While a lot of us have forgotten about MySpace (or at least tried to, until it got [the most gorgeous facelift of the century](http://vimeo.com/50071857)), Ingrid Michaelson has the old, original version to thank for her rise to fame.
Michaelson was working as a children’s theater teacher when a licensing company discovered her on the Internet, according to an interview with CBS’s “The Early Show.” Shortly after, the Brooklynite experienced her big break by lending her voice to an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” As she sat on the couch in her cockroach-infested apartment watching the episode that night in 2007, nearly 23 million people heard the sound of her voice. And thus Michaelson’s career began.
Michaelson’s music has since been featured in other TV shows such as “Scrubs,” “One Tree Hill” and “Ugly Betty.” She has produced four albums, the most recent, _Human Again_, released this year. Touring constantly and playing guitar, ukelele and piano, the singer-songwriter creates an indie-pop/folk sound — think “Juno” soundtrack meets Katy Perry, with a little bit more soul.
“I’m a pretty big fan of the whole ‘girl with guitar’ thing,” MU junior Jon Page says of his affinity for Michaelson. “And I enjoy the whole singer-songwriter feel.”
Michaelson’s witty lyrics, like when she declares she’d “buy you Rogaine when you start losing all your hair, sew on patches to all you tear,” are also relatable. I mean, who doesn’t love that imagery? All of this paired with her refreshing voice and catchy beats captivate fans like MU freshman McKenzie Pendergrass.
“I love Ingrid, and I listen to her because her music is fun,” Pendergrass says. “It’s easy to sing to.”
The topics of her songs range from fighting for what you believe in to falling in and out of love. Unlike other celebrities, Michaelson exerts an “average girl” image, wearing thick-rimmed glasses and trendy scarves like a uniform.
“She’s not really a pop star,” Pendergrass says. “She’s more like her own brand.”
Michaelson’s Fall Acoustic Tour stops by Columbia on Thursday at The Blue Note. Expect songs off her new album, a few tunes on the ukelele and her down-to-earth attitude.
“A song could be about something saddish, but when she puts her little ukelele to it, it somehow makes everything OK,” Pendergrass says. “I’m really excited to see her perform live.”
