Independent going big time
Even without a big backer, Ingrid Michaelson's music is finding itself in the mainstream.
Published Aug. 28, 2007
Patrons of the Ben Kweller concert Wednesday at Mojo's will also have the chance to witness rising indie artist Ingrid Michaelson in action.
"I'm so excited to play with Ben Kweller," Michaelson said. "I've liked him for the longest time. So this is an amazing opportunity."
One factor setting Michaelson apart from other rising successes is that she answers to no major record label; she's doing it on her own.
Michaelson attests that her sophomore release Girls and Boys, like many other contemporary albums, focuses all its attention toward relationships she has experienced, witnessed or imagined.
"I don't think there is any ideal relationship," she said. "You really just need respect and trust. This album is about real relationships, and all of the associated ups and downs."
Ingrid's musical success skyrocketed after several of her songs were featured on ABC's hit drama "Grey's Anatomy" last season, particularly after her hit song "Keep Breathing" laid foundation for Meredith's drowning montage in the season finale.
But "Grey's Anatomy" won't be Michaelson's last taste of fame on television. Her song "The Way I Am" will lay the backdrop for an Old Navy commercial this September.
Michaelson's success demonstrates a technological revolution in the world of music.
Michaelson began her career by uploading some of her work to the MySpace Web site and using the page as a tool to network with musicians and future fans.
A consultant for Secret Road, a corporation that specializes in procuring inexpensive, yet effective, music for television discovered Michaelson's site and decided she fit the bill for "Grey's Anatomy."
"You get a lot of money from the beginning when you sign with a major label upfront, which can definitely help in the business," Michaelson said. "But the benefit of being without a label is that I control what I do. I want to be able to stand on my own, and before I sign, I want to be confident enough to stay true to myself."
Michaelson said her favorite experiences in the music business have come from her fans.
"My happiest moment so far was at a show in New York a couple of weeks ago, where there was a crowd of about 300 and they all just started singing my songs," Michaelson said. "People have me sign weird things: shoes, guitars, body parts ... At my last show one girl brought me yarn and knitting needles because in one of my songs I talk about knitting a hat."
What's next for Michaelson?
"I am collaborating with a new musician," she said. "His name is Greg Laslow. I started listening to his record awhile ago and couldn't stop, so I'm really excited about it."
Michaelson has also signed a distribution deal with a division of Epic Records, so Girls and Boys will be available in major chains and retail stores in January.
"I have more than enough material to produce another album, but I'll be holding off until my previous work gets out to a wider audience," she said.