Listen now (2 mins) | “Hood” was the first time I sat down with the intention to write a pop song. It was gently suggested that I make a “single” for the second record and I was fueled by that idea. I didn’t have a lot of experience creating something with the knowledge that other people would hear it. I had never been in a studio or written with one in mind, so it was fun for me to map out a song with the intention of it eventually having real drums and a big, official sound.
I was 17 when this album came out, one of the roughest years of my life. The album, and this song in particular, was a place of peace and warmth I would go to every night to help me sleep. Thank you dear Mike, your music continues to be my safe space almost a decade later ❤️
I remember hearing this back in 2012/2013 and being so awestruck by it. To this day, it gives me chill. It was the song that made me (and countless others, I presume) discover your music, so, in a sense, I think that your idea of creating a “pop” (as in popular) song turned out great. And I’m glad it did, your music has been a beacon of light and a source of reflection ever since. xo Lucas
Thank you for what you've written here about the "conflict". It brings clarification and gives me words for what I've been experiencing for a long time. I'm in love with my spouse (and who I know truly loves me) but, I often don't feel totally at home with it. "I didn’t know how to be in a good place, I didn’t trust it or think I deserved to be there" resonated so deeply for me, it made me cry. I'm in the best place I've ever been but have this conflict. It's helpful to see what it is so clearly stated and to not feel like there's something wrong with me for having these feelings.
I saw you play this at Cafe Du Nord in SF once, and the crowd loved it so much that they started chanting for you to immediately play it again. And then you did and everyone was extremely happy.
are we going to see more of these? i'm particularly curious about the story behind "Normal Song" and "Floating Spit," two songs of yours that comforted me when i was getting through a tough time.
The Hood music video and also the one for You Won't B Here were the first two pieces of your work I saw/heard. Crucial moments in my life. It's so wild to look back.
I recall seeing this song live in a small cafe in Virginia with my best friend so vividly. I got shivers listening to this demo. This album makes my heart swell. Thank you for this gift.
I love that song, it seems to end just as it "really" starts (in the context of a pop song I guess as you describe it) and so the heaviness of it lingers on, it leaves you on such a high but also, like why did it have to already end?! 2mkn and 500kb, how light how powerful
Hood (demo)
I was 17 when this album came out, one of the roughest years of my life. The album, and this song in particular, was a place of peace and warmth I would go to every night to help me sleep. Thank you dear Mike, your music continues to be my safe space almost a decade later ❤️
I remember hearing this back in 2012/2013 and being so awestruck by it. To this day, it gives me chill. It was the song that made me (and countless others, I presume) discover your music, so, in a sense, I think that your idea of creating a “pop” (as in popular) song turned out great. And I’m glad it did, your music has been a beacon of light and a source of reflection ever since. xo Lucas
Mike these thoughts are beautiful and relatable! “I didn’t know how to be in a good place.” So glad you stayed and figured it out. xo Reg
Thank you for what you've written here about the "conflict". It brings clarification and gives me words for what I've been experiencing for a long time. I'm in love with my spouse (and who I know truly loves me) but, I often don't feel totally at home with it. "I didn’t know how to be in a good place, I didn’t trust it or think I deserved to be there" resonated so deeply for me, it made me cry. I'm in the best place I've ever been but have this conflict. It's helpful to see what it is so clearly stated and to not feel like there's something wrong with me for having these feelings.
I saw you play this at Cafe Du Nord in SF once, and the crowd loved it so much that they started chanting for you to immediately play it again. And then you did and everyone was extremely happy.
are we going to see more of these? i'm particularly curious about the story behind "Normal Song" and "Floating Spit," two songs of yours that comforted me when i was getting through a tough time.
The Hood music video and also the one for You Won't B Here were the first two pieces of your work I saw/heard. Crucial moments in my life. It's so wild to look back.
Michael Stipe covered it when he opened for Patti Smith. He said it was like her song We Three. Do-Wop.
This song means everything to me
❤️ that demo tho
I recall seeing this song live in a small cafe in Virginia with my best friend so vividly. I got shivers listening to this demo. This album makes my heart swell. Thank you for this gift.
always wished this song was longer. it's just so good
I love that song, it seems to end just as it "really" starts (in the context of a pop song I guess as you describe it) and so the heaviness of it lingers on, it leaves you on such a high but also, like why did it have to already end?! 2mkn and 500kb, how light how powerful
i love to hear this and read about this very very special song. thank you mr. genius :’)
The drum intro after "I tick like a bomb" is my favorite part of that album. Truly beautiful song.
this is one of my favourite songs of yours and also anyone ever. really wonderful to hear the demo and your thoughts <3