With age comes wisdom, responsibility and, for singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, an opportunity to explore realms of human emotion that can’t be found in a romantic comedy or TV drama soundtrack.
Michaelson’s spring tour will traverse the Southwest before journeying to bayou country for Michaelson’s inaugural Baton Rouge performance at The Varsity Theatre on Friday.
Michaelson’s new album, “Human Again,” marks a departure from lighter songs, which Michaelson said are often used to define her music.
“Many artists are known for a handful of their songs, and the peppier songs are the handful people know from me,” Michaelson said.
The songstress said one explanation for this provincial view may be that her more sprightly melodies are often selected to accompany advertisements and television dramas. Michaelson’s music has been featured on “Grey’s Anatomy,” “One Tree Hill” and “Scrubs,” as well as in ad campaigns for Old Navy and German automaker Opel.
“Most people that know me know my songs from commercials or TV shows,” Michaelson said.
“Human Again” may be considered Michaelson’s response to the creatively stifling archetype of a quirky, upbeat artist. With songs like “Ghost” and “End of the World,” the new album tackles darker, more mature subjects that stray from her previous work’s infectious indie-pop taglines.
Michaelson said her sound’s new direction reflects a progression in her life – much like outgrowing old clothes – rather than a retraction of earlier work.
“I’m thankful for their success, but I’m an adult and I’m grown up,” Michaelson said.
Part of this transition to slower-paced ballads with more powerful vocals comes from recruiting supporting artists to keep shows lively and lighthearted. Michaelson said her tour has three supporting artists, each assigned to a different leg of her tour. Scars on 45, an English indie-rock band, is slated to open the Baton Rouge show.
“They bring different energies and new life to the show,” Michaelson said. “I can get grumpy.”
While touring is not a new way of life for Michaelson, the self-proclaimed homebody said she finds the on-the-go lifestyle challenging.
“The hardest part is being away from home. I miss my husband, my dog,” Michaelson said.
Still, Michaelson’s fan base is eager to experience the intimacy of a live performance, and the artist is happy to oblige. One observation Michaelson has keenly noted over years of performing is her fan dynamic.
“I feel like it’s 80 percent girls 14 to 35 years old,” Michaelson laughed. “The other 20 percent is dudes and toddlers, grandmas and grandpas.”
For her Baton Rouge fans, Michaelson said she plans to cook up a balanced performance.
“I’m going to play the old favorites and spice it up with some new stuff, too,” Michaelson said.
Looking toward the future, Michaelson said she likes the direction she’s heading and is happy to continue doing what she is now. Michaelson’s voice, now quavering with introspection, betrays her relaxed demeanor in favor or genuine curiosity.
“I’m going to explore the power of me,” Michaelson said.
 
____ Contact Josh Naquin at [email protected]