When approaching ‘Stand Me Up Again’, the listening experience is bound to be meaningful, poignant and relatable. Penned by American songwriter Micah Sheveloff, the song is soothing and transformative, helping its audience enter a state of trance and acceptance, a comforting place where they can be themselves.
Sonically, it’s built on warm folk-pop, featuring a wholesome and organic arrangement. An elegant grand piano complements Sheveloff’s wam vocals perfectly, highlighting the calmness and control the American artist brings with him. Also, we heard a little bit of Sting in it, often time Micah’s tone reminds us of the British legend. Quirky!
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with Sheveloff to find out more about his artistry and future goals… Interview below!
Hey Micah, how is it going? some of our readers might not be familiar with your project, how would you describe yourself, in a few words?
I am always excited to bring my songs to a new audience, thank you! I am a pianist/singer/songwriter with an undying passion for writing melodies and lyrics set to my sometimes unconventional progressions.
Your current work is the result of a long journey; What first drew you to making music?
Ha! That’s like asking prey how he was first drawn to the lion. But the answer is that I grew up with classical music and classical discipline. So I was both attracted and repelled as a child through grueling practice and sometimes unpleasant music to learn. But, the journey makes the man, I guess, and here I am. I will always be grateful to the mayhem of Boston rock & roll in the early-mid 1980s as the scene of my baptism into the world of popular music.
Your musicianship appears to be of the highest level – with you being a composer and songwriter. I’ll ask you a controversial questions: do you value more lyrics or the sonic/harmonic information, within a piece of music?
I wouldn’t call that a controversial questions, it is an excellent one. For my approach to writing, I am committed to crafting songs with integrity on both fronts. That said, There were songs I recall from my youth where I reveled in the sonics without a clue as to the lyrical content. Some of my biggest influences have huge command of both aspects of composition. David Baerwald and Lyle Lovett are perfect examples, though vastly different. Both brilliant writers.
You recently released ‘Stand Me Up Again’, a poignant ballad and a fantastic folk effort. What does the record mean to you?
Stand Me Up was written after witnessing strength and determination in the face of addiction. But my vocal in the original 2012 recording gnawed at me…I knew I could do better. So I remixed the song, added a new lead vocal, and titled it Stand Me Up Again. Many listeners loved the original, but it was just one of those things…I needed to do that vocal again.
Do you feel more confident writing music alone, or within a team?
Another great question. I really enjoy both so much! The process is vastly different, and of course it matters who the “someone” is when you are writing with another creative force. I have a few songs out there written years ago with a singer from Vermont named James Mix, who approaches songwriting in such a different manner than I do…I am always amazed at how his ideas in the process, things I would never have considered, are winners and make the song better despite being very far from my own intuition!
If you had to give one advice to a young musician, what would that be?
Be confident that the creative process is unique to you, and through devotion and hard work, bring your songs into the world and let them live or die on their own merits.
Artistically speaking, what challenges have the last two years presented you with?
If your question pertains to the pandemic, I would say that I didn’t experience the same dark hole that many of my friends did who rely on touring…which I rarely do. I was able to compose in my home, and after some time and vaccinations, was able to reenter the recording studio and make music. I am beyond fortunate and empathic toward those artists who suffered off the road.
What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
I have more songs in various stages. I just got back a new song, called Fallen Down, from mastering. Not sure yet on release timing. It also just occurred to me that I released Stand Me Up Again and now I am releasing Fallen Down. I am starting to feel bruises!
