With her signature glasses and the ukulele being part of her repetoire, Ingrid Michaelson is quickly becoming a popular independent artist with her pop sound and ridiculous vocals! Many of you have heard of Ingrid, even if you don’t know how. Ingrid’s music is prominently featured in the hit ABC TV show “Grey’s Anatomy.” She also has had songs featured on the TV shows “One Tree Hill” and “Scrubs.” She also has played to a national TV audience, performing on: “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Good Morning America,” “Live with Regis & Kelly,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “Last Call with Carson Daly.” With a new album that just hit tha streetz, Ingrid is our Artist of the Week. So it is safe to say that Ingrid has forced her way into our lives!
I first saw Ingrid headline at The Hotel Café Tour. She was performing with some amazing acts like: Sara Barrieles, Meiko, Cary Brothers, Jim Bianco, Kate Havnevik, Joshua Radin and many others. As a performer, Ingrid is great! She likes to talk to the audience and mix up her songs a bit. Her big hit, “The Way I Am” was often started with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme or Ice Ice Baby, or both! She is not afraid to tackle a cover or two either. She often performs Radiohead’s “Creep” and Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” A highlight of her show is “The Chain,” which sounds amazing live! Also, her sidekick, Allie Moss, is also prominently featured throughout her live show. They make a great team bouncing jokes off one another.
Ingrid has released three albums (four if you count Be OK which was a collection of new songs and live tracks): Slow the Rain, Girls & Boys, and Everybody. I will admit that I haven’t heard her 2005 debut, so I cannot speak on that album. I will say this though, if it is as good as her last few albums, then I’m sure it meets the high standards that she has set for herself.
In 2007, she released her smash hit Girls & Boys which featured the song, “The Way I Am.” This song was not only a radio hit, but it was also featured in commercials and TV shows, making Ingrid a household name. This song put her on the map as far as mainstream music is concerned. Unfortunately, she never recaptured the success of that song. Why? I have no clue. She has had so many worthy songs that were just as good or better. This album has some excellent tracks: “Die Alone,” “Breakable,” “Overboard” and “Far Away”.
In 2008, Ingrid released a compilation album entitled, Be OK. The title track is an infectious pop tune that’ll stick in your head the entire day. Why this song wasn’t a radio hit is beyond me! Proceeds from the song were donated to help find a cure for breast cancer. This album is a collection of B-sides, live tracks and new songs and it is crazy good! A live version of “The Chain” is on the album, and it sounds so amazing, it feels like you’re standing right in front of her with the crowd! She also has a wonderful cover of the classic song “Over the Rainbow.”
On August 25, Ingrid released her latest album, Everybody, and it is hard to say if the album will reach the radio audience. Regardless, it is a great album. I’ve listened to it a few times and it has some very standout hits. Her first single “Maybe” is great. On the night that President Obama was elected, I went to see Ingrid in concert. She closed the show with the track, “Locked Up” and I was blown away! Needless to say that I was waiting for this album! Other stand out tracks include: “Men of Snow,” “Sort of” and “Mountain & the Sea.”
This is a big month for Ingrid. She just released her latest album and she received the highest distinction in all the land, being named Artist of the Week! We here at ETS congratulate her on all her hard work because it takes a lot to tour and support albums. So I hope you can get out on the road to check out Ingrid in a town near you! But be sure to bring your own glasses! If you listen to the link of the NPR show, the audience sings happy birthday to her while wearing her trademark glasses!
Top 5 Songs
1. The Chain (live) (Be OK)
2. Be OK (Be OK)
3. The Way I Am (Boys & Girls)
4. Die Alone (Boys & Girls)
5. Keep Breathing (Grey’s Anatomy Sundtrack)
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