Michael Askin is an alt-country truth-teller who channels Ryan Adams, Neil Young, Jason Isbell and others as he creates his own brand of unique music. Askin’s songs are mostly interpersonal, though he often shifts, without warning to universal themes. He released his first EP “Here We Are Now” in 2011 and in January of 2015, Michael released his second EP, “Ignore the Evidence”, which features a diverse collection of songs showcasing his talent as a writer and performer. Never one to lay low, Michael plans to return to the studio this fall.
“Ignore the Evidence” EP: Release Date January 24, 2015
Check out the first single called “How Can Anybody Know”?
Why did you select this song as your single?
I chose this song for the simplicity of the message. I’m sure many listeners can relate to the feeling of being judged unfairly.
How does this song relate to the rest of the EP?
The other songs on the EP are about trying to work through some form of adversity. “How Can Anybody Know” is the most blunt statement of that.
What was the writing process of this song?
I wrote this song a long time ago, but I believe I was feeling down, perhaps even a little sorry for my self at the time. Once I came up with the chorus line and hook, it pretty much wrote itself. I remember writing it quickly. It was simple to write a story around the concept of someone “getting what they deserve”, but I wanted to put a slight positive spin on it, turning the song into a plea for understanding.
What does the lyrics mean to you?
As I mentioned, the song is a plea for understanding. The lyrics refer to a relationship, but I think it goes beyond that. We often say things like “he/she got what they deserve” or “karma’s a bitch”, but we really don’t know why people do what they do, and what sorts of challenges they face. In short, the chorus is a simple reminder not to judge.
What would it be like to see you in person performing this song?
I really “feel” this song when I sing it. It takes me back to a specific time and place. I believe the audience would get that, and would relate to the lyrics, since everybody’s been in a similar situation.
Could your fans summarize who you are as an artist by this song?
I think “How Can Anybody Know” is representative of my music. I try to be direct and honest, and this is my most direct and honest song. I keep things simple musically—it’s the same chord progression all the way through, which is my style. I think listeners pick up on the simplicity and appreciate it.
Do you have a video planned?
No videos in the works yet!
One last question, what is your motivation behind your music?
It’s simple—playing music moves me. It makes me feel good, even when I’m playing a sad song. I love playing live and feel incredible when that love is validated by an audience.
Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/
www.reverbnation.com/
www.youtube.com/user/
http://michaelaskin.bandcamp.