Indoor Recess Public Relations Inc.
June30/23
Today, acclaimed, multi-award winning/nominated singer-songwriter, Danny Michel, returns with his first full-length album in five years: Ghost Town. Available now on and all streaming platforms, vinyl and CD
Written during what he calls the “dead zone” – years of writer’s block, topped off with a little global pandemic – Ghost Town sees Michel unveil his most earnest and vulnerable songwriting yet. “This was, without a doubt, the hardest record I’ve ever made,” he reflects.
This rollercoaster of an album careens through songs of regret, sorrow, isolation, hope, redemption and more. “I want people to feel they’re not alone, and still find hope in things that are painful” Michel continues.
The result is a dreamy blend of unorthodox clarinets, saxes, fuzz guitars, vibraphones, piano and retro synths recorded in Michel’s home studio with long-time collaborator and childhood friend, Rob Carli.
Ghost Town kicks off with The Point Of No Return, a waltz that begins as gentle as a flower, but grows into a Venus Flytrap, exploding into rock mayhem with an Adrian Belew-esque guitar solo reminiscent of Danny’s older deep cuts.
It then flows into the refreshingly honest Mermaids, followed by Careen – a dissonant melody wrapped in gentle piano and clarinets – and the album’s title track; a swampy groove with hypnotic melody, gritty woodwinds, and a chorus that will stick with you for weeks.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Danny Michel album without a hopeful twist. Designed with vinyl in mind, side A takes a deep dive into big feelings, while side B blossoms into danceable fun bangers. Nothing To Declare is a full on dance party reminiscent of Thomas Dolby, while the album’s lead single, Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself, came out of the gate a hit and wound up the CBC Music TOP 20 #1 voted song of the year in 2022.
If you’ve been a fan of Danny Michel’s for years, then you already have the adventurous spirit that has enjoyed his eclectic career, sampling different musical flavours. In short, Ghost Town is an album that makes you think AND hit the dance floor; what ice cream might taste like if the flavour was silver. Buckle up, you’re in for a beautiful ride!
Album credits
Recorded & mixed by Danny Michel. Vibraphone recorded by Peter Chapman. Mastered by Joao Carvalho. Words & Music by Danny Michel © Socan 2023 (except “A Brief History Of My Life” Music by Steve Poltz/lyrics by Danny Michel) Danny - Guitars, bass, drums, keys & vocals. Rob Carli - Clarinets, saxophones, piano, moog, vibraphone & whistling. Grace and Genna Coombe Donovan - Harmonies in “Lighthouse”. Crowd vocals in “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself” & “Nothing To Declare” by various live audiences. Photos by Danny Michel. Art Layout Brian Bosch. Special thanks to Rob Carli, Judith Coombe, Wendy Coombe Carl Donovan, Sarah Duffy, Steve Poltz, Paquin Artists & Liz Scott
DOWNLOAD – album artwork
DOWNLOAD – hi-res photo
For more info contact
Indoor Recess Public Relations Inc.
15 Agnes Lane, Toronto, ON, M4L 3Z3
Amanda McCauley – ph. 905.926.6440 / e. amanda@indoorrecess.com
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