New Jersey Stage Issue 70 | Page 18

finish a song and people weren’t applauding, so when you’re in your room and there’s no applause it’s not the most foreign thing to me. I’ve kind of built up some emotion- al muscle from those lean years where people are throwing shit at you. But it is weird. It’s a different experience, but maybe it’s the new normal. Who knows where this thing is going to go.” Some people have suggested that he wait on releasing the album until shows are taking place again, but he sees it as both an opportu- nity and a responsibility. The op- portunity is from having the world at home looking for things to listen to and watch. The responsibility comes from the message in the songs - especially the title track. “If that song didn’t sound so timely - if it was just a pop song, I might wait,” said McDermott. “But I think that song needs to be out there.” w Watch Michael McDermott cover “Jungleland” NJ STAGE - ISSUE 70 INDEX NEXT ARTICLE 18