The Chicago singer-songwriter channels political frustration into “The Future,” an upbeat yet urgent anthem released ahead of nationwide protests.
Chicago’s own Michael McDermott is turning headlines into harmony.
The acclaimed singer-songwriter has released a powerful new single, “The Future,” just ahead of Saturday’s “No Kings” protest, a nationwide demonstration calling out government overreach and threats to democracy.
McDermott, who grew up in Orland Park, says the song came together quickly — inspired by daily news of immigration arrests in the Chicago area and growing fears of political extremism. “The headlines were just too much to ignore,” he said. “I had to respond the only way I know how — through music.”
“The Future” is a piano-driven anthem that balances sharp political commentary with an upbeat, almost hopeful melody. Its lyrics call out disinformation, manipulation, and the loss of critical thought: “I think it’s time we did some critical thinking / The Statue of Liberty has started sinking.”
Despite its sobering message, McDermott added a light, “sha-la-la” chorus to reach beyond his usual base. “I don’t want to sing to the echo chamber,” he shared. “I want to sing to the other side — to the middle right.”
The song was recorded between McDermott’s home studio in Orland Park and Nashville, featuring contributions from Will Kimbrough, John Deaderick, and Matt Thompson. After debuting the track live earlier this month, a fan encouraged him to release it in time for this weekend’s marches — and McDermott didn’t hesitate.
Alongside the single, he dropped a striking lyric video featuring footage of recent ICE arrests in Chicago and clips from the Oscar-winning film The Lives of Others. In one chilling scene, McDermott sings, “Jefferson would roll over in his grave / If he saw how these people behave,” as an image of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem brandishing a military weapon flashes on screen.
McDermott plans to record a new version of “The Future” with his Chicago band and include it on an upcoming album, which he’ll perform during a three-night residency at City Winery this December.
The veteran artist, who first broke out in 1991, says he knows the risks of speaking out politically — but he’s not backing down. “It’s fear that keeps people quiet,” he said. “But I’m Irish — and I can’t keep my mouth shut.”
