By: Staff
Michael Figueroa returns with his powerful new single "Love You, I Don't" after 12 years away, blending nostalgic indie vibes and the soulful energy of the late 70s in a triumphant revival.
Michael Figueroa is back, and his return is nothing short of electric. After 12 years away from releasing music, he's stepping back into the spotlight with a raw, emotional debut that hits straight to the heart. Reflecting on the past, Figueroa says, "For 12 years I have been away from releasing music and it has been the worst 12 years of my life. This marks my debut back. I appreciate every listen and for the opportunity for you to be a part of my comeback. Thank you." His comeback is more than just a reintroduction, it’s an explosion of everything he's been holding onto for over a decade, and he’s not holding back.
The vocal display and performance are both electrifying and captivating. The accompanying guitars are such a perfect blend of musical support for Figueroa's vocal styling. The chorus is so catchy we found ourselves singing along after just the very first one! When the interlude arrives, there is such a beautiful presence to the soft to soaring vocals. Without a doubt, the vocals are a standout and we feel will get this artist noticed by the industry and fans. Live shows must be a blast!
His debut single, "Love You, I Don't," is a bold statement of who he is now, an artist who’s unafraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. Drawing from the indie scene that dominated the early 2010s, Figueroa’s sound brings nostalgic vibes from artists like Toro y Moi, Mac DeMarco, and Bahamas, while still maintaining a fresh, modern edge. But he’s also a bit of a time traveler, pulling in those smooth, soulful sounds of the late 70s to give his music an adventurous, timeless vibe. It’s the kind of sound that feels both familiar and completely new, like rediscovering an old favorite record.
Music has always been Michael's escape, his lifeline. He started writing songs as a kid, scribbling lyrics in notebooks while others were busy with their textbooks. By 15, he was already recording, figuring out how to take his raw emotions and turn them into something real. After a long period away from the scene, he’s ready to share his voice with the world again. This isn’t just a comeback, it’s a revival of the dreams he’s kept alive through all the struggles and setbacks.
Figueroa’s upcoming EP is set to dive deep into all those messy, beautiful parts of life we all relate to, love, loss, hope, and heartbreak. Every song is crafted with care, making you feel like you’re right there with him, experiencing every high and low. It’s emotional, it’s honest, and most importantly, it’s real.
Michael Figueroa isn’t just making music; he’s telling his story, and inviting all of us along for the ride. This is the comeback we’ve been waiting for, and from the sound of things, it’s only the beginning. Buckle up—Figueroa is about to take us on one hell of a journey.
You can find this release on any major platform, see below for links to take you straight to some of the profiles. Make sure to playlist, stream, and share "Love You, I Don't" by Michael Figueroa!
We had the chance to catch up with Michael Figueroa for an exclusive interview in "The Cage" Music Blog.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview
Hello Michael Figueroa, we’re thrilled to have you for this interview! We’ve had a blast diving into your music and exploring your work, and now we’re even more excited to learn more about you, both as an artist, and as a person.
What was the inspiration for choosing your given name as your stage name?
To be completely honest, I just can't see myself being named anything else. I've always liked my name and never had a problem with it. I understand why people change their names or use stage names, but for me, it's about authenticity. This is who I am, and when you look me up or talk about me, it's all under my real name. My name represents me and my music. I believe in the authenticity of using your name if you like it, and for me, it's genuine.
You took 12 years off from music. Can you tell us what happened and how you managed to overcome that period?
Life often doesn't go as planned. I thought I'd blow up in music at 18, but I'm glad that didn't happen because I've gained so much wisdom. The 12-year break was because I was trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. I was running from my talents out of fear of being seen. The unhappiness came from knowing I wasn't living my true purpose, which is to be creative and make art. I never stopped making music, though. I worked on my skills in secret, which gave me confidence. Now, I feel more assured in my music than ever before.
How has your songwriting process evolved from your early days to now?
I started writing music in first or second grade. I've never been formally taught; it all comes from intuition and what I believe sounds good. I trust my ear and am confident in my songwriting. I don't overthink or rewrite much. My best songs often come together quickly. My process hasn't changed much; I write songs in my head, memorizing them before recording so I can focus on delivery.
How does music still serve as an escape for you today?
Growing up, I wasn't a compliant student, but I poured my efforts into my notebook, writing lyrics and music. That was my escape, like going to a music school. Today, being an independent artist requires various skills, but when I can focus on being creative, it's a complete escape. Being creative brings peace to my life, and I look forward to a time when I can focus solely on that.
What would you say to people discovering you now?
I'd say, stay tuned. This is me re-entering the music scene after 12 years, and I'm here to stay. I have big goals and believe the best is yet to come. You're witnessing a creative person ready to fully immerse and share with the world. It's a great time to become a fan from the start.
What was the inspiration for the artwork for "Love You (I Don't)"?
The inspiration came from 1970s artwork. I've been into 70s music for the past two years and loved the aesthetics. I bought a book called "1000 Record Covers" and started experimenting. The final artwork is quite different but rooted in that era, which I believe was a golden age for music.
How do you feel about social media?
Social media has both good and bad aspects. Personally, I'm into digital minimalism and believe social media can distract us from what truly matters. However, to succeed in this industry, I need to engage with it. It's a tool to communicate and reach my fans, Despite its negatives, I'm willing to use it to share my message and music.
Which artists would you love to tour with?
I'd love to tour with Mac DeMarco because our music styles align. Toro y Moi (Chaz Bundick) is another artist I admire for his genre versatility. Tycho is a personal favorite, and I'd enjoy touring with him, even if it doesn't make perfect sense musically. Lastly, Bahamas is another artist whose music I love. These are the core four artists I'd love to tour with.
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Michael Figueroa’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Michael Figueroa on Spotify & YouTube.
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