LISTEN: Michigander Reminds Us It’s “OK” To Be Lonely In New Single
LISTEN: Michigander Reminds Us It’s “OK” To Be Lonely In New Single
His third EP EVERYTHING WILL BE OK EVENTUALLY is out on March 19th
Words By: Jason Russo
Rising indie rock star Michigander has released his latest single “OK” off of his upcoming third EP Everything Will Be OK Eventually. The Michigan based singer has made a name for himself via his catchy melodies and optimistic lyrics that inspire hope amidst challenging dilemmas. “OK” joins his previously released single “Let Down” as the second single off of the latest EP.
“OK” builds slowly, starting with only a basic drumline, sparse electric guitar notes, and a single repeated piano note that perhaps reinforces the idea that loneliness can be a nagging and unrelenting feeling. Michigander longs for the company of someone he cannot see, walking aimlessly to avoid going back to home to be alone with his thoughts. The catchy chorus breaks through to reassure us that “It’s ok to be lonely.” Loneliness is something we usually try to avoid at all costs, and in the process, we often end up doing more damage by trying to rid ourselves of it. Michigander reminds us how loneliness, especially throughout 2020 and 2021, is a normal, common, and sometimes even necessary feeling.
The narrative he creates in the song perfectly encapsulates the experience of feeling alone. The track builds magnificently at the bridge, channeling Michigander’s frustrations that “I still want you” as his voice soars along with the drums and the electric guitars. The track is an extremely cathartic listen that will have you pumping your fist or dancing in your living room, remembering that it really is okay to be lonely.
On his inspiration for the track, Michigander said: ““Too often, whenever I was alone or feeling lonely, I would think it was a negative thing. But during last year, when there was an excessive amount of time on my own, I realized that being alone sometimes is a totally normal thing. Sometimes, it’s easier to think clearer when you’re on your own. I think a lot of people feel like something is missing if they aren’t constantly surrounded by people. I’m just trying to normalize the alone time.”
Michigander is the moniker for Michigan native Jason Singer whose signature alt-rock sound and uplifting themes have amassed him tens of millions of streams across platforms. Singer began his career in 2016 with his independently released single “Nineties” which quickly garnered over a million streams and set the stage for the release of two EP’s. His latest, Where Do We Go From Here, was released back in 2019 to much critical acclaim from major music outlets like NPR, NME, and Paste. His sound is a unique spin on indie rock music that he describes as, “big pop songs disguised with guitars.”
Fans of Roo Panes, Kurt Vile, and Bright Eyes will instantly fall in love with Michigander’s sound. His latest EP Everything Will Be OK Eventually is an optimistic project centered around the ideas of chasing your dreams and keeping up hope even in the darkest of times. The project was co-written with his long time producer and friend Jake Rye who helped push Michigander’s sound to new heights on this project. Everything Will Be OK Eventually is certainly a new and exciting chapter for Michigander whose next chapter is set to be his most exciting yet. Check out the EP which will be released on March 19th and stay tuned for more from Michigander!
