At Work: Michigander
Photo: Erick Frost
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Jason Singer, the force behind the rising indie- rock outfit Michigander, has spent the last decade cultivating an attitude of gratitude. “It’s not lost on me that this is something I ‘get’ to do, not something I ‘have’ to do,” the singer-songwriter/guitarist says, as his group approaches the February 2025 release of their eponymous debut LP.
That sense of humility—in the face of ever-growing critical acclaim and widespread audience embrace—is just one of many reasons why Michigander has already nurtured such a dedicated audience. Born and raised in Michigan and now based in Nashville, Singer has honed in on a proprietary blend of rock energy, alternative experimentation and emotionally resonant lyrics that have garnered over 100 million streams, with NPR hailing Michigander as “one of indie rock’s most exciting stories in the last few years.”
And he’s the first to acknowledge that he hasn’t done it alone. “It’s amazing that I get to make music and tour with my closest friends,” he says of childhood pals Aaron Senor (drums) and Connor Robertson (bass), as well as Jake LeMond (guitar), whom he met when they shared a bill the better part of a decade ago. He is also thankful for the artists who have mentored his group on the road, from early supporters like Mike Mains & The Branches and Flint Eastwood to newer friends such as Manchester Orchestra and The Head And The Heart. “There have been so many individual moments to appreciate and savor,” Singer says. “It felt great to play to a sold-out hometown audience at Saint Andrew Hall last year, and it’s cool to hear our single, ‘Giving Up,’ on the radio.”
Now, with a nationwide tour and highly anticipated album release on the horizon, Michigander is poised for a breakout year. Singer describes the forthcoming album, produced in collaboration with Nashville-based Jeremy Lutito, as the “movie version” of his story—a more expansive and immersive experience compared to his previous “television episode length” EPs. On the cusp of widespread recognition, Singer’s commitment to his craft remains unwavering. “I’ve always felt like we were punching above our weight class, but over the last couple of years, it feels like we’re ready for what’s right in front of us,” Singer says. “I’m hoping that we’ll continue to grow and find ways to add massive theatrics to our live sets.”
