TRACK REVIEW:
Josh Michaels
Above the Water
9.7/10
Above the Water is available via:
https://soundcloud.com/user-427547948/above-the-water
GENRES:
Pop; Alternative
ORIGIN:
New York, U.S.A.
RELEASE DATE:
18th April, 2018
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I do not usually review artists more than once…
but I am making the odd exception lately. One of the reasons I wanted to feature Josh Michaels again was to go back to New York and re-explore the city. It also gives me a chance to look at how he is developing and a song that is exploring a determined and defiant subject. Above the Water is a song I am keen to get down to but, before then; I will look at New York and why it needs to be brought more into the forum; why yesterday’s Record Store Day should compel us all to take an interest in new artists and seek out hidden treasures; songs that deal with battling holes and pits – coming out the other side and showing fortitude. I will also explore musicians who mix in Classical tones and operatic notes with something accessible and mainstream; a little bit about spreading music into the world and getting exposure – ending on the way we can get more American artists here. Michaels was born in New York in 1990 and, since then, he has made a big impact in the city. It can be hard getting recognition in a huge place like New York but, if you have the passion and skill to overcome hurdles and stand out from the crowd, it is rewarding sticking with it. I wanted to look back at New York as it is an area we do not really hear about in the British press. Our media is still obsessed too much with homegrown sounds and, unless a big artist from another part of the world is riding high; how often do we investigate cities like New York?! I guess there are finite column inches and features; we cannot instigate an overhaul so we limit what we say regarding British music – it would be nice to see more of a balance. I love New York because its music has always been at the forefront of popular music. My favourite New York act, Beastie Boys, seemed to encapsulate the rawness of Brooklyn and the panoramic, vast nature of the state.
Although they spent a lot of time in L.A.; they knew where they were meant to be and where their music sounded natural. Other, more recent artists have shown what diversity and talent there is lurking in every avenue. From 49th Street to the rarest bars of The Bronx; to the streets of Staten Island to the packed and busy Manhattan – there is wonderful music being brewed like you would not believe! I guess there is a misconception that New York is so packed and hustling that you never get time to rest. People are often seen as rude – many prefer the easier nature of L.A. and its scenes. We can make a cliché of New York the same way as we would London. New York, and its five boroughs, is a rich tapestry that has its ugly spots: there are so many more wonderful areas that inspire the imagination and compel the heart to beat faster. It is alive and teeming; there is colour and culture spilling from every shop and restaurant. I have never been myself: music from the state is how I experience all it has to offer. There is a new breed of artists who are exploring New York’s vivid and multifarious landscape and articulating what it is like to live among its people. Who can deny the allure and mindblowing scenes one would witness when they head to Manhattan, for example? Josh Michaels has planted himself right in the bowels of New York and has been exploring everything there is on show. He has played successful gigs and drawing influence from the streets and the people around him. There is, I feel, a distinct ‘New York sound’ that seems to differ from what we’d hear in London and other areas. I have been looking to head to New York, simply because the music coming from there is so strong. Artists like Josh Michaels are hungry and want more people to know what is coming from there right now.
I will return to New York but, before then, let me have a look at why I am revisiting certain artists; how Record Store 2018 is an important event – and why we need to be more open with our music. Many might think a link between Record Store Day 2018 and an artist like Josh Michaels would be a hard link to fuse. I did not get too involved with the day – was tied to the laptop, alas – but I am one of those people who goes to record stores, not to pick up something I am overly-familiar with; I go because I want to pick up something new and unexpected. I feel we get into a habit where we surf and get our sounds from the Internet. We still buy vinyl – it is a bumper time! – but most of us still prefer the ease and convenience of the Internet. Josh Michaels is releasing some fantastic music and, whilst he has his fans and will be celebrated in his native New York; his music is the sort that would benefit vinyl release – as someone happens upon his latest single on 7”. I am not sure whether he has considered branching into vinyl territory: he would get a lot of appreciation and love from record store-hunters in New York. My point is that people like Josh Michaels compel greater investigation and love of music. There is something grand and deep regarding Michaels’ voice. He has that nostalgic ability and a sound that reminds me of the some of the greats from music. I think his music warrants a bigger audience and is something that might get overlooked online. One might argue physical sales, as a whole, are declining – how can we expect to substantiate a return to older methods?! I am compelled by Record Store Day because it allows people the chance to celebrate vinyl and look at music past and present; songs and records that mean a lot to us all. Josh Michaels is someone I can envisage looking through vinyl and exploring where music came from; how it sounds purest; why vinyl has such a great sound. I listen to his music and hear a young man who has not lost touch with the beauty of music and the purity one can get from it.
I will talk more about this subject in later pieces but, stay with me; I feel Record Store Day should not only act as a call for vinylheads to get out there and converse with their fellow obsessives: we all need to think about the way we digest music and how, on days like this, we stumble upon artists we might not of otherwise have encountered. The various in-stores and performances that happened around the world (yesterday) provided an opportunity for new musicians to reach the music-buying public. I am not sure what was happening in Michaels’ part of New York; I can imagine there was activity and excitement spilling out into the streets. There is something about Michaels – a cool and suave nature – that makes my mind leap to vinyl and a young man who understands how to entice a listener in. So many digital outlets exist: I wonder whether we are losing touch with music’s authenticity and its origins. I said I’d explain why I have featured Josh Michaels again. I love his work and, although I am hungry to look at new artists; I feel there is something enticing about his sounds and the sensations once gets when listening to him. Maybe it is his deep and rich voice; perhaps there is something in the delivery – I feel there are other reasons. Michaels has that ability to draw the listener into the song and involve them in the story. It can be hard doing that: Michaels seems to do it with ease and conviction. Every song deals with different matters and builds on what came before – there is no repeating himself and giving a samey and predictable brand of music. If Record Store Day teaches us anything; it should be that we need to spend more time with artists and their music. Digital streaming is easy and allows us to flick through songs/albums without pausing for breath. When Michaels comes to recording an album – I shall allude to that later – one hopes the purchaser dedicates some time to exploring all the songs and not merely browsing without much regard.
Josh Michaels’ latest song, Above the Water, is one whose title sort of nods to the origins. Many artists, before, seemed to look at love and everything it meant to them. I feel now, in 2018, music is starting to look more inward and investigate personal struggle. Maybe that is an over-generalisation and exaggeration: I am noticing more and more people discuss anxieties and the need to stay resolute when challenged by the pressures of life. I wonder whether that is a reflection of life and how much more stressful it is getting for us all. We have love songs still, of course, but there are so many songwriters exploring what it takes to survive and keep your head high in the world. Michaels, on his new song, has been looking at just that. He feels the pinch and knows how hard it can be getting by and staying positive – let alone succeeding and making a big name for yourself! Maybe that shift and change in subject matter is a good thing. We are told we are a more anxious and unhappy world; people are finding it hard to stay happy and there is more pressure on the shoulders. Many authorities and governments are ignoring the epidemic and so many are going unnoticed and unaddressed. I fear we are living through a time where many lives are being lost needlessly and the mental-health crisis is at an unmanageable level. That might sound dreadful and completely negative: music is here to offer some form of constructive guidance and, in addition, provide support and understanding. Josh Michaels is a musician who goes through the same strains and challenges we all do. Living in New York has its great sides and obvious benefits. I will not labour the depressive side of this argument too much: we are here to be positive and find something pleasurable. It is encouraging artists are not focusing too heavily on commercial outlets and writing aimless, predictable love songs. Many young Pop artists are addressing what they experience and how life is for them and their peers.
We all want to find music that talks about life and is completely honest with us. I love a love song – it is something we all need. I get a bit bored with the same tales of recrimination and accusation. Those songwriters who turn the pen inwards are to be congratulated. Music is so competitive and busy right now. It would be understandable to write something ordinary and safe. Many do and, to me, that marks a fear and lack of courage. Josh Michaels has written about passion but, more than anything; he wants people to see the world and modern life through a wider lens. I experience depression and anxiety myself. It is not unusual to find people who go through a lot of stress and unhappiness of a day. Music, to many, is escapism and a way of forgetting about their strains. I want a balance when it comes to sounds: music that makes me feel better about life and what I go through; I need to hear songs that explore what I am feeling and make me feel less alone. It can be hard bonding with a listener that goes through anxieties and finds it hard facing the demands of the world. Michaels knows a single song will not change the planet and many of us will still find it hard to negotiate the pitfalls and traps. What he has done, on Above the Water, is to discuss a subject that many might consider ‘taboo’. It is always hard opening up about struggles and how hard it can be moving along in life. Above the Water is not a haunted and depressive song that bemoans others and casts blame around. What we do get is someone who goes through tough moments but, rather than let them bury him; Michaels is writing it down and trying to visualise something positive. There are, sure, times when he feels things are getting too much for him.
Josh Michaels has that strength and willingness to reveal his pains and translate that into music. Many might assume he has endless heartache and pains in his life. He is, in fact, no different to many of us in the world. There are positive and negative feelings that he has to deal with on a daily basis. Rather than bury all those sensations and contrasts; he has written them down and is trying to help the listener deal with their own issues. A reason why his music is so stirring and bold is the way he projects his voice and all the emotions evident within. That has come from his Classic training and his love of bigger, operatic sounds. I love his voice and how much passion he manages to exert through his performances. There are few singers, to my mind, who manage to get that same sort of power and nuance through their voice. I am always looking out for singers who have that extra gift and magic to their music. Michaels has spent a lot of time following artists and delving through various genres. He has that love of Classic and Opera but there are Pop sounds that filter through his music. What one gets is a concoction that is hard to resist. It marries the older, stauncher angles and opens into something flourishing and florid. The way he manages to unify something exclusive and limited to the accessibility of the mainstream – that is a hard trick to pull off! I am always obsessed with the voice and what it can provide a song. It is challenging, in this time, to get ahead of the game and stand out from the competition. Josh Michaels excites me because he seems to get into the head and heart naturally. The way he sings and gets his words out sounds so effortless – I am sure there is experimentation and challenges getting the voice sounding just right.
I am keen to move on to the song itself but, before I get there; I want to look at finding American artists and how we can get more of them over here. As I type this; I am listening to a live album from Jeff Buckley – where he recorded at a New York café back in 1993. The way he managed to entrance the audience throughout those recordings; the sheer gravitas and pull of his voice and music…that is not something you find a lot of these days! He was a success in the U.S. but he found more acclaim in the U.K. and Europe. Maybe it was the fact we ‘got him’ and seemed to understand everything about his life and ambitions. The music has/had that ability to resonate ad strike every listener. Maybe it was a bit too sophisticated for the American audience – no offence to Michaels and his county folk! – but that was the way it went. I feel, since then, we have seen a few American artists succeed here and get acclaim- in terms of new music and unsigned artists. Largely, we are seeing few U.S. musicians come over here and find big acclaim. Most of the music we are exposed to – and the media promulgates – tends to be British/home-based. It is hard finding the money and demand to come from the U.S. and play over here. One cannot simply pack their things up and come over here for a jolly three-week jaunt. That kind of dream and freedom is reserved to those who are big propositions, indeed. In terms of Josh Michaels; he is someone we need to see over here. I am not sure whether he has plans to come to the U.K. and play for us. I hope he does get a chance to because, in my mind, we are not seeing enough American talent come here. That might be the media here and the limits they have; it might be the cost and the sheer commitment it takes to get over here and sustain interest. I feel many U.S. artists are staying put is because we often gravitate towards artists from our own nation. The press is responsible for proclaiming artists from all around the world: if they stick local then that means we will have a relatively limited scene. I hope there is a way for Michaels to come and play some venues over in London. He would go down a treat and add something new to the British live music scene!
The first thing one notices when listening to Josh Michaels’ new song is how immediate and stunning it is. From the very off; we have this song that gets under the skin and makes its mark. There is some guitar noodling – the sound of the string being teased and caressed – but the voice comes in and Michaels makes himself known. He urges some calm and us to remain calm and controlled. Going to sleep and counting sheep; taking moments to unwind and try and detach from the chaos and crap around us – that is hard to do. I am in the position where I want to find some lessons from music and make my anxieties feel less pressing and urgent. Michaels, on Above the Water, is a calming influence that manages to get inside the head and make things easier. One can sense the strains the songwriter has and how this song is about relaxing himself and finding a place of safety. I have been listening to Michaels for a while but now, on his new track; he feels at his most alive and captivating. The song itself keeps you gripped and, after paens to relaxation and counting sheep; you see the bird fly away and raindrop tears dry up. Michaels brings is some clattering production that mixes with a song that has a bare and naked backing. I mean, the production is surprisingly lo-fi and sparse. It means the voice gets into the fray and stands aside. It is almost like listening to Michaels perform from his bedroom. One feels an intimacy and connection with the listener you do not get from the flash studio-treated songs that layer things up and polish it beyond the point of approval. Everything, in a song about struggle and staying above the waves, is redemptive and positive. Michaels urges people to stay strong and enjoy the new day; to keep determined and see the light.
If you thought the song would stay calm and bare for long; the chorus explodes into life and you get that explosive combination of Pop sounds and the impassioned operatic vocals. The scene bursts and fireworks brim from every avenue of the sky. The song races and things get hot and, right then, the listener is lifted and transported. The sheer effectiveness and power that is portrayed in the song, at this moment, is alarming. You are brought right into things and get a physical smash. Following the hero and what he is saying; that need to get people looking ahead is impressive. Rather than retreat into the carapace and let things get too much; we see the hero stand up and flex his muscles. There are ways we can get buried and things can get too much. Bristling and inflamed; Above the Water turns into this bellicose and military march that matches pounding percussion with that all-conquering voice. Our man is talking about tears and the fact we can get bogged. The sunlight will shine through and things will get better. The chorus and brighter moments wash right over you and it is so tempting to staying in the song forever. The power and addictiveness of the track mean we will come back time and time again and find meaning in it. Ghostly far-off vocals mix with the electric guitar – as the song goes down – and you have a chance to breathe. Above the Water dips and it rises; it has that wave of rhythm and sass that builds with the beats and gets the hips moving. My earliest observations and topics may have led the reader to believe the song was going to be foreboding and haunted. Instead; it is an experience that throws the shackles and lights the sky with colours. You will listen to the song once and get that instant and undeniable thrill – you’ll come back in and witness new cadence and inflexions each time you return. I hope my words have explored the song in enough depth and with ample intelligence and eloquence. In short terms: it is a fuck*ng beast of a song!
I have spoken a lot about Josh Michaels and various sides to him. He is someone who has managed to transcend from local hero and is being seen as an international artist of note. I am excited to see where he goes from here and how he manages to build on this celebration. Above the Water is a call for those who go through tough times to stay resolute and not be weighed down. It is personal and explores the artist’s need to keep his head afloat and not be pulled by the waters. I am not sure whether he has more material planned – he is prolific at the moment – but I know there are plans in his mind. I would love to see a Josh Michaels album and know it would be popular and well-received. What I have noticed from him, since I first reviewed his music, is the passion and confidence in the voice. It is hard to succeed in the industry and it can be impossible finding time to explore and get out into the world. I hope he does come to the U.K. and play here some time. I am excited seeing where Michaels can go and what he can accomplish. He is a talented artist who writes and performs in his own way. New York is a wonderful city/state that offers chances to those who want it bad. I am not certain how music will evolve through this year but I would like to see New York getting more respect. It is a fantastic and wondrous place to discover all that music has to offer. Josh Michaels is in the midst of all this and, one suspects, trying to add his name to the illustrious list of champions and new innovators. That is what we want from an artist: someone who has that strength and wants to get far. That is only a matter of time for someone who has found his sound and has a dedicated fanbase. I will leave things here – lest I go on too much – but I am excited to see where Michaels goes and what he can achieve. His latest song is proof he is an artist who warrants more acclaim and respect. Listen to what he says and get immersed in the music. If you strip away all the strains of life and the roadblocks put before you; turn on a song like Above the Water and learn from it; it does, in its own way…
MAKE things easier.
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