On the song selection process for the new EP, she said, “I actually chose the songs that were best for the people that I was choosing. With ‘Drink You Gone,’ I knew I wanted John Paul, I wanted Lucius for their harmonies, and I always wanted to sing with Sara Bareilles since we have mutual fans, and I thought it would be really fun for us. I thought it would be really nice to hear Tegan and Sara’s take on “Whole Lot of Heart,” and I toured with AJR for six weeks, so I thought their energy would be perfect for ‘Celebrate.’ The EP was tailored around the people that I chose. I am really happy with the way all the songs turned out. It’s really eclectic and each song showcases each person’s talent and their essence.”
Michaelson listed “I Remember Her,” her collaboration with Lucius, as her personal favorite song on the EP. “It is about my mom, who I lost three years ago, and it’s just a really special song. It’s the only song I’ve ever written in one sitting. For the most part, I just sat down and wrote it in 3.5 minutes on the piano,” she said. “That’s always going to have a really special spot in my heart, in any version of it.”
Her plans for the future are quite busy. “I am writing all of the music for an animated film. I am hopefully working on a musical. I’m working on a show for Hulu, that is an autobiographical version of my life. I am really excited about it.”
Each day, Michaelson is motivated simply by “trying to be the best version of herself.” “My family, friends, boyfriend and love motivate me, and making art that I want to do and creating new things. Life in general motivates me,” she said.
Her smash single, “Girls Chase Boys,” has been certified platinum. “It reached one million singles sold two months ago,” she said.
She listed Justin Vernon from Bon Iver as her dream male collaboration choice in music. “Justin is one of my favorite artists ever. He is so out of my league, so that’s probably never going to happen,” she said.
Michaelson concluded our interview by defining the word success as “inner happiness.” “I’m not that enlightened yet, but who knows, maybe one day,” she said, with a sweet laugh.
To learn more about singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and her new EP, check out her official website and Facebook page.
Alter Egos is available on iTunes.
