S.G. Goodman Channels Grief Into Reconciliation On New Single ‘Michael Told Me’

Grief and reconciliation are explored by S.G. Goodman through the singer-songwriter’s new single, “Michael Told Me.” The track appears on the Kentucky native’s forthcoming third studio album, Planting By The Signs, which will arrive June 20 through Slough Water Records / Thirty Tigers.

Goodman recorded Planting By The Signs with co-producer Drew Vandenberg (who co-produced her sophomore album, 2022’s Teeth Marks) at the Nutt House in Sheffield, Alabama. Guitarist/songwriter Matt Rowan, Goodman’s regular collaborator, who she reconciled with after a falling out between albums, appears on Planting By The Signs.

Goodman’s relationship mending with Rowan was spurred in part by the untimely death of Goodman’s mentor and father figure she called “Murray Dad Mike.” Goodman learned of his passing from a freak accident involving a tree while on tour and soldiered on after the tragic news.

Explaining the inspiration behind “Michael Told Me,” Goodman stated:

“The grief of losing a father figure amounted to needing all of my chosen brothers. We told each other that we loved each other, and Matt told me he would take care of Mike’s partner and all of our friends while we finished up our run. The song ‘Michael Told Me’ was started shortly after our falling out in 2021, and the song fully revealed itself in the winter of 2024.

“It is a song of reconciliation, and a testament to my relationship to two great men who believe that there is something worth getting to on the other side of feeling hurt. Our friendship had been pruned back for a time, but Mike had always assured me that new growth would come, and I believed him. It truly is one of life’s greatest gifts to understand and to experience love that can overcome ruptures.”

Goodman has several tour dates booked in support of Plating By The Signs. Stream its latest single, “Michael Told Me,” below: