On a perpetual quest to seek the perfect combination of words to describe complex emotions, and to piece together a single sentence that has the power to slow time’s trajectory for even a second, Michael Dane Hager was born to be a proprietor of the written word.
At the beginning of his music career, Hager dedicated himself to learning the craft of songwriting– but it does not end there. As a novelist, screenwriter, playwright, and songwriter, he is a seasoned multi-dimensional artist. His words have been credited in over thirty songs recorded by various singers, leading up to his 2018 debut album release, Echoes Across the Divide.
And on December 1st, the literary aficionado released his new album, Fire on the Water, showcasing the latest chapter of his skilled wordsmithing.
Throughout the 11-track record, Hager strings together yearning melodies, tales of love lost and rediscovered, wise perspectives, and overall stellar storytelling over acoustic rhythms . Fusing folk, Americana and country into an arrangement of rich textures and deep soundscapes, the album wrestles with coming of age themes of vulnerability, self-reflection and growth.
The album leads off with a soulful account of change, heartache and the strange soreness we feel toward time’s continual passing in “Smoke & Mirrors.”
With sounds of comforting familiarity and nostalgia, “Smoke and Mirrors” blends the deeply emotional state of love sickness with a sweet touch of warmth and gentleness. Hager’s honest lyricism sets the tone for the rest of the tracks to come, as they cleverly ruminate on the unforgiving lessons life throws our way.
Next up is Hager’s single that earned the title of the album, “Fire on the Water,” which offers a wistful commentary washed in wisdom. The track bravely explores challenging subjects with a confident emotional intelligence and his signature airy graciousness.
With music that insightfully casts a light on the importance of living in the present and appreciating the beauty around us, Hager carefully juxtaposes heartfelt lyricism with soothing melodies. This coordination is demonstrated in the track “Dazed and Confused,” where he bridges an unapologetic sense of humanness and introspection with doses of musical serenity and comfort.
Contrasting from the album’s thoroughly woven poetic prose, “Nothing as Good as a Friend” is a stand-out single for its playfully simplistic call toward joy. A friendship-appreciation anthem, the track is easy and fun, making for an ideal kickback tune on a sunny afternoon by the water.
Bringing the album to a sentimental close is the single “Night Dreams,” a precious ode to the dark side of the chase toward fame and fortune. Down to earth and enchantingly mesmerizing, “Night Dreams” allows listeners to slip into an intimate place within themselves full of foresight and gratitude.
Beyond the world of songwriting, the dedicated writer had his play, The Last Ride, put into production in 2008, and three years later, his first novel, Just Beyond The Edge, was put into print. He would go on to write TV and film scripts, and release his second novel, Times of Clouds and Sun. “I feel like all my hard work and dedication to writing has been a journey well worth taking,” he states on his website.
Fire on the Water is the latest endeavor of an accomplished patron of the written word, and there’s no telling what written work might be next for Hager.
