Tonight at The Pageant you’ll have a nice opportunity to catch Ingrid Michaelson, a beautiful independent singer-songwriter on the rise, for only $15. Michaelson’s created a following through her excellent album Girls & Boys, which was released last year, and many of her songs placed in commercials (Old Navy) and television shows (Grey’s Anatomy). Regardless of your view on whether or not this is “selling out,” which is laughable to me, the 28-year-old Michaelson, who has never signed with a record label, is a talent not to be missed, and her live show figures to be an excellent one.
Michaelson recently told me about her live show: “I have a very intimate vibe, I like to talk with audiences and I like to include them in stuff…You know, it depends on the show…but sometimes I’ll just go off on a tangent!”
After her headlining tour, she will be opening a few shows for Dave Matthews, as well as making appearances at Seattle’s Bumbershoot Festival and Austin’s ACL fest. But tonight, she’ll be at The Pageant.
Here’s a quick run-down of her catalog:
“The Way I Am”
Her most recognizable song, appearing on an Old Navy commercial “If you are chilly/ Here take my sweater” -- just don’t be like this person and really steal her sweater.
“Keep Breathing”
Played through the final six minutes of the 2006 season finale of Grey’s Anatomy, this tune was obviously responsible for one of the biggest nights of Michaelson’s career.
“Breakable”
Michaelson, while living in her parent’s basement, was discovered on MySpace because of this song. Also featured on Grey’s – her first song to be placed on the show.
“Corner of Your Heart”
A piano and other effects, combined with Michaelson’s vocals, make this a rather mysterious song.
“Masochist”
A favorite off of Girls & Boys, and a tune bound to be played at tonight’s show.
“Giving Up”
Recently closed out the 2008 season of Grey’s. You get the picture?
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YouTube of the Week:
Neil Young, Rockin’ in Rio, performing The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life”