Surrendo, by Michael Lesko
My husband's second album coming April 22!
The release of Michael’s sophomore album Surrendo feels like a monumental moment, not just for him as an artist, but for us as a couple who have spent the last four years together in a shared rhythm of creation, struggle, and transformation. It’s not just an album release; it’s the culmination of years of late-night listening sessions, careful crafting (read: agonizing), and, most importantly, watching him grow — both as a person and as an artist.
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this transformation, and I want to share a glimpse into what that journey has been like. It has been an intimate process, one that often felt like an emotional tug-of-war between self-doubt and self-expression. But over time, I’ve seen how Michael moved from a place of being more shut down — unsure of his voice, unsure of his worth — to a place of authenticity. The man who once struggled to communicate his emotions now speaks truth through his music in a way that is raw, powerful, and unapologetically his.
Michael’s first album is called Hidden Sun, a title that reflected his own personal journey at the time — a metaphor for keeping his light hidden from the world. Music was a way to express what he couldn’t say, but it was also a way of staying in the shadows, away from the vulnerability that comes with fully stepping into your own light. Hidden Sun was about the struggle, the hesitation, and the fear of being seen and heard for who he truly was. The music spoke to the shadows of his heart — beautiful, yes, but still tucked away, protected from the world.
This new album, Surrendo, marks an entirely new chapter in his artistic journey. It opens with “Life on Hold,” a track that reflects on a health scare he experienced in 2022, an event that became a turning point in his relationship with life. As the album unfolds, we’re introduced to various facets of Michael’s personality, including glimpses of his quirky, offbeat humor. Tracks like “Life on Hold” and “The Way You Wanted” feature whimsical synthesizers that are giving ’90s nostalgia. There’s a feeling of revisiting childhood — a return to playfulness and a loosening of rigidity around musical style. As the album progresses, we weave through heavy themes grappling with illness, lost love, and class consciousness, yet these are punctuated by moments of hope, levity, and pure beauty in the album’s swirling harmonies. The title Surrendo captures the essence of what the album represents: a surrender to his abilities, to his passion for music, and to love itself. To me, it feels like a declaration of letting go, no longer resisting the current of his own potential, but embracing it fully. The arc of Surrendo speaks to the vulnerability of yielding to creative flow and ultimately, the courage it takes to allow oneself to be loved, and to love without reservation.
The transformation in Michael’s expression from Hidden Sun to Surrendo is profound. Where once he was guarded and spoke in metaphors, now he is expansive and direct. Where once he was hiding, now he is stepping into the light, fully aware of the power that comes with being seen. The shift in his music mirrors his own emotional and personal growth — from a place of fear and restraint to one of freedom and surrender. I’ve seen him bravely take risks, and it inspires me to do the same.
Michael has always let me in on his process, which is a great privilege. Even before we were really together, he would have me over to his house and ask for my opinion on his songs. He has always trusted my ear and taste, which has felt so rewarding over the years. He would have me lie on his bed while he played music from the speakers at his desk in the corner, and we would intently listen to each song. I’ve always felt a kinship with Michael’s musical style and the struggles he expressed. Sometimes, we would get lost in the intricacies of each sound, pouring over every detail together, carefully considering each mix, each beat, and each emotion behind every note.
Knowing his songs so well, I would often come up with little harmonies for them myself. Sometimes, Michael would take these into consideration and include them on the track, in his own voice. Last summer, he asked if I would like to sing with his band at a live show in Great Barrington for Berkshire Busk. I was surprised in the middle of the set when Michael got down on one knee and proposed to me! It was the sweetest and most thoughtful proposal, in front of our family, friends, and a good handful of strangers.
Singing together is a lot of fun, and even though I am not a professional, it feels good to be part of the music in a more tangible way. On Surrendo, I was invited to sing harmonies with him on the track “Future Daughters,” a “tender lament,” as he says.
If there’s one thing that defines Michael’s approach to his music, it’s that it is entirely self-produced. He writes the songs, sings, records in his home studio, plays guitar, bass, drums, and percussion, and then adds layers and textures using synthesizers. He does all his own mixing, and finally, hands off the music to be mastered before release. While the necessity of working alone has been born out of circumstance — the limits of budget, resources, and support — it is clear that this also reflects his perfectionism and his desire to pour every ounce of himself and his own touch into his art. It’s part of the reason the album feels so personal: because it truly is his. He doesn’t just create songs; he creates worlds within them. And these worlds speak to the heart, the soul, and the parts of us that long and yearn. I have not heard any music that reflects a direct influence on Michael, and I appreciate his style for being so unique.
It’s been humbling to witness the lengths he has gone to in ensuring that every part of this album is exactly as he envisioned it. I’ve watched him skip meals, lose sleep, question every decision, and tirelessly work until he was sure he had captured the essence of what he was trying to say. But when I listen to the final product now, I realize that all that effort — every sleepless night, every moment of self-doubt — was worth it. This album is the fullest embodiment of who he is, and I couldn’t be more proud.
The vulnerability in his lyrics is also something I’ve always deeply appreciated, not just because of the music itself, but because of the courage it took for him to put himself out there so completely. The release of this album marks the end of one chapter, but I know it’s just the beginning for him as an artist. I’m proud, but more than that, I’m grateful for the time I’ve spent by his side — listening, supporting, and sharing in the highs and lows of this creative journey. As I sit here reflecting on these past few years, I can’t help but feel incredibly privileged to have witnessed this evolution. It’s been an honor to see the man I love not just create music, but truly come alive in the process. This album is not just a collection of songs — it’s the soundtrack of his growth, and I’m so excited for the world to hear it.
Surrendo by Michael Lesko will be available on all music platforms on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Follow Michael on Spotify here.
this makes me so happy. congratulations!