Ingrid Michaelson released her debut album Slow the Rain in 2005 and since then she’s established herself as a popular indie-pop artist.
For her latest project, Stranger Songs, Michaelson has taken a completely new direction. Drawing inspiration from the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, Michaelson has created an 80s-influenced electro-pop album that sounds unlike anything else we’ve heard from her before.
I caught up with Ingrid to find out more about the album, talk about the challenges in bringing it to life, and discuss her journey as a songwriter.
Hi Ingrid. How are you and where does this email Q&A find you?
I am upstate New York at a reading workshop for The Notebook musical that I’m writing.
Your new album Stranger Sounds is inspired by Stranger Things. It’s a bit of a departure sonically for you. Tell us how the project came to be.
I found myself Writing poetry about the show… So I figured if I was that moved by it I should make a record! I just love the nostalgic element of the show.
What would you say were the biggest challenges in terms of bringing this album to life?
To be honest the record came together with a lot of ease. Having such a depth of inspiration to work from made it really easy.
Jealous, Missing You and Pretty are already out in the world. How has the reaction been to your new music from your fans so far?
So far everyone has been so wonderful! I was expecting people to come at me for something but nobody has. Everybody’s been very kind and has really been loving the music and I’m so grateful.
Did you have any reservations about doing a project that’s so completely different or has it been a liberating experience?
It’s been totally liberating. I needed a new lens to push my music through. I was getting tired of doing it the same way so I needed this for myself.
Is there anything you’ve learned about yourself as a songwriter while making this record?
I have definitely become a better pop songwriter. I wrote with a lot of pop writers and producers and learned a lot of things – it’s been really great.
Who is your favourite Stranger Things character and why?
Eleven because she’s a bad ass And she’s also super kind.
You’re working on a musical adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ romantic classic The Notebook. At what stage are you at with the project?
We are doing a reading currently. It’s pretty wild to see your songs come to life in this way.
When can your UK fans get to see you play live?
I’m coming back in November. (Ingrid will be performing at Union Chapel on 12th November).
What else do you have coming up this year?
More work on the musical more touring and hopefully some vacation!
Ingrid Michaelson’s new album Stranger Songs is out now. Watch the video for Pretty below:
