Michael Angelakos
He turned his private struggles with bipolar disorder into shimmering, synth-driven anthems that defined a generation's indie-pop sound.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American musician·Birthday: May 19·Millennials
Biography
Michael Angelakos recorded 'Chunk of Change' in 2007 as a Valentine's Day gift for his girlfriend. The EP's raw, synth-driven sound spread online and became the foundation of Passion Pit. The debut album 'Manners' followed in 2009, featuring Angelakos's falsetto over layered electronics. He disclosed his bipolar disorder diagnosis in interviews, reframing his songs as documents of mental health survival. 'Gossamer' arrived in 2012 with the single 'Take a Walk.' Later albums 'Kindred' (2015) and 'Tremendous Sea of Love' (2017) deepened his exploration of personal turmoil and euphoria. Angelakos treated pop music not as escapism but as an honest record of a complex inner life.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Michael was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Michael Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Michael's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His debut Passion Pit album, 'Manners,' reached No. 51 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold.
- The single 'Sleepyhead' from 'Manners' became a cultural touchstone, featured in numerous commercials, TV shows, and video games.
- He founded the Wishart Group, an artist services company focused on creative independence and mental health advocacy.
- Passion Pit's sophomore album, 'Gossamer,' debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 in 2012.
Did You Know?
The name 'Passion Pit' is a slang term from his college days for a drive-in movie theater.
He composed the original theme music for the podcast 'Serial.'
Angelakos has a twin sister named Monica.
He recorded the early Passion Pit songs using the music production software GarageBand.
“I'm trying to make pop music that is actually about something, that has a weight to it.”
