A Thoughtful Tune for a Fresh Start
https://open.spotify.com/track/3fhauG68po9Mf38b5uQihL When the calendar edges toward a new year, it’s not unusual to hear the same old seasonal fare flooding the airwaves. Holiday jingles, Christmas standards, and upbeat party anthems tend to dominate. Yet, there are surprisingly few songs designed to sit comfortably in that quieter space between one year’s close and the next year’s promise. Enter “First Thing I Want to Say (Happy New Year Song),” by Michael Sorensen, also known as ElectricBassoon released on December 8, 2024. At three minutes and fifty-four seconds, this track delivers a gentle, reflective mood, one that seeks to acknowledge life’s imperfect paths while still looking forward with hope.
A Personal Dedication in Uncertain Times
This isn’t just another generic festive single. “First Thing I Want to Say (Happy New Year Song)” grew from an intimate family moment. After navigating a few challenging years, ElectricBassoon felt compelled to write something special for his wife—something that didn’t rely on hollow cheer or grandiose resolutions. Instead, he wanted to capture the subtler side of stepping into a new year. Life rarely plays out according to neat plans, and as a couple with two daughters in primary school, they’d often find themselves wondering where the time had slipped away. This heartfelt track acknowledges that sense of unease, even regret, over the milestones not reached, while still encouraging gratitude and determination. It’s not about brushing hardships under the rug. Rather, this piece highlights that it’s perfectly fine not to have accomplished all those lofty goals. Instead of striving for perfection, it encourages pausing to appreciate what one has and who one shares it with. When ElectricBassoon played the song privately for his wife before the guests arrived on New Year’s Eve, her enthusiastic response prompted him to release it publicly. Her reaction validated his idea that others might also find comfort in a song addressing that subtle mix of uncertainty and hope.
From Classical Foundations to Versatile Creativity
ElectricBassoon’s own musical journey influences the tone and shape of this work. He pursued his passion through rigorous academic training, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Trinity College of Music and a Master’s degree from the Royal College of Music, completing his studies in 2004. Yet, that’s just one layer of his musical identity. Over the years, he has performed across various genres—jazz ensembles, rock bands, orchestras, and experimental projects. His classical training hasn’t restricted him; instead, it has enriched the way he approaches composition and performance, allowing him to merge different styles into something uniquely his own. Listeners can find evidence of this eclectic background in “First Thing I Want to Say (Happy New Year Song).” Behind the scenes, Kaska Records helped enhance the piece, adding orchestral parts and bringing in drums, percussion, and a guitar-and-bass duo from Germany. The track thus stands as a testament to international collaboration. All these elements mesh seamlessly, delivering a polished final product that feels both personal and universal. It’s a quiet reminder that music can transcend borders, connecting people even when life’s unpredictable twists and turns feel overwhelming.
Embracing the Year Ahead with Gratitude
https://youtu.be/pwxu96qsaIM?feature=shared What makes this release so resonant is its understated sincerity. At a time of year when many people feel pressured to make grand promises—hitting the gym more, climbing the career ladder, setting ambitious financial targets—this song opts for a gentler approach. It doesn’t push a message of reinvention or unrealistic leaps forward. Instead, it whispers that contentment and progress can come in small increments. It says that reflecting on what we have, from family bonds to personal growth, can be its own quiet victory. This understanding is especially comforting in a world that doesn’t always let people slow down. With constant demands on time and attention, especially for parents and busy professionals, the idea of calmly stepping into a new year feels refreshing. The song’s availability on platforms like YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify makes it accessible to anyone in need of such reassurance. And, given how it was born—out of love, understanding, and a willingness to face reality—it has a genuine quality that might resonate more deeply than a standard party tune. In the end, “First Thing I Want to Say (Happy New Year Song)” is an invitation to embrace both what is and what might be. It’s a gentle nudge to acknowledge that life’s messiness doesn’t negate the joy and love already present. Instead of focusing solely on what hasn’t been achieved, the track suggests that finding peace in one’s current place can be just as meaningful. For those stepping into another year feeling uncertain or behind on their dreams, ElectricBassoon’s composition offers a comforting perspective: it’s okay to be exactly where you are, with all your hopes and imperfections, as you raise a glass to the future.
We had the privilege of interviewing the Music Artist Michael Sorensen. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Hi, Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
I have a Bachelor’s degree from Trinity College of Music and a Master degree from the Royal College of Music, graduating in 2004. Since then, I’ve played in numerous different genres, including orchestras, jazz bands, rock bands, etc, as well as making my own music. Although I studied classical music, I always played many genres; check out the Electric Bassoon playing Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix on YouTube! Writing my own music has always been important to me, a way to express myself, whether the lyrics are about something or someone specific or just a made-up story. It’s always fun to see a project go from an idea to being completed.
Please tell us about your Song.
Work and family life have gotten in the way now that I have 2 daughters who are both in primary school. The latest song came about after a few difficult years. Every New Year’s Eve, my wife and I would look back and wonder where the time had gone and that we’d not accomplished as much as we wanted to.
The next year, I wanted to do something for my wife, and I wrote her this song. There are so many great Christmas songs, but I don’t really hear many New Year’s songs on the radio, so I thought I would write my wife a song for New Year. I also didn’t want to be too cliche and sing about resolutions and it being ‘Party Time’, just a more laid back; a chance for me to say that we’re not quite where we thought we’d be but that’s ok, I still love you, let’s be thankful for what we have.
Also, I think it was important for me to look at how I was and if I could have been a better husband. I wrote the song and played it for her on New Year’s Eve before all the guests arrived. She fell in love with the song and said we should release it. I contacted Kaska Records to help with the orchestra parts, and seeing what a great job he did, I also got him to record Drums, Percussion, and through his friend in Germany Guitar and Bass. They also mixed and mastered the track. I’m so grateful to Anatoly, Oleksandr, and everyone there who worked on the track. Can you believe they’re in Ukraine? With the war going on and still managing to make music, amazing people! And all the best to them!
In summary, I hope that people will be able to relate to the song and maybe even take some comfort and inspiration from it.
Any message for our readers
You’re probably not where you want to be, but that’s okay. Next year, I know you can do it; you can make next year a great year. Happy New Year to you all!
Thank you so much, Michael, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
