On Song Writing
I started writing music as a reaction to my inability to learn to play cover songs when I first took up playing the guitar. It was also my way protecting my friends from having to hear Home, Home on the Range for the hundredth time. As with everything I do creatively, I dedicated myself to learning the craft of songwriting. Ten years into the process, and having kept most of my music to myself, I was encouraged by fellow songwriters “to put my music out there” and see where it might land. Fortunately, I had some talented musicians who wanted to record my material. For that I’m eternally grateful…they are “my voice” for sharing my joy, my pain and love for life. So after twenty years or so, and with over 30 songs recorded by a variety of artist, I feel like I finally understand what it takes to write a song that connects to the listener. That being said, I hope I’ll never lose the passion for writing music. To quote one of the best songwriters of my generation, Don Henley of The Eagles, “Music is a part of our soul that is undeniably connected who we are as human beings.” No truer words have been said. I’ve chosen few of the songs I’ve written from selected CD’s and hopefully you’ll take the time to listen to a few. Enjoy!!!!Fire on the Water
All musicians have what they describe as the personal catalog of songs that they have never recorded but consider to be some of their best work as songwriters. For me, Fire on the Water is that collection of songs that I’ve been yearning to record but for some reason never found the right circumstances to merit the effort I believed the songs deserved. Fortunately, having signed a two-record deal with XDOT25Music in 2021 and having found a talented music producer, in Zach Balch, I was ready to put in the creative effort into making this passion project. Throughout the eleven-track record, I tried to string together songs that wrestles with everything from coming-of-age themes in Dazed & Confused to the self-reflection of lost love in Smoke & Mirrors to the vulnerability and the struggles life presents us with in everyday life in Fire on the Water. I purposely chose songs in the genres of Folk, Americana and Country without concerns of the album fitting into a traditional single genre album…these are simply the songs that I most relate to and enjoy playing during my live performances or just downstairs in my basement studio playing by myself. I hope you can enjoy what was one of the more fulfilling music journeys I’ve taken in my career as a singer/songwriter.
“Fire on the Water braids folk, Americana and country, together into a classic sounding collection infused with Michael Dane Hager’s unique musical personality and sensitivity. His dense and cathartic prose is woven throughout his songs starting with the lonesome nostalgic song Smoke & Mirrors. Hager makes the most of this sprawling canvas with his impassioned, textured voice that fills every forlorn lyric with the feeling of what would an echo of our inner thoughts sound like. He’s a songwriter determined to imbue each song with a kind of hard-won authority while not afraid to show his vulnerability, as best reflected in his song Dazed & Confused.
The album is governed more by mood than genre as illustrated by the juxtaposition of the plaintive, reflective commentary in Fire on the Water to the country lament of Lonesome Cowboy. Hager is not afraid of sharing his romantic sentimentality in Loving You Is Easy, which should be on everyone’s list of wedding/anniversary love songs. The richly textured arrangements in this series of yearning songs ask questions about vulnerability, being present, and lost and found love. ” — XDOT25Music
This album feels like a conversation with a close friend who’s been through it, who’s searched through the light and shadows….and is better for it.
“Michael Dane Hager Displays Resonating Blend Of Wisdom & Vulnerability On New Album ‘Fire On The Water’” – HANNAH BOHN, Music Mecca, December 7, 2023 – Article Here
Echoes Across the Divide
Echoes Across the Divide was released in 2022 by XDOT25 Music. Even though I creatively avoided going back into the recording studio (it’s always intimating), I was drawn to this project with the encouragement of the record company and fellow songwriters that I had something important to say in these songs and that the messages in these songs could help bring awareness to important issues confronting us today, ranging from climate change to the struggle for human rights. To that point, I am donating all the proceeds from the album to local chapters of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Echoes Across the Divide is collection of new complications and remastered songs that vary in theme from a song tribute to Congressman John Lewis titled Simple Man to the healing lyrics of dealing with the personal tragedy of loss in There is a Beginning to Every Ending to Age of Indifference that reflects on three important themes: climate crisis, drug wars and human rights. Never one to ignore matters of the heart, I also included some heartfelt reflections of fleeting romance in the songs Swept Away and Shadow of Your Heart.
I would greatly appreciate your support in purchasing the album on your favorite downloading service i.e. Amazon, Spotify, iTunes as a way of supporting my efforts donate to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. You can also visit my page on XDOT25Music for more details on the album and other music by XDOT25Music. Thank you for all your support.
“A Few Early Reviews of Echoes Across the Divide
“Michael Dane Hager shares with his listeners a message of hope and concern around important issues of our time and invites us to contemplate our daily lives from a compassionate perspective. Conveyed in simple yet eloquent rock/folk settings, this collection of songs presents an acoustic/electric sound that is the ideal background for Michael’s plaintive and soulful vocals. The result is a thoughtful and introspective effort that is sure to please.” San Francisco Chronicle
“There are few albums that demands the full attention of its listeners as Echoes Across the Divide. Whether speaking to important issues of the today or drilling down deep into our emotions, these songs provide an opportunity to reflect on our place in the world.” Michael Sanders, Former Executive MTM Records
“Tender Love, clearly demonstrates Michael’s dedication to craft of songwriting. There are few songs that speak so deeply about the struggles and complexity of maintaining a faltering relationship.” Steve Eaton, Gold & Platinum Singer/Songwriter
Just a Man
Just a Man presents a wide range of style and excellent songwriting. A superb collection of lovelorn blues and well-crafted folk rock. San Francisco Chronicle states “Just a Man is full of lovelorn blues and well crafted ballads. The arrangements are slick and upbeat, a real credit to this finely produced CD.” The range of musical diversity that Just a Man displays is evident all the emotions about love lost or low down blues.
“Songs by Michael Hager: Just a Man, Crooked Minds, She’s Home, Sweet Elena & What’s the NewsThis Life
East meets West on the new release from 1993 Wammies Award winning artist Aldoush Alpanian. A new lineup and a different perspective on this CD where progressive world fusion crosses rock boundaries and is influenced by Middle Eastern textures. This work is enhanced by Aldoush’s expressive vocal work, lyrics of depth such as his collaboration with Michael Hager on Simple Man exemplifies Aldoush’s their commitment to sending out their message of peace.
Songs by Michael Hager on CD: Simple Man & The Call
Alias Smith
“The songwriting on this CD like all debut albums is critical…and Michael Hager’s lyrics bring a depth and heart to Alias Smith’s soulful vocals.” Alex Amadi, President XDOT Records Songs by Michael Hager on CD: Natural Thing, Chasing the Blues & Woman in Your Life
Gentleman X
Don’t miss the bonus track Wrong Side of Life that’s not listed on the CD cover (in which Smith addresses everything from politics to mutual respect), the most intense number is a rousing R&B testimonial “Woman in Your Life.” It includes some funky blues licks by guitarist Bell and should prove a rousing set closer for Smith for years to come.” Pierce Carson, Napa Register
Songs by Michael Hager on CD: Starting All Over, Wrong Side of Life, First Rate Love & Somewhere Gone