Americana Highways presents this video premiere of Fritz Michel’s song “We Are What We Are,” from his forthcoming EP On the Rocks, scheduled for release on June 17th. Music and lyrics on the album are by Fritz Michel (lead vocals, acoustic guitar). It was produced by Jason Cummings (background vocals, bass guitar, lead guitar, and keyboards); mixed by Anthony “Rocky” Gallo and mastered by Joe Lambert. Doug Yowell is on drums.
The video was directed by Gavin Price; produced by Fritz Michel; edited by Alethia Ward; and choreographed by Emily Pacilio. This video (and the song itself) is a glorious reflective encapsulation of a lifetime in dance and song, and holds up the optimism of the song’s intent. Michel creates purely wondrous songs.
I wrote “We Are What We Are” inspired by the many connections we all make as our stories unfold. I began with an upbeat jazzy bass groove and acoustic guitar. Working with NYC producer Jason Cummings we layered in live drums, mellotron, and electric guitar as the song builds towards an ethereal final chorus Night Parade. “We Are What We Are” is the first single release on my new 5-song EP. Like Stevie Wonder’s music, I hope this song puts a smile on listeners faces as they groove.
For the “We Are What We Are” video, director Gavin Price and I wanted movement and dance to illustrate the song. His wife, Emily Pacilio, choreographed the dances. The story is a 21st century riff on “The Wizard of Oz” with Emily playing Dorothy, myself as the Wizard, and a cast of dancers as Scarecrow, Tin Human, Lion along with the Good Witches. We found inspiration both in my grandmother’s collection of early Ozania and Emily’s love of “Wicked” and the 1978 super soul film “The Wiz” and got creative in the New Jersey countryside one balmy weekend in February! — Fritz Michel
Order the music here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/fritzmichel/we-are-what-we-are