Premiere | Mike Frazier: Tulsa
Photo by Brett Ballachino
Sometimes inspiration comes to you when you least expect it. That’s what happened with Mike Frazier for his new single, “Tulsa.” A trip to Oklahoma to open for Jason Hawk Harris at Mercury Lounge, way back in January 2020. The “before times;” before we knew the world would shut down for months and our whole way of living would be disrupted. This is where Mike found his inspiration, in the “bluest skies he’s ever seen, Tulsa will always be near and dear to my heart.” Today we are premiering his single, “Tulsa.” It will be available everywhere on January 27th, which is the same day that Mike will announce pre-orders for his new album.
Listening to the single, one can’t help but think about how Frazier’s voice seems oddly familiar. Two lines in and I’m pulling up Neil Young’s “Unknown Legend” to confirm that’s who Frazier is reminding me of. A Virginia native who recently relocated to Seattle, Frazier has a way of turning his observations about the mundane into songs we can all relate to.
“Tulsa” starts off by mentioning those indigo skies that left such an impression on Frazier. But, then you realize this isn’t just a song about Tulsa and his experiences there. This is a song about making the choice to keep going, digging deep to get yourself out of those lonesome and down feelings:
“White lines blurring in the rearview
Billboards ask me if I pray
It sure gets me feeling lonesome
Was doing all right yesterday
Some things you can’t control
Better dig yourself out of that hole
Never did much what you’re told
Ain’t nobody going to buy your soul”
Listen to the new single below: