Dustan Townsend, better known as Fish in a Birdcage, has been writing his own rules since 2014. Rooted in his upbringing, Dusty's mother imparted the fundamental rule #1, "Be Safe," and more rules followed with time. Reflecting this ethos, each of Dusty’s compositions is similarly titled a "rule." We’ve now reached “Rule #35 - Microphone,” which ponders the concept of letting everyone into your perception of the world. Expanding on this, Dusty relays “Imagine that someone handed you a microphone and the world could hear you. What would you say? What message would you share, considering your unique way of seeing the world? Voicing these insights could reveal many who share your perspective, fostering connections and a collective sense of belonging that many of us seek.” The song, which was produced by Howard Redekopp (Mother Mother, Tegan and Sara), features a hypnotic cello riff with a mysterious yet cinematic arrangement, building from chorus to chorus much like a piece of musical theater mastery. For fans of Mother Mother, Rio Romeo, & Will Wood.