And Now Miguel: The Indie Folk Storyteller
And Now Miguel is an American indie folk artist known for his intricate lyricism and warm acoustic arrangements. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, his 2018 album Cartographer's Daughter became a cult favorite, charting on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart and establishing his signature sound.
Early career
Miguel Santos began performing under the moniker And Now Miguel around 2012, following years of playing in local punk and folk bands. His self-released debut EP, Paper Boats, in 2014, caught the attention of the small independent label Forest Path Records, which signed him the following year.
Breakthrough
The artist's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of his first full-length album, Cartographer's Daughter. Released through Forest Path, the album sold steadily, eventually moving over 50,000 units and earning an independent certification equivalent to gold status from his label.
Key tracks
Cartographer's Daughter — This title track introduced his narrative style to a wider audience and received significant college radio play.
Northern Rail — A collaboration with vocalist Elara Blue, this song expanded his reach within the indie folk community.
Borrowed Light — Featured in several popular streaming indie folk playlists, this track became a fan favorite at live shows.
Portland Is Leaving — A poignant ode to his changing hometown that solidified his reputation as a thoughtful songwriter.
Following this success, And Now Miguel toured extensively and released the follow-up album Signal Fires in 2021. This record saw him experiment with fuller band arrangements while maintaining his lyrical focus, and it debuted at number 12 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. His most recent work includes a 2023 collaborative EP with producer Sol Reznik, blending folk with subtle electronic textures.
Fans of the intimate, lyric-driven indie folk of Gregory Alan Isakov will appreciate the similar atmospheric storytelling. The melodic sensibilities of The Decemberists are another clear touchstone in his work. For the rustic American folk sound, explore Horse Feathers, and for another Pacific Northwest narrative voice, try Damien Jurado.
The music of And Now Miguel is a staple on independent music radio stations and specialty folk programs across the country. His albums receive regular rotation on online rock radio streams that champion singer-songwriter and acoustic-driven content, ensuring his songs reach a dedicated and growing audience.
Listeners can discover the detailed indie folk catalog of And Now Miguel through the curated radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to hear his key tracks and deep cuts broadcast on quality independent music radio stations available on our platform.
