In true empowered fashion, enter rising queer pop artist Michael Love Michael – who's story emerged long before their introduction to the music industry. Growing up queer and nonbinary in the Midwest, Michael was not encouraged for who they were and turned to write and storytelling at the age of 16 as a recluse. "6 Jaguars" is their brand new single and a track that's been a long time in the making.
The new single is a dazzling and spunky electro-pop gem complete with 80's pop hooks, hip-hop flair, and storytelling that goes deeper beyond the surface with intentionality, grace and uber catchy hooks. The single explores in honest fashion the detailed life of a white woman hidden behind extravagant wealth and privilege, ultimately protected from the worst parts of systemic oppression. Michael’s personal lyrical content floats along with their whispy vocals and messaging calling attention to issues affecting the LGBTQ community and beyond.
Over email, Michael shares, “This song means so much to me. It was fun to conceive and create with my producer Rich Dasilva, and we meant for it to sound as catchy, layered, and aspirational as possible— I feel proud of achieving that and hope it resonates on many levels depending on the listener. For me, it is also a reflection of the idealized American Dream I’ve been taught to envision, with the realization that it remains elusive as ever for those who look a certain way, make a certain amount of money, live a certain way, are a certain way. I didn’t intend for this when I made it, but “6 Jaguars” somehow feels more relevant now, as the world shuffles during a pandemic. Class and race disparities in America are highlighted even in the face of this deadly virus. Black and Latinx communities are disproportionately and negatively impacted by this. I hope that anyone listening to “6 Jaguars” can feel more inspired to stand up for and reach out to those struggling right now. If you are able, donate to relief efforts for all, and include marginalized communities most greatly in your support: local hospitals, specialized advocacy groups for undocumented immigrants, homeless, queer and trans people, such as New Immigrant Community Project, End Homelessness and TGIJustice, organizations like Meals on Wheels or Save the Children, which care for the elderly, disabled and youth. There are so many ways to help and encourage change while staying safe, whatever that looks like for you. It is my hope that my new single, even if it provides moments of necessary escape, can ultimately help inspire that change.”
There's depth, soul, and raw & real honesty on "6 Jaguars", and as we step in mental health month here in May, our hope is for more messages like Michael's that pave the toward widespread change and the collective liberation of all and for equality for all!
