Johnnie Mikel – Purgatory

By starrymag | November 13, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I grew up listening to artists across all genres – from pop, rock, indie, R&B to even country. I like to think that those influences come through in my music to create something unique that has a little something for everyone.

With my upcoming album in particular, it is much more organic than anything I have released thus far. I recorded this album with my live band, so there is a lot of instrumentation and great musicianship. With that being said, it still is hard-hitting and makes you want to move. There are also moments on the record that deal with heavier topics, so it really encourages the listener to stop and think.

Overall, I would describe this project as edgy and honest.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I like to think that Bowie and Britney are my musical mom and dad! David Bowie because he was a mastermind at evolving to try different styles, making meaningful records and pushing the envelope for male artists. Britney Spears because I definitely grew up in that generation of pop stars.

I listen to artists from every genre, but the ones I love most are those that do not conform to a certain sound or style. That is why some of my all-time favorite artists are people like Freddie Mercury and Lady Gaga.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Revolution.”

 

A) “Revolution” is a very powerful track. I wrote this one back in 2018 with a dream team of songwriters and industry legends. Originally, the concept was to create an edgy and uplifting anthem for the “outcasts” of the world. However, about halfway through the writing process, we realized the political undertones and really ran with it. Releasing the track this year was important to me since I feel like the message is so timely and can generate change by starting conversations. In the end, I feel like this song is less focused on me as an artist and more on the greater movement we are seeing in society for demanding change.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) One thing I have particularly noticed with “Revolution” is the amount of people telling me how empowering the song is. At the core, it is about standing up for what is right and fighting for yourself. It is a powerful message, and seeing people cling to that has been inspiring.

Having a greater message is important to me as an artist and it always has been. As long as I have a platform, I am going to use it for good and aim to be on the right side of history. Art has always been about that, and if people are in it for fame, fortune or fulfillment… They are in it for the wrong reasons. I have always been really unapologetic about that truth.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) The video for this song equally matches the passion and purpose of the track! The goal of the video was to highlight the craziness we are living in right now. A global pandemic, political unrest and so much more.

 

However, I wanted the video to really focus energy into something that generates real change: voting. That is why there is a clear call-to-action at the end to get people involved.

Overall, I think the video will serve the purpose of starting conversations and firing people up to better society.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I love this question! It is something I get asked a lot, but I am always so curious to learn about the writing process of others. Personally, it is always so different for me. Sometimes it starts with a lyrical concept and other times it may be a melody stuck in my head.

However, generally speaking, lyrics are my favorite part of the game. I am ALWAYS dropping ideas into the notes on my iPhone to develop into songs. I am a writer at heart. Even if it is not songwriting, I have always considered writing to be my biggest strength.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) It sounds cliché, but being heavily involved in the process is a must for me. I always want to be in the studio for every bit of tracking and producing. Giving my best performance vocally and adding in other production ideas is something I always aim to do.

With this album, in particular, that involvement was even greater than normal. I was in the studio with my own band who are some of my best friends. We had a really open, comfortable and collaborative time in the studio. We shared ideas and worked together to create a powerful record from all standpoints.

With this album, I also played some instruments and tracked things myself. I am especially proud of the keys I played on the title track!

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your upcoming album Purgatory?

 

A) A lot of themes are covered on this new album, but some of the most prominent ones are life, heartbreak, mental health in the music industry, the effects of social media on youth, politics and human rights. While this project deals with a lot of heavy topics, I consider the biggest theme to be hope.

I wrote a lot of these songs during a dark time in my life, but I kept pushing through and eventually poured out the most meaningful music of my career thus far.

 

Q) What songs on the album hold a special place in your heart and why?

 

A) This is SUCH a hard question… each and every track means so much to me, for different reasons. But, overall, I am really drawn to “Human Level.” It is a song I wrote a couple years ago, but the message continues to grow in relevance. I have already performed the song several times in a live setting, and it is always a favorite of the audience. “Human Level” is about the equal rights and respect of all people, which I think we need more of in this world.

 

Q) How did you shake off a long day in the studio recording the album?

 

A) Recording the album was easily the greatest and most fun musical experience I have had so far. I was with my band in LA, so I got to spent every day for a couple months with my favorite people in my favorite city. We shared an AirBnB, so it was basically a non-stop party. Every day we would hit up a breakfast spot, record until late at night and then either hit Hollywood or spend the night in sharing music and just talking about life until early morning. We only had a couple days off, but we did get to spend some time in Venice Beach and Malibu, which was also a blast.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to this new album as a whole?

 

A) I hope people are taken on a journey. The highs, lows, pain and progress. Overall, I want this album to inspire people and give them hope.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) It has been a long time since being on the road last, so I am really looking forward to things safely opening back up so I can properly promote this record.

I have a lot of great experiences in every city that music has taken me to, which I am so grateful for. But I think three cities have my heart the most: LA, Nashville and New York City. They all are so meaningful to me for different reasons. A lot of memories, for sure.

Another great experience was a festival I did in Key West last year with some of my best friends. Nothing is better than performing with loved ones in the sunshine and then staying out all night!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) This question is always changing and SO difficult. But if I had to name someone for today, it would be Lady Gaga. Her ability to successfully dip into every genre is unreal. I love the passion and purpose she puts into her art, as well.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) Right now, I really love Badflower and Weathers. I listened to them a lot when making this album. They are very different in style, but I love their individual vibes and message. Badflower is really focused on social justice and Weathers is consistently discussing mental health, which I think is so important for artists to do.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) My favorite part of social media is directly hearing from people who have been impacted by my music. Getting DM’s with inspiring stories and sweet messages is unlike anything else. Seeing people openly share how something I created was a positive force in their life is what keeps me going.

Social media is a big concept with lots of good and bad, but I love that direct connection artists today have with their fans. At no other time in history was that relationship so accessible.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you, thank you, thank you. You inspire me and always push me to be my best self. I hope I can do the same for you.