Ahead of his upcoming EP Golden Age, Michael Blackwell has released Encore – a reflective new single inspired by his time touring with various artists including Louis Tomlinson.
Michael has never been afraid to write from personal experience, and Encore is perhaps his most honest release yet. Rather than celebrating life on the road, it explores the emotional comedown that can come once the lights go down and the applause fades.
Built around gentle guitars and understated production, Encore captures the loneliness that can exist behind the excitement of touring. Lyrics such as, “The curtain closes / It gets dark / There’s no encore / I’m not catching roses or stealing hearts” paint a picture of someone questioning their place once the performance is over.
Speaking about the track on Instagram, Michael explained that life as a touring musician isn’t always as glamorous as it appears, describing the music industry as “a bit of a mess at times.” That honesty runs throughout the song, which feels less like a grand statement and more like someone quietly working through their thoughts.
Elsewhere, lyrics including “You’re looking at another man, I unpack for the show / Under the withering lights / I can’t hide from it all” hint at the vulnerability that comes with stepping on stage night after night. Rather than portraying confidence, Michael leans into uncertainty, allowing the song to resonate with anyone who’s ever felt pressure to become a version of themselves that others expect.
Musically, Encore keeps things simple, allowing Michael’s lyrics and vocals to remain at the heart of the song. Mixed by John Catlin, mastered by Felix Davis and featuring contributions from Alexander Lanyon, the production never overshadows the emotion.
If Encore is anything to go by, Golden Age could prove to be Michael’s most personal collection of songs yet. It’s a thoughtful, understated release that reminds us some of the strongest songwriting often comes from artists who are willing to be completely honest and vulnerable with the listener.
You can pre-order Golden Age here!
About Author
