I wanted to make an album that felt immediate and nostalgic. Worn in and new at the same time. I figured we do that with jeans now, or guitars. Even classic albums get the "reissued" tag at some point. So this is Miggs. Couldn't get away from my voice but it's Miggs with seasoning, weight, depth and clarity that you've not heard from us before. No disrespect to the previous work because I hold a place in my heart for all of it and every single person who gave their spirit and dedication to making it, but "Wide Awake" is a fully-realized piece of work. We three toured relentlessly the past two years and recording was an extension of that process for us. We didn't have to try to make it all fit. It just did.

It has been a long time since there were several artists making music I wanted to hear and be inspired by. Of course there are always U2, Bruce Springsteen, The Beatles, and The Stones, but new artists or more obscure favorites, I was never comfortable really tapping into for inspiration because the songs didn't feel worthy. The stars aligned here, and if I don't make another collection of songs (it will mean I'm dead, frankly), then I'd be proud to say that this is my "last" album. By the end of recording, most musicians can't stomach hearing themselves again. I like listening to this album because I feel like it actually is a better version of my songs than even in my head. Thanks for taking this moment with us.

Girls & Boys: Being a teenager is tough. Being an outsider at any age is tough. That feeling of alienation so we try to fit in and be what we think people will accept. I say that's a dead end. We never really fit completely in and why should we? Life's short and no one has the answers so stop trying so hard. I suppose it's about me and my songwriting, too, because I really feel like this is the first album I just wrote without fear of what people would say. There is a Foo Fighters thing going on here but with a Miggs-type chorus.