Michael Mayo – Fly

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I typically describe my sound as a meeting point between jazz, neo-soul and RnB. I grew up listening to all those styles and more and I think my music is a reflection of all these different genres.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Wow, there are so many I could talk about it for hours. But to name a few in no particular order: Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby McFerrin, Sarah Vaughan, Brandy, D’Angelo, Luther Vandross and, most of all, my parents Valerie Pinkston and Scott Mayo.

Q) Your new single “Four” pays homage to Miles Davis. In what ways did he inspire this song?

A) I mean he wrote it! I’ve played and heard so many versions of this song, but in the process of making this record, I knew I wanted to do something different with it. Something that felt new and exciting. I decided to use the great lyric written by Jon Hendricks and give it a new groove to infuse it with new life. But Miles’ original melody and beautiful harmony still shine through it all.

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

A) My guess is the groove and the lyrics are probably what drew people in. I think the band sounds so amazing together that when you pair all these basic elements, it all kind of just flows. And I think that’s what people are maybe responding to.

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

A) Typically the lyrics are the last part of the process for me. I really like to create a sonic landscape and then let that inspire the lyric. My process also tends to be rather organic. Sometimes I’ll have an idea for a hook and the song will just write itself around that. Other times, I’ll have a chord progression or rhythmic loop that I like, I’ll improvise over it until I find a melody that feels good and go from there.

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

A) I actually wrote, arranged and produced this entire project. It was my first time wearing the producer hat full-time, and it felt so great to be at the helm. I really had the chance to flesh out all of my musical ideas and put them into action. And when you have a band like Shai Maestro, Linda May Han Oh and Nate Smith, you can’t really go wrong. I also have to mention executive producer Tom Korkidis without whom this album wouldn’t have even happened, John Davis who engineered and mixed the project and Harold LaRue who mastered it.

Q) With your album Fly coming soon, what are some themes you’ll be exploring on it?

A) The concept behind making this album was letting loose and trusting my instincts. I tried to be a lot more free and organic on this album. The vibe of the band felt so immersive and inspiring and I feel like we were able to craft a chill, comforting, yet exciting vibe with this record. I really hope people love it.

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

A) I really love to play in the Netherlands. I’ve been there a handful of times and every time I go there, the people’s energy is so loving. I also really dug playing in Brazil both times I went there. Truly some of the most beautiful vibes I’ve ever received from an audience.

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

A) I’d love to work with Brandy. She’s been an idol of mine for so long, and I also just think we would make some really dope music together. Keeping my fingers crossed that this happens someday.

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) Right now I have Catpack on rotation. Their first album is so insanely good and has been feeding my ears all month long. I really love their production and melody choices, and their lyrics really hit.

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

A) I’d like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love they showed me for my first album Bones, and hope that they’ll enjoy this new album Fly. It’s my favorite thing ever getting to travel the world making music and I wouldn’t be able to do it without the people. So thank you!