Michael Nau Announces New Album

Michael Nau had a pretty solid 2016 and 2017, and today with the announcement of his new album, it looks like he’ll be making big waves in 2018 as well. This time around, he’s chosen to work with his touring band for the recording process, dubbing them The Mighty Thread. Perhaps in the end, it will provide a hint more cohesiveness, but none of that will matter if the songs are as good as the one below. It’s weird, as at times it sounds like a folk-influenced take on modern indie rock, though Nau’s vocals here sound a lot like Brooks from the Growlers,giving it just this slight peak of sunlight..those are all good things by the way. I love the tinkering piano and constant jangle of the tambourine. Michael Nau and the Mighty Thread will be self-released on August 3rd.

Another Michael Nau Single

Lots of good songs for your consumption today, but I feel like the soulful new single from Michael Nau is a good way to wrap up my day. It has a modern R&B feel, especially in the way it was recorded, meant to sound old school. I think Nau’s voice adds a nice balance, as he typically has more of a croon…though he stretches himself here, in a good way. Even with the throwback feel, it still manages to have a playful vibe that I’m sure will improve your day as you already look towards the weekend. Look for Some Twist via Suicide Squeeze on June 16th.

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Brief and Delightful Ditty From Michael Nau

I may be a little slow on the uptake on this new(ish) track from Michael Nau, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t check it out and be fashionably late to the party with me. “I Root” may be short, but it still packs quite the pop punch. It’s quiet and shimmery pop– something you may hear fluttering over speakers in a quaint, perhaps European, cafe as you sip strong coffee. There’s light percussion, Nau’s sweet and doleful vocals and solid songwriting. Take a listen below and find out what you’ve been missing out on.

 

Some Twist, will be out June 16th via Suicide Squeeze Records. Pre-order it here.

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Missed This Michael Nau Tune

Waking up on Monday’s always tough, and while usually I enjoy something upbeat, I think this Michael Nau tune will do the trick for us all. There’s something so simplistic in it, yet such is the craft of great pop music. He delivers a steady vocal during the various verses, but during the chorus, he raises the ante when he sings “every light that ever was,” filling it with a distant backing vocal that jumps into your ears as does the music. For me, I’m regretting that I’ll be stuck working for the next few months with no vacation, as this stretched number would be perfect for driving onto the horizon as the sun just begins to set. His new effort Some Twist will be out June 16th via Suicide Squeeze.

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New Michael Nau Music

Michael Nau has this classic sound; it’s absolutely timeless. He seems to have this magic ability to casually craft tunes that are both poetic and endearing. I love the light bit of piano on this brand new single, though it sits carefully in the distance, allowing Nau’s voice to really take control. There’s a slight uptick at the end of the new number, but for the most part, the casually relaxation leaves you with a song you can enjoy on your own, or in the comfort of your parents’ house during after dinner drinks. Look for this new album, Some Twist, on June 16th via Suicide Squeeze Records.

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Michael Nau -Mowing

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Rating: ★★★☆☆

Its possible youve heard the work of Michael Nau in some capacity over the years through his work in several other outfits (See Cotton Jones). Mowing marks his first debut recording as a solo artist, and its a nice first album that wont hit you too hard, but will slowly work its way into your heart.

Mowing comes across as a collection of carefully crafted folk lullabies, perfect for those days when you want to dissolve into your music, or at least be carried away on its light breeze. Youll begin to understand this notion when you first enter into the album with While You Stand. Gentle acoustic guitar wafts in like wind chime, and the warm, full vocals of Nau contrast the sweetness of the only other element in the track. Simple, yes, but so elegant; a refreshing break from the usual multilayered hyper-complex music we have so much of these days. But then, The Glass, kicks things into gear with the addition of other instrumentation that puts a little spunk into the mix. Theres a nice presence of ragtime piano and the guitars are a little fuzzy and jazzier. Naus voice is smoky and smooth, riding above the rest of the mix.

The rest of the album continues in this vein, later on in the album, you get the incredible So, So Long, which really hones in on the lullaby nature of the tunes on here. But then, theres also the deep classic blues bass line that you find in alt-country. This beautiful track is followed up by instant stick out favorite, Winter Beat, which is rambunctious as Nau gets; slow simmering drums give it a jazzy flair once more, subtle strings work their way in and out of the background. Youll find yourself closing your eyes and slowly nodding your head with the beat. Its gentle music for Sunday afternoons or waking up slowly in the morning.

Whats wonderful about Mowing is its breezy carefree spirit; it never gets too bogged down in itself. At the same time, this airy lightness makes it bit too transparent at moments, during which, its easy to let the music slip out of your focus. This is a small qualm in a soothing album, and I advise you to pick up a copy and give it a spin.

 

Another Tune from Michael Nau

Erika_12JKT EPS_r4The latest single from the forthcoming Michael Nau LP is reminding me how much the power of a voice can truly carry a song. From the opening moments, it’s Nau soaring in the front of the mix, while barely audible metronome percussion keeps the pace. He’s thrown in some extra notes via samples and orchestration to fully fill out the sound on this one, but ultimately, you can’t pull yourself away from his voice. His brand new album, Mowing, is set for a February 19th release from Suicide Squeeze Records…continuing a good run of form for the label.

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More Quiet-ude from Michael Nau

Erika_12JKT EPS_r4It’s about time you delve into the work of Michael Nau, the man behind Cotton Jones, as he prepares you for his new solo outing. As you’ll see on this track, there’s a very careful entry into the track via gently picked strings. Then Nau jumps in with his voice, offering up a softened vocal that’s quite enchanting. For those that weren’t familiar with him before, songs like this one should prepare you to get lost in the forthcoming listen of Mowing, his album for Suicide Squeeze that hits stores on February 19th.

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New Music from Michael Nau

Erika_12JKT EPS_r4Just because Cotton Jones haven’t released anything in a few years, it hasn’t slowed down the writing process for Michael Nau. He’s just announced that he’ll be releasing his new album, Mowing, under his own name, though all indications point to the help from his Cotton Jones crew. His approach on this first single seems to be one of really relaxed folk-influenced indie rock. There’s a slight swing in the guitar chords, almost implying a soulful feel to the track, met by his soothing vocals. Maybe this is the slow jam of the year. Look for his new record via Suicide Squeeze Records on February 19th.

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