As the world prepares to welcome the New Year, some songs drift more quietly into the season than the standard holiday hits. While the airwaves often overflow with cheerful carols and classic Christmas tunes, it’s not often you hear a mellow, heartfelt track specifically dedicated to that reflective transition between one year and the next. That’s precisely what “First Thing I Want to Say (Happy New Year Song)” by Michael Sorensen, also known as ElectricBassoon offers listeners—an honest, personal, and hopeful message wrapped in a gentle melody. Released on December 8, 2024, this three-minute-and-fifty-four-second piece provides something a bit different for anyone looking to start the next chapter with sincerity and gratitude.
A Personal Message in a World of Resolutions
The story behind this track is as personal as it gets. ElectricBassoon, the artist and composer, wrote the song for his wife after a few challenging years. While some couples mark New Year’s Eve by making lists of resolutions or planning grand celebrations, he felt moved to create something more enduring. The song isn’t about lofty promises or the frenzy of a midnight countdown. Instead, it acknowledges that life doesn’t always turn out the way one imagined. There’s a gentle comfort in these lyrics, a quiet understanding that it’s okay not to have achieved every goal. Perhaps the simplicity and sincerity were precisely what resonated so deeply with his wife; after all, it was her heartfelt reaction that ultimately prompted the song’s public release.
In their household, New Year’s Eve had become a moment to look back and wonder where all the time had gone. With two daughters now in primary school and life’s responsibilities piling up, it was only natural to feel as though certain dreams or milestones had slipped through the cracks. Rather than beating themselves up or setting unrealistic targets for the next year, ElectricBassoon’s tune encourages listeners to be kind to themselves, appreciate what they have, and keep hope alive for the future.
From Classical Roots to a New Sound
ElectricBassoon didn’t simply stumble into making music. He pursued his passion through rigorous academic training, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Trinity College of Music and a Master’s degree from the Royal College of Music, completing his studies in 2004. His artistic journey didn’t end at the symphony hall. Over the years, he’s performed in orchestras, jazz bands, rock groups, and more experimental ensembles. While he’s no stranger to mixing genres, this particular track strikes a meaningful balance between tradition and innovation.
The official music video and various streaming links—YouTube, Apple Music, and Spotify—showcase how the artist’s classical training quietly informs the structure and subtle nuances of the track. The careful orchestration and the well-blended instrumentation suggest a composer who knows how to shape a sound world where multiple influences find harmony. While the theme might be personal, the music has a universal appeal, guiding listeners into a meditative space well-suited for introspection and hope.
The production team at Kaska Records played a significant role in shaping the final recording. They handled the orchestra parts, recorded drums and percussion, and even coordinated with a friend in Germany to bring guitar and bass lines into the mix. Their contribution isn’t just technical; it’s a testament to international collaboration, creativity, and artistry thriving despite geographical borders. The team’s perseverance and skill shine through in the final master, bridging the gap between a personal love note and a polished, professionally produced track.
Inspiring Hope for the Year Ahead
“First Thing I Want to Say (Happy New Year Song)” isn’t interested in bombastic fireworks or a crowd chanting countdowns. Instead, it focuses on something more delicate—an honest admission that things aren’t always perfect, but love and gratitude persist. It’s a reminder that people don’t have to measure their worth by the list of things they didn’t check off last year. Instead, the track offers reassurance: being content with what one has, embracing loved ones, and gently holding onto the hope that the next year will bring positive change.
It’s a message as universal as it is personal. ElectricBassoon’s journey—starting with classical foundations, exploring multiple genres, then forging his own musical path—culminates in a touching piece that many listeners may find mirrors their own experiences. Like him, they may feel that time sometimes slips by, dreams remain half-finished, and life’s demands get in the way of neatly stacked achievements. Yet, the underlying truth remains: it’s never too late to look forward with a thankful heart and a promise of care toward the people who matter most.
This New Year’s Eve, as the clock ticks forward and the world steps into new possibilities, “First Thing I Want to Say (Happy New Year Song)” invites everyone to pause, think quietly of those they love, and acknowledge that it’s perfectly fine not to have reached every goal. There’s always another day, another year, and a gentle refrain reminding us that even if we’re not where we planned to be, we can still cherish what we have. In doing so, the song encourages listeners to move forward with hope, understanding, and compassion. It’s a beautiful sentiment to carry into the New Year—and beyond.
We had the privilege of interviewing the Music Artist Michael Sorensen. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Hi, Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
I have a Bachelor’s degree from Trinity College of Music and a Master degree from the Royal College of Music, graduating in 2004. Since then, I’ve played in numerous different genres, including orchestras, jazz bands, rock bands, etc, as well as making my own music. Although I studied classical music, I always played many genres; check out the Electric Bassoon playing Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix on YouTube! Writing my own music has always been important to me, a way to express myself, whether the lyrics are about something or someone specific or just a made-up story. It’s always fun to see a project go from an idea to being completed.
Please tell us about your Song.
Work and family life have gotten in the way now that I have 2 daughters who are both in primary school. The latest song came about after a few difficult years. Every New Year’s Eve, my wife and I would look back and wonder where the time had gone and that we’d not accomplished as much as we wanted to.
The next year, I wanted to do something for my wife, and I wrote her this song. There are so many great Christmas songs, but I don’t really hear many New Year’s songs on the radio, so I thought I would write my wife a song for New Year. I also didn’t want to be too cliche and sing about resolutions and it being ‘Party Time’, just a more laid back; a chance for me to say that we’re not quite where we thought we’d be but that’s ok, I still love you, let’s be thankful for what we have.
Also, I think it was important for me to look at how I was and if I could have been a better husband. I wrote the song and played it for her on New Year’s Eve before all the guests arrived. She fell in love with the song and said we should release it. I contacted Kaska Records to help with the orchestra parts, and seeing what a great job he did, I also got him to record Drums, Percussion, and through his friend in Germany Guitar and Bass. They also mixed and mastered the track. I’m so grateful to Anatoly, Oleksandr, and everyone there who worked on the track. Can you believe they’re in Ukraine? With the war going on and still managing to make music, amazing people! And all the best to them!
In summary, I hope that people will be able to relate to the song and maybe even take some comfort and inspiration from it.
Any message for our readers
You’re probably not where you want to be, but that’s okay. Next year, I know you can do it; you can make next year a great year. Happy New Year to you all!
Thank you so much, Michael, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
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