Exclusive: Michael Logen Talks Sharing New Music and Creating Whilst in Quarantine

Grammy-nominated Nashville based country music singer/songwriter Michael Logen is keeping busy whilst staying at home due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that has resulted in nationwide lockdowns. Logen recently shared his stunning new single ‘Here’s to Hoping’ with Jennifer Hanson, and also the isolation inspired ‘When You Can’t Hold Someone’.

Here we chat exclusively to Michael Logen to discuss his new musical releases, post quarantine plans, and creating whilst at home:

You recently released your new single, how have you found the response so far?

The single was called, “When You Can’t Hold Someone” and I wrote it within the first few days of quarantine here in Nashville. I was so moved by images of people holding up signs outside of hospital windows to let their loved ones know they were still with them, even though they couldn’t be in the same room with them. Apparently it really resonated with a lot of people, because the feedback was instant and overwhelming, probably more so than just about any other single I’ve ever released. People were sharing it and commenting on it, sharing their stories of people that they were missing, wanted to be with, etc. It really moved me.

The track was inspired by the current quarantine situation, what was the most challenging aspect of the writing process for the song?

Some songs require a bit of “elbow grease” as they say and you really have to “work” at getting the right imagery, right rhymes, etc to convey the emotion you’re feeling, but others just flow and this was one that just flowed. It was 100% straight from the heart and what I was feeling and still am, of course. It’s nice when songs happen like that.

With the new single ‘When You Can’t Hold Someone’, what are you hoping listeners take away from the lyrical story?

Comfort and solace that they’re not the only ones feeling isolated or perhaps estranged. I hope that they will be reunited with the people they love. I appreciate it when a song reminds me that I’m not the only one who feels or has felt a certain way. Even the most private, most inward journeys and struggles, seasons of intense darkness, quiet battles, and triumphs of the soul are shared in some way, with tens of millions of others. We have much more in common than we don’t, in my opinion. Art can be a way of reminding us that we are not alone and that’s one reason I think it’s so powerful.

Have you been working on any other new music whilst in isolation?

Yes, just about every day I’ve been writing or recording. I already wrote alone a lot anyway, so this is nothing new for me, but I’ve actually been able to do some collaborating remotely as well, which was a pleasant surprise that it worked well.

How are you finding your creative energy and motivation during this time?

Writing is something that helps me process life and times like these require extra processing! I am always inspired by listening to great music and by reading. Also, this is a very emotional time for all of us, I think and just being honest and open to that emotion is what makes the best songwriting, in my opinion. Robert Frost, I believe, said, “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader” and I think that can apply to songwriting as well. The most important thing in songwriting, in my opinion, is to just be as honest as possible and if you can be, it will resonate with someone else, because we are all going through many of the same things.

Do you plan on sharing any other new singles this year?

Yes! We just released a single called, “Here’s To Hoping”, a duet with my dear friend and incredible writer and artist, Jennifer Hanson. And in June I’ll be releasing another single called, “Everybody Feels Alone”, as part of a charity project called, “Write By The Sea” and all the proceeds will go to Cancer Research.

When the social distancing period comes to an end, do you plan on touring?

I would love to start touring as soon as I can! I’m not sure yet what that will look like, but as soon as possible, I’ll be back out there. In the meantime, I’ll be writing, recording, and finding other ways to stay in touch.

How do you feel Nashville will bounce back after the Safer at Home order is lifted?

I’m reminded of the “thousand-year flood” we had here not too long ago. It was profoundly devastating, entire sections of downtown were underwater, the Grand Old Opry was under 10 feet of water, the Symphony center had massive damage, etc. Then the tornado we had here just a few weeks ago that again did massive damage. After both of these disasters, the volunteer response to help was really incredible. The Safer At Home order being lifted is a little different, of course, but I don’t doubt for a second that people will still do all they can to reach out and help where needed and to respect each other. I’ve seen that time and again in this city and it’s one of the many reasons I love Nashville.

Where do you plan on playing live first when it’s safe to do so?

I would LOVE to come back to the UK and Ireland as soon as I can! I have loved touring there so much and I’m eager to get back.

Can we expect an album from you in the near future?

Yes! I’m working on a duo album with my friend Jennifer Hanson and the first single, “Here’s To Hoping” is out now. I’m also working on another full-length album of my own, with a release date still to be determined, but hopefully soon! If folks wanna stay tuned for that they can signup for the newsletter at michaellogen.com.

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