Singer/songwriter Fritz Michel releases music video for 'Suddenly You Love Me'
21 April 2022
Newsdesk
Singer/songwriter Fritz Michel has just released the music video for “Suddenly You Love Me,” a catchy and compelling reinterpretation of the British invasion band The Tremeloes’ 1968 hit, out now on all digital platforms. Featured on Michel’s debut EP ‘On The Rocks,’ slated for release on June 17th, the cover and accompanying video takes a sharp turn on the usual break-up song. “’Suddenly You Love Me’ is a relationship song but it’s got that carefree twist,” Michel explains. “So, our video juxtaposes bright colors, animation, and Dada-inspired surrealism with a woodsy, get lost in nature storyline to ride that delightful push me/pull you beat.”
Engaging an array of creative collaborators, Fritz retraces the various threads of his life’s journey with ‘On The Rocks’ and combines them into a new reality. “Siffler Sur La Colline,” also featured on the EP, finds “Suddenly You Love Me” sung in French, no surprise given the fact that Fritz was born in France to American parents who would constantly play that song on repeat on the car stereo.
“That song was a big hit in the early 1970s,” Fritz recalls. “And I thought to myself, why not cover Joe Dassin. I speak French fluently and I have very deep roots in the country. As an actor, I’ve played many French character roles on television and in the movies, so I thought it would be really interesting to sing in French and see if I could find a French audience. Those weird connections inspire me. I grew up speaking French in school and English at home and that duality steered me into acting.”
We spoke to Mitchel about the new video, his debut EP, and what he has in store for 2022. Read on below.
Fritz, congratulations on your new release! Tell us about “Suddenly You Love Me.” What does this song mean to you?
“ZAI, ZAI, ZAI, ZAI” (the lyric) says it all! “Suddenly You Love Me” was a big international hit in 1968 from a British Invasion band called The Tremoloes. French pop star Joe Dassin also covered the same song as “Siffler sur la Colline” in 1969. I grew up in France listening to Joe Dassin and French is my first language. I thought singing in French an interesting creative challenge. Originally from Italian folk song, I wanted keep the mod, dancehall vibe but modernize the sound without losing the fun swing.
Tell us a little bit about the writing and recording process of the ‘On The Rocks’ EP. How does it feel to be releasing your debut EP?
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with two amazing producers Jason Cummings and Tosh Sheridan. Without them, these songs would not exist. I start my songs on the acoustic guitar and I explore phrases, images and stories that resonate. Either finding melody in storytelling or vice-versa, I look for obstacles and conflicts to solve in song. In the recording studio, Tosh and Jason have both taught me a ton about instrumentation, finding variation in a composition, and layering in vocal tracks.
I’m hoping that listeners and viewers trip over something that they don’t forget on my EP! Honestly, it’s scary to put yourself out there on the rocks. I’m testing my own limits and connecting with listeners keeps me searching for the sweet spot.
We hear a broad range of influences on the new EP. Who are some of your biggest creative inspirations outside of music?
A passion for history, symbolism, and myth. To me, music is part of the oral storytelling tradition and something to be handed down through generations. Finding my own story and sharing that snapshot is part of this EP. I’ve also been inspired by actors, writers, and directors I’ve worked with throughout my career. That listening and attention to detail can only be learned on the job.
We loved the recent video for “We Are What We Are.” How does the Wizard of Oz inspire you and your music?
My grandmother collected books and materials related to the original Wizard of Oz books so there’s a personal connection. Like “We Are What We Are”, the Oz story is also about transformational journeys, human vignettes, and traveling companions you encounter. My own need for magic and escape is what I look for in music and video. With this project, they intersect and intertwine.
How has the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns impacted you as an artist?
The song “King of Corona” touches on my origin story as a singer/songwriter and my experience back in April 2020 as New York locked down and the pandemic exploded. That hallucinatory quality of walking along alone in the park, sweating it out, knowing life was changing also inspired me to tackle the nuts and bolts of creating my own music.
What’s next for you in 2022?
I’m looking forward to performing live. You learn so much about songs as they come to life in without the safety net of the studio. The rehearsal process and then going live is always where it’s been at for me whether on film, on stage, or playing music! Like anything, music can be confusing, paradoxical, embarrassing, and sometimes just bizarre.
