’m really happy with how it came together. I’m really excited for people to dig into it.”
VIDEO: Michigander, “Giving Up” (2024 Single)
Michigan fans will get a chance to “dig into” some of that new music in live fashion several times over the next month, with the band performing tonight (Nov. 8) at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, followed by two “Holiday Specials” in Grand Rapids in early December.
PRE-CHRISTMAS CONCERTS AT TIP TOP DELUXE & ELEVATION BENEFITING CHARITIES
For the first time, Michigander will present a two-night showcase at completely different Grand Rapids venues – an intimate Dec. 6 affair at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill, with Young Ritual opening, followed by a full-blown Dec. 7 spectacle at the much-larger Elevation inside The Intersection.
“I’ve kind of always wanted to make the return to West Michigan be an annual special thing when we … just do something different,” he said of the shows inspired by TV holiday specials. “I’m really excited. The shows will be pretty different and it’ll be very festive.’
Some proceeds from the Tip Top Deluxe concert will benefit Kids’ Food Basket, with the Elevation show supporting D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s, part of Michigander’s “community” mission.
Michigander at Tip Top in 2023: Jason Singer on stage.
(Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
“West Michigan’s where Michigander started and it’s where I’ll end up one day, I’m sure. We just love Grand Rapids and we just love West Michigan,” Singer said during a brief break from the band’s current tour.
“It’s feels like home every time, so I’m really excited to do these special shows and hope to continue to grow them. We have pretty lofty goals for them in the future, but we’re starting off with just the two shows.”
Fans can purchase a VIP package for $61 which includes tickets to both the Tip Top Deluxe and Elevation shows, along with a limited edition poster. Tickets for the Elevation show — $23 in advance — are available online here, with special guests Oliver Hazard and Trauna also on the bill.
The current headlining U.S. tour, holiday specials and upcoming release on Totally Normal Records through Thirty Tigers mark the latest milestones for an indie-rock/pop artist who’s already racked up more than 100 millions streams of his music worldwide while topping Triple A music charts.
This year alone, he’s toured with the likes of Band of Horses, The Head and The Heart and Crowded House while playing several major music festivals.
He’s teased the new album release with catchy singles such as “Giving Up” (518,00-plus streams on Spotify) and “Emotional” (68,000 and counting), while honing the band’s live show.
“This tour has been the most fun and the best the band has ever been,” he insisted. “We’re just kind of really flowing and doing whatever we want to keep it interesting, and it’s been really, really fun. … Playing in front of people and that human connection, that’s the best part of the job.”
In addition to an interview with Michigander, this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured the two aforementioned singles, as well as showcasing tracks by Kyle Joe (formerly Chain of Lakes), Sonny Ski, Happy Curmudgeons, Trauna, Dylan Sundberg, The Aquaerials, Kanin Wren, Wilson Thicket, Spencer LaJoye and The American Hotel System. Listen to the radio show here.
PODCAST: Local Spins on WYCE (11/8/24)
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