By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Take a Michigander at this.
Highlighted by anthemic hits like “OK,” “Let Down” and “Better,” indie-pop rock connoisseur Michigander – the sonic alter ego of Michigan native Jason Singer – recently dropped his third six-track EP ‘Everything Will Be OK Eventually’ via C3 Records.
Singer wrote and produced the EP, alongside longtime collaborator and co-producer Jake Rye. It explores the theme of chasing a dream until it’s real, with some hope and optimism for the future. It’s a popular sentiment amongst folks in 2021, with the light seemingly at the end of the tunnel within the midst of a global pandemic.
Since his emergence in 2014, the Detroit-based artist has amassed nearly 20 million career global streams and shared stages with the likes of Silversun Pickups, Tokyo Police Club and Foster The People.
The Music Bugle had the opportunity to talk with the artist about the new EP and more.
Music Bugle – What directly inspired the name “Michigander”?
Michigander – I came up with this name years ago with my friend, Adam. We thought it would be cool, as it represents everyone in the state we are from. Now, we just fight to show up on Google results.
Music Bugle – What was it like working on your new EP ‘Everything Will Be OK Eventually’?
Michigander – It was the most amount of time I’ve spent working on a project. I think I ended up working on it in some way or another for most of 2020. I guess the silver lining of the pandemic was it allowed me to focus completely on this project.
Music Bugle – What has been your biggest challenge lately?
Michigander – Being patient. I really can’t wait until I can play shows again. It’s been nice to spend all this time at home, but I’m anxious to hit the road again.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
Michigander – I love making big anthemic songs. I love making songs that people can sing along to at shows. It’s the best feeling.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Michigan to someone who has never been there before?
Michigander – I think it’s a great place to experience all four seasons. Even though the winters can be pretty cold, there is always beauty in Michigan, year-round!
Music Bugle – How else have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Michigander – We had to cancel a ton of shows, which was a real bummer, but I think a lot of people were affected a lot worse than I was. I consider myself fortunate.
Music Bugle – Which of your new songs were the hardest to write?
Michigander – “Better” took a really long time to get right, but I think it turned out very nicely.
Music Bugle – What do you attribute your success to?
Michigander – Well, that’s a tough question. I think I’ve just always tried to hustle and make things happen, but truthfully, I’m nothing without the people that surround me. I have a really good group of friends and a very great team.
Music Bugle – What was your most memorable moment while at a show?
Michigander – One time, we pulled up to a show in Chicago and found out it was sold out. We were not expecting that at all and it was an incredible feeling.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Michigander – There is this band from Brooklyn called TOLEDO and I can’t stop listening to them.
*Photo Credit – Kris Herrman*
