Sanjay Michael’s “Wall Street Blues” Turns Financial Frustration Into a Rock Anthem for the Masses

Sanjay Michael is no stranger to the pulse of classic rock and blues. With “Wall Street Blues,” the Singapore-based artist revives that raw, unfiltered sound while tackling the age-old dream of getting rich quickly. What starts as a seductive fantasy of fast money and high living turns into a cautionary tale, delivered through explosive guitar riffs and a knowing grin.

The track opens with a heavy blues lick that instantly evokes the sound of BB King, layered with the bold swagger of vintage hard rock. It’s clear from the jump that Michael is in his element. The lyrics tell the story of a hopeful investor seduced by luxury and the illusion of easy wealth. Trading stocks seems straightforward until the truth hits like a crash. No matter how much you hustle, the game is rigged.

Lines like “Doesn’t matter which bank you choose, they’re gonna win and you’re always gonna lose” hit hard. But there’s no self-pity here. Michael’s delivery is tongue-in-cheek, leaning into the absurdity of a system that’s designed to beat the average person down while pretending anyone can rise to the top.

The instrumentation drives the message home with fierce energy. Stomping drums, groovy basslines, and a chorus made to chant in unison make “Wall Street Blues” a working-class rallying cry. Whether you’ve lost a paycheck to crypto or just feel the burn of late-stage capitalism, this song is for you.

Sanjay Michael has always aimed to bring joy and grit back to rock. With “Wall Street Blues,” he does precisely that, reminding us that while the system might be broken, the soundtrack doesn’t have to be.

What inspired you to write "Wall Street Blues," and how much of it is drawn from personal experience?

 I was inspired by my experiences (and failures!) in online stock trading. I would constantly be taking two steps forward and two steps back. When I was fooling around with my guitar and got the main chorus riff, I thought of some kind of song that was very grounded yet something that everyone would understand, and the chorus came out. 

How do you blend humor and frustration without losing the emotional punch in your music?

I guess this is directly a matter of what kind of artist you want to be. I always appreciated the humour and salt-of-the-earth lyrics of Johnny Cash and BB King, so I'm automatically geared to write these kinds of songs. I don't like listening to songs about drugs, depression, or trauma, but some people do, and when it comes time to write a song, they may gravitate to these themes.

Which artists shaped the sound and attitude behind this track? 

This pretty much has that Bon Scott-era AC/DC energy behind it, so I would say those guys!

How do you approach storytelling in a genre traditionally known for big riffs and bold energy? 

Stick to the basics of a beginning, a middle, and an end - I've got three verses for a 3-act story. I kind of do the same with the last song on the EP, "Who'll Be My Friend."

What do you hope listeners feel when they hear this song for the first time?

I definitely want them to feel energised by the music and amused by the lyrics! This is meant to be a crowd-pleaser with the problem most guys can relate to, which is trying to make money to attract women... So they should be tapping their feet but also nodding "Yeah, he's right!"