Micah Sheveloff is a singer-songwriter from Boston, currently residing in St. Petersburg, Florida. The classically trained pianist draws from an eclectic range of influences spanning genres from classical to rock. Born into a musical family, Micah developed his skills in piano, voice, and composition from an early age. He has supported rock and metal acts in the studio while honing his craft as a meticulous songwriter. Sheveloff writes infectious melodies and crafts intricate arrangements inspired equally by Béla Bartók and The Beatles. His solo material blends 70s-influenced pop with more experimental classical flourishes. With his masterful piano skills and tender vocal delivery, Sheveloff crafts nostalgia-tinged songs with subtle complexities.
In his soulful new single “SMILE,” Micah Sheveloff transports the listener to a dreamlike state from the opening notes. Gentle piano cascades with the warmth and comfort of a summer breeze. Sheveloff’s deep, rich vocals enter, instantly calming and nourishing the soul. His emotive delivery imbues the lyrics with profound empathy.
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Steady beats and sweeping synth washes enter, enlarging the ethereal soundscape. When the chorus emerges at the 1:30 mark, it lifts the atmosphere to greater heights of inspiration and elation. Floating vocals soar as keyboards enhance the joyful ambiance. Around the 3-minute point, EDM-tinged percussion and riffing bring an intriguing sense of mystery. Micah Sheveloff unleashes impressive range whilst maintaining perfect control.
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The uplifting theme explores overcoming inner turmoil and darkness through a healing connection. Through its blending of organic instrumentation and electronic textures, “SMILE” by Micah Sheveloff conveys catharsis in finding solace amid life’s struggles through companionship and love.
SMILE is the sad/happy colors of real life, in my world anyway, a graceful union of ominous sounding verses followed by huge choruses, a bridge that swings and sways with a touch of jazz piano followed by a dark, gritty coda.
Micah Sheveloff
We recently had an opportunity to chat with Micah Sheveloff about his new release and more. Keep reading to know all about his work.
1. Hey Micah Sheveloff! Welcome to Sinusoidal, and a hearty congratulations on your new song release. I have absolutely enjoyed listening to “SMILE.” The song starts off with such calming keys and gradually builds into an expansive soundscape. What inspired the progression of this song? Did you have a specific emotion or journey in mind while composing it?
A: SMILE was originally a song that I wrote for my band, The Voodoo Jets, and you can find that version online. The Voodoo Jets was a power pop trio and I always disliked the way that version sounded. So, I decided to record the song as a solo artist with a new arrangement. But to answer your question. Lyrically, the song contrasts one part of my life that was dark and difficult versus my life today, which is more filled with joy and good energy. “No one makes me smile the way that you do” is just pure gratitude.
2. Your vocals in “SMILE” are so deep and commanding, yet there’s a gentle, calming effect. How do you balance that emotional weight in your voice with the soothing nature of the song?
A: When I was young I was raised with classical music and sung in a choir. As I began to discover the art of popular song, I gravitated toward artists who could articulate and emote in a way that sounded natural to their range. In other words, not contrived and overly theatrical. One great example of this is David Baerwald, who has a staggering range but always sounds like he’s singing right to the listener. I’m trying to offer that same intimacy, that same authenticity as a vocalist.
3. The theme of “SMILE” touches on overcoming inner turmoil and finding salvation through a powerful connection with someone. Was this theme drawn from personal experience, or did it come from a more universal perspective?
A: Another excellent question! The lyrical basis for SMILE comes from my own personal journey, but it’s less about a connection with someone and more about who I once was versus who I grew to become.
4. The song had so many amazing variations that kept me hooked throughout. How do you approach adding dynamic shifts in your music without losing the core message or emotion of the song?
A: My favorite attribute of SMILE is the journey that it takes the listener from the dark verses, the huge chorus harmonies to the swing/jazzy bridge, and then that gritty coda I love so much. These parts are much more distinct in this version than they were in the original Voodoo Jets track. As a songwriter, I live to be able to create a sense of surprise and carry the listener to a place they did not expect to go. That is the essence of songwriting to me. I know other artists have a different approach, but unusual chord voicings and little twists in the melodies or chord progressions create an interesting song. That’s my approach, anyway.
5. Your music has such a unique fusion of genres and influences. Have there been any pivotal moments in your career where you realized you wanted to break away from traditional boundaries and explore more eclectic sounds?
A: Haha, the pivotal moments were when my parents took me to hear Stravinsky as a small child. Then enter the Beatles and Beach Boys and stir that into one spicy stew. I love classic American Songbook Cole Porter composition style and just thoughtfully crafted songs. And as I got older I realized that as an artist my responsibility was to just be me. To bring songs into the world that were representative of my unique experiences and influences and stop worrying that I didn’t have a voice like Robin Zander.
6. You’ve been in the music scene for a while, spanning different roles and styles. How has the music industry’s evolution affected your creative process, especially with the rise of digital platforms and new production techniques?
A: I was fortunate enough to have recorded the old way to 2-inch tape, where you rehearse a band and seek to capture magical interaction with other human beings… I love that! As a solo artist in modern times, I always seek to apply those experiences to make sure that my recordings capture the emotion of each unique track. But I will say that though I understand the benefits of streaming, the way listeners consume music today makes me sad. There seems to be an indifference, a sort of inadvertent commoditization of the art form that is polar opposite to the way I listen and the way I create. But my approach is to write the most compelling songs I can and just push them into the ether and see what happens.
7. What’s next for you? Are there any exciting projects or directions you’re exploring that we can look forward to?
A: I have another release called City Bus, dropping on November 22. It’s a piano voice track that tells the story of venturing out of my childhood home to explore the city of Boston as a young man. The production of this song was influenced by a Billie Eilish track called Your Power, where her vocals are super-forward. It is such a courageous and intimate way to present a song. I was moved by the energy and applied that ethic to City Bus. Gotta love it when a young artist influences an old dog! Beyond City Bus, I have more new music on the way for 202. I really appreciate you taking the time to ask me such thoughtful questions.
Enjoy listening to “SMILE” by Micah Sheveloff here.
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