Ingrid Michaelson - "Afterlife"

She's been an underestimated pop star for over a decade now. Always on the cusp of greatness, certainly a name that is known, but by no means selling out arenas or headlining Coachella. She's maintained a fierce sense of her own style and her own artistic choices, which has helped her retain her own very unique sound. 

Her voice is easy and never pushed, her musicality is exquisite, and her sense of understanding the simple ups and downs of a human life in complex ways is breathtaking. She knows how to hold on to an audience, how to not take herself too seriously, and to laugh in the face of adversity. She's a champion for women, and humanitarian, and warrior of music. To say the least, I think she's pretty darn neat. 

I've loved her ever since her song "The Way I Am" was featured in an Old Navy commercial, and then knew I was on the Ingrid Train when she teamed up with my favorite Sara Bareilles for "WinterSong", still one of my all time favorite "holiday" songs. Her career is honestly exactly what I'd like. the ability to create, work and live without the swamp of super stardom. 

So in this bright new year, with hope and determination abounding, I choose Ingrid Michaelson' "Afterlife" as my, be bold, be brave, be who you believe yourself capable of becoming, song for a, fear nothing, limits are invisible lines, let go of every other person's concept of you, Wednesday.