Listening to artists interpret their own work allows us to hear something different, something specifically-them. The recordings below are all songs written and sung by Michael.
"Friedman by Friedman" is a way to connect with Michael's work, and Michael, himself. We miss hearing his voice, and perhaps you do, too. This page is a small bridge between the past and the present, giving us the chance to hear him sing some of the songs that have brought so much joy to so many.
Escaping the Modern World
“Peaches” was written from an interview with an Amish girl as part of The Civilians’ Escaping the Modern World project, which led to Jordan Harrison’s Maple and Vine, directed by Anne Kauffman.
The Fortress of Solitude (2014)
God’s Ear (2008)
Michael wrote these songs for Jenny Schwarz’s play God’s Ear, which was directed by Anne Kauffman at The Vineyard Theater in 2008.
Grantmakers in the Arts / Four Short Plays: Four Big Ideas (2007)
“Absolute Power,” “The Ballad of the Program Officer,” and “How to Get Out” were written for a piece that Grantmakers in the Arts commissioned American Records (a theater company run by playwright and director KJ Sanchez) to make for a national conference in 2007. KJ commissioned Michael to write these songs. In KJ’s words: “In true Michael fashion, he said yes when I asked, asked me a few very smart questions, read a handful of interviews and then wrote these beautiful songs in the blink of an eye.”
Click here to watch the piece - Four Short Plays: Four Big Ideas.
(I Am) Nobody's Lunch (2006)
In the Footprint (2010)
Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play (2012-13)
Ted Kaczynski Killed People with Bombs: A Play with Seven Songs, One Reprise and Three Epiphanies (2006)
Michael wrote this song for Michelle Carter’s play Ted Kaczynski Killed People with Bombs for the Summer Play Festival in NYC. He brought Gabriel Kahane on to co-write the lyrics. This was their second collaboration after Gabriel played piano for God Hates the Irish. They recorded this demo in Gabriel’s living room in Brooklyn.
The Great Immensity (2012)
This Beautiful City (2008)
Some of these songs were in earlier iterations of This Beautiful City. We hope that they provide insight into Michael's process.
Unknown Soldier (2015)
War on Christmas Cabaret (2015)
Michael wrote “KFC” for War on Christmas, a Let Me Ascertain You Civilians Cabaret at Joe’s Pub.
The song was sung by Cindy Cheung, and the cabaret was curated and directed by 2016-2017 Civilians Research & Development Group Members, Suzanne Agins and Benjamin Kamine.
Welcome to Yuba City (2009)
This song was written for the Pig Iron show, Welcome to Yuba City, which was created by the Pig Iron ensemble, designed by Mimi Lien, and directed by Gabriel Quinn Bauriedel.