Singer-songwriter Micki Balder joined Sanford Baran live in the KGNU studio to share heartfelt songs from her latest album and reflect on the emotional depth in her songwriting. Known for crafting “sad songs for happy people and occasionally happy songs for sad people,” Balder discussed how she finds joy in embracing both light and dark emotions through music. She performed three originals—“Take It or Leave It,” “Looking for You,” and “The Beautiful Place”—each showcasing her lyrical sensitivity and rich vocal style, offering listeners a glimpse into her personal and poetic musical world. (Studio Session: 5/8/25)
Sanford Baran: Welcome, Denver-based singer-songwriter Micki Balder, live in the studio. Hi there, Micki.
Micki Balder: Hello.
Sanford Baran: Thanks for joining us. I’m just going to ask you one question, and then we want to hear a lot of your music.
Micki Balder: Sure!
Sanford Baran: So, your musical journey has an interesting origin story. I understand it started in a coffee shop?
Micki Balder: It did start in a coffee shop.
Sanford Baran: That makes perfect sense.
Micki Balder: Yeah. Sometimes, all it takes is one relationship to go a little sour, and you just head on home and write a song. And that was probably maybe five or six years ago—and here we are.
Sanford Baran: The rest is history.
Micki Balder: Yeah.
Sanford Baran: Well, let’s hear some of your current stuff. I know you have a gig coming up at the Soundpost Sessions. We’ll get into more of the details, but you’ve got your guitar out—I just can’t wait to hear you.
Micki Balder: Thank you so much. This song is off an album I released about a year and some change ago. It’s called Take It or Leave It.
(plays music)
Sanford Baran: Beautiful.
Micki Balder: Thank you.
Sanford Baran: Thank you so much. Great lyrics.
Micki Balder: Thank you.
Sanford Baran: You describe your music as “sad songs for happy people and occasionally happy songs for sad people.” What draws you to this juxtaposition of emotions in your work?
Micki Balder: I think there’s joy in finding space for both. Almost to feel only happy feels delusional, especially in today’s age. And to feel only sad means missing out on so much opportunity for beauty and joy. There’s really satisfaction in being able to feel deeply on both sides. We were just talking over here about crying at the happy and the sad—I’m very much known for that. And it just means you’re feeling deeply, and what a way to move through the world.
Sanford Baran: Sounds good. Do you have another song that demonstrates what you’re talking about?
Micki Balder: Sure! This one is called Looking for You. It’s a little on the happier side of things.
(plays music)
Sanford Baran: Thank you. Beautiful, beautiful. And you’re going to be playing live at the Soundpost Sessions in Longmont on May 22nd?
Micki Balder: I sure am.
Sanford Baran: And also, your friend Courtlyn Carpenter is here, and you have a role in that, right?
Courtlyn Carpenter: Yeah, I’m the artistic director for Soundpost Sessions.
Sanford Baran: Tell us about that show coming up. What are you thinking you’ll be doing in that show?
Courtlyn Carpenter: The Soundpost Sessions are a listening room series in downtown Longmont. We only have two more shows this season. The one Micki is playing is part of our Spotlight Series, where we pair a nationally touring band with a local singer-songwriter. Micki is our local artist on May 22nd, and the band is Birds of Play. I think they’ve been through KGNU before.
Micki Balder: Mm-hmm.
Courtlyn Carpenter: They’re based in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. And it’s also Micki’s birthday—so a great time to come celebrate.
Micki Balder: I heard I share a birthday with you?
Sanford Baran: That is true.
Micki Balder: A good day to celebrate!
Sanford Baran: Well, you’re going to have to come by.
Micki Balder: I’ll come by beforehand.
Sanford Baran: We usually have cake. Trade a slice or two. I think we play the original broadcast we did like 45 years ago or so. Fun.
What tunes do you think you might be playing?
Micki Balder: Oh man, probably the two that I just played. I’ve got a few new songs that I just recorded out in Portland—they should be coming out soon. They’ll probably make an appearance. A combination of some stuff off the new album, maybe a couple of oldies but goodies.
Sanford Baran: Well, it’s great that you’re playing live for our listening audience, and Longmont is just right up the street. Definitely urge people to come see that show—it sounds like a great one. I think we have time for one more tune if you have one?
Micki Balder: Sure! This song is also on the new album. I actually thought of it when we were talking about joy and sadness. I wrote this from a place of missing someone on a beautiful day. I was out for a walk and thought: how delightful to miss someone from a place of joy instead of sorrow. It’s called The Beautiful Place.
(plays music)
Sanford Baran: Great.
Micki Balder: Thank you.
Sanford Baran: A real pleasure. Thank you for stopping by. Your music is terrific. May 22nd—what time does the show start?
Courtlyn Carpenter: 7:00 PM.
Sanford Baran: 7:00 PM at the Soundpost Sessions on Main Street in Longmont?
Courtlyn Carpenter: Yeah, it’s at the Times Collaborative building.
Sanford Baran: Okay, you heard it. Micki Balder—her music is just terrific. Go on up and catch that show. And who was the other act again?
Courtlyn Carpenter: Micki’s actually playing first, and then Birds of Play will close it out.
Sanford Baran: Sounds like a terrific show. Thank you so much, and best of luck to both of you.
Courtlyn Carpenter: Thank you.
