A Chat With: Michigander
Hailing from (you guessed it) Michigan, the outfit Michigander is fronted by lead singer and songwriter Jason Singer. Much like the literal band name and frontman’s surname, the handful of singles that have come out of the Michigander project possess a certain quality of straightforwardness. Narratives told in Singer’s soothing vocals hook listeners in; relatable stories and layered melodies keeping them enthralled. Following the streaming success of his debut single “Ninties,” Singer and his band have toured with other acclaimed Michigan acts like Flint Eastwood, and performed live sessions at studios like Daytrotter in Davenport and Audiotree in Chicago. After being introduced to them at Daytrotter Downs Festival in March, we couldn’t wait to catch up with Singer during Michigander’s show at Township on Friday, June 23rd. During our chat, Singer talked about being inspired by Coldplay, why he dislikes albums, their upcoming tour schedule, and more. Get to know Michigander now!
Credit: Adam Podboy
ANCHR Magazine: What first got you interested in making music? When did you go from being a fan of music to actually writing your own?
Jason Singer: I think 2009 I saw Coldplay play a massive show in Detroit. I think that was like, holy crap, I wanna do that. That’s what I’ve been thinking lately has sparked it. I’ve always been kind of fascinated with stages and sound systems and all that. It was always just really exciting to be around.
AM: So talking about new music from you, I saw you were recently asking your Twitter followers if you should keep releasing singles or an EP. I think EP won...are you going to end up doing that?
JS: I don’t know, the producer I’m working with wants me to do an EP. I kind of agree with him, but the singles kind of like take a life of their own. I think that is cool because you spend money making the stuff. So putting it together [in a EP], something might get looked over. I think putting singles out helps solidify each song. Gives them a life of their own. Getting a lot of plays on individual songs is cooler to me.
AM: So you mentioned you’re working with a producer now Is that who you always work with?
JS: I just started working with him, so we just did the last single “Fears” with him. I have another one that’s recorded that’ll probably be out in September. Then probably two more early next year.
AM: Nice, so how’s the recording process with him?
JS: It’s awesome. I just go there and he really knows his system. That’s the coolest part, just going and everything is set up. Everything is already mic’d and he’s like play, anything you want. Right now. So it’s just me and him. I can play everything except the drums, so we have a drummer come in. Everything else on the record I usually play.
AM: As far as playing live, you just did Audiotree today--
JS: Yeah, that was really cool! That was a total bucket list dream come true. They were great, they were super nice. Same with Daytrotter! Those sessions are what I thrive for. Since we only have a few live songs, the session helps us have stuff. Then we have the shows. Having people show up to shows is awesome for having one or two songs.
AM: Yeah, and then you’re doing Mo Pop this summer. Who else are you looking forward to seeing there?
JS: I’m a really big Alt-J fan, and Foster The People. I love both those bands. Also, the Solange record is great. I just listened to them recently for the first time. There’s a band called Middle Kids. They’re from Australia, they’re really small, but their songs are so good. I hope to connect with them.
AM: Are there any surprises or anything special you’re planning since it’s a festival performance?
JS: I wish! I don’t know if I’m allowed to bring friends. What I’d really love to do is a bring a bunch of friends. It’s cool we have the opportunity to play it... Our friend Leo, who’s in Rival Summers, he’s playing tonight. I just have all these guys from around Detroit that I’d love to bring.
AM: Any other bands from around Detroit we should check out?
JS: Flint Eastwood. We just got off tour with her. We played at Subterranean here.
AM: How was that tour, any highlights?
JS: We played her hometown Detroit show to like 1200 people. It was in like an old building lobby in Detroit, like all art deco. It was beautiful. It was the biggest show we’ve played.
AM: Then you’re touring a little bit in the fall right?
JS: Yeah! We’ll hit up Atlanta, Nashville, Lexington, Columbus, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Pittsburgh. So part of it will be solo in like listening rooms. I’m really just looking forward to--the first half is just me going alone on the road, which I’ve never done. I just want to do it. That’s the cool thing behind it. The main thing is I just wanted to see friends, and I also wanted to play shows. So that’s what we did.
AM: Do you do anything special to stay entertained on the road?
JS: I am a podcast person. They have a podcast called Song Exploder. They take the master files from the studio of like The National, and they show each individual part and the bands talk about it. Then they throw it all together. It’s so inspiring and exciting to hear.
AM: Nice! Then just in general, any other bands you’re really into? I see on Twitter you’re always recommending new music.
JS: There’s a band-- Dave Bazon. He was in a band called Pedro The Lion, and he has this new band Lo Tom. They’re amazing. They have like singles out. And The Manchester Orchestra Album. I’m excited for that.
AM: Anything else you’re looking forward to this year?
JS: I think this year is gonna be a really big building year. Everything that’s happening has just been incredible. Tomorrow we do a hometown headliner. Next month we’re playing with Bad Bad Hats and Mo Pop.
Keep up with Jason on his Twitter, and check out the gallery of Michigander's performance on Friday night at Township below.
