Michigander – “The Other Way”

SXSW 2023 – OEB Score 9, Popularity Index 6

Pairs well with… Manchester Orchestra, Yoke Lore, Noah Kahan

Yet another top OEB 2020 pick, Michigander, is back on the lineup this year. Unable to tour the past two years, Michigander, (aka Jason Singer) was able to spend more time on his newest offerings, adding more thoughtful production, strings, and samples to his usual rock-based instrumentation. The effect is a tad more cinematic, but the core appeal of Michigander is Singer’s ability to write emotional songs with depth that are also catchy. Thus, while his lyrics are often melancholy, and his voice is the epitome of laconic Midwestern, his uplifting choruses and a strong band make for a compelling listen. In other words, Michigander’s appeal is his ability to find a mid-tempo indie rock sweet spot where vulnerable balladry meets hook-heavy pop.  

For taste of his new material begin with “The Other Way.” Other than the additional production elements, the song is similar to our previous featured Michigander track, “Misery,” another heartbreak song with exciting builds and a sing-along refrain. Another superior effort is “In My Head, which feature his occasional touring partner, the Manchester Orchestra. Singer’s most recent release, “Superglue” has a breezier pop sound, but he is still singing about romantic troubles, wondering if he “wasting his emotion on you baby.”  

In addition to having more time in the studio, during the pandemic, Singer also got married and moved to his wife’s hometown of Nashville, at least when he is not touring. We don’t yet hear any country in his new songs, but given his versatility, perhaps down the road he will add some twang to his core Michigan sensibility.  (David Zlotnick)