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Michael Ian Cummings (Skaters) Drops Debut Solo EP ‘Oldest Troubles’

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Michael Ian Cummings, photo by Guy Eppel

Ten short years have passed since Skaters’ formation in Lower East Side Manhattan. Within months of forming and a self-released EP, the band was signed to Warner Brothers Records, toured around the world, had global critical acclaim from NME to the New York Times.

Two years later, they released their debut album, Manhattan with WBR, were dropped, self-released their sophomore album Rock n Roll Bye Bye, independently, and then disappeared. It was a whirlwind ride for the band that came at one of the most difficult transitions in the music industry – the exact time digital downloads plummeted, and streaming had not yet reached the masses. Skaters were caught in the shuffle and broke up.

Lead singer and songwriter Michael Ian Cummings was disillusioned. Left in the common place many musicians find themselves when the band life stops. When what was your whole identity is no longer. He needed to unplug, reset, and find his inspiration once again.

Now, after years of reevaluation, working an array of day jobs and night jobs for that matter, he’s rediscovered his muse and has something special to show for the struggle, returning just a bit wiser with his debut solo EP titled Oldest Troubles (out today via all DSPs), introduced last week with a brand new single entitled “Contemporary Me.”

Cummings comments:

“I love having autonomy over how and when I release music. Making decisions and moving on. Reminds me of when I was a teenager. Just make things because they are worth making. Move forward and try not to look back too much.”

To accompany his new release, Michael Ian Cummings will perform at The Sultan Room in Brooklyn on May 31 (7:00 PM). Tickets and more information can be found here.

Oldest Troubles Track Listing:

1. 2 Ways to Feel
2. Contemporary Me
3. Oldest Troubles
4. Suburban Crackhouse Beats
5. Hooray for None

Michael Ian Cummings ‘Oldest Troubles’ EP album artwork

Michael Ian Cummings ‘Oldest Troubles’ EP album artwork

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