Michael Wavves – I Know…

By starrymag | April 13, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) My sound is definitely a blend of a whole bunch of different sounds.  I originally started off just rapping, so most of my music has hip-hop roots with rap verses or some sort of rapping at some point during a song.  But as I have progressed musically over the past few years, I have started experimenting with R&B, Pop and some electronic stuff; so those sounds usually make their way into most of my records.  I just make what feels right and what I am vibing with at the time.  If it feels natural I just go with it.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) My influences are all over the place, which is probably why my sound is such a blend of different things.  But I am inspired and influenced by artists like Mike Posner, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Drake, blink 182, Bowling For Soup, Logic, G-Eazy, Big Sean, blackbear, Jeremy Zucker, Kid Cudi, EDEN, Russ, Good Charlotte, Kanye West, Trey Songz, Greta Van Fleet and a whole bunch more.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “I Know…”

 

A) It is pretty much an anthem for the independent music grind, or anyone that is working hard and going after something they are passionate about.  Being a completely independent musician, like I book my own shows, write up my own press releases, organize and pay for all of my own promo, etc…) things can get very overwhelming sometimes.  But I really take pride in doing things on my own without the help of a label or manager.  I spend hours upon hours preparing song releases and wearing every musical hat you would find in the industry and “I Know…” is an ode to that work ethic and drive to become something great and show people manifesting your dreams is possible.

 

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

 

A) Definitely the message of the song.  Whether you are an aspiring musician, doctor, student or whatever; the feeling of dedicating hours towards accomplishing something great is very relatable.  I want this song to be the anthem for those people that spend hours grinding and working hard instead of sitting on the couch and doing nothing with their lives.  My mindset has always been that you have one life so find what makes you happy and work at it until it you can live off of it.

 

Q) How did you come to work with Dylan Reese on the track?

 

A) I first met Dylan in 2016 on tour with OnCue and Hendersin.  We were both opening up the tour for a string of shows throughout the northeast.  He has always been a super nice and genuine dude and we have kept in touch.  I have been a fan of his stuff since we first met, so I was waiting for a record to get him on.  Since “I Know…” has a more melodic feel to it and Dylan does more R&B type stuff I sent it over to him and he knocked his verse out right away, and it came out super dope.

 

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

 

A) My engineer/best friend Eric [Fletcher] and I almost always start with the beat and write lyrics to it.  We just sift through beats that producers send over or beats we find online and literally just mumble melodies.  It is fairly rare we put actual words to the beat right away. We just record mumbled melodies and find out what sounds the most dope.  Then, we take the best melodies and start piecing everything together.  While we are doing that I usually start to feel what kind of direction the record is going to take content wise.  After an hour or so we will have a rough idea of the hook and start piecing together verses.  Then, it is just going through the song a few times and ironing out the kinks and fine-tuning melodies, cadences and lyrics.  Sometimes I come into the studio with lyrics already ready to go, but I have more fun experimenting with melodies with Eric.

 

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

 

A) I have somewhat of a hand in it.  We usually get the beats from various producers, but Eric is super creative with flipping the beats around, putting filters on certain sounds and stuff like that.  Sometimes we will get a beat and completely change the sounds up by the time we are done with it.  I give Eric most of the credit, but I am definitely there providing some direction.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Michael Wavves performance?

 

A) Energy, a lot of energy.  At my shows my goal is to give my fans the best hour of their life.  I want my fans to forget about any stress or anxiety they are experiencing in their lives and just let go and have the most fun they can.  I am personally a big fan of show production so expect lasers, fog, C02 cannons, LED lighting and all that fun stuff.  I try to mix the production of an EDM show with the energy of a hip-hop concert.  I want you to remember the night forever and always come back for more.  I will be touring this year, so if I am in your city hit up michaelwavves.com, grab some tickets and come party.

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming out soon?

 

A) Not yet.  My focus right now is building and growing my fanbase as much as I can.  I feel like releasing singles every few weeks and giving fans and to-be fans constant content is the best way to do that.  I do have a concept and name already picked out for an EP when the time comes, but right now it is frequent singles, photos, tour dates, merchandise and things to keep the buzz growing.

 

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

A) Definitely my hometown of Lancaster, PA.  All of my friends and family come out which is always awesome.  It feels great to get embraced by the people around you when you’re on the come up.

 

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

 

A) Mike Posner.  He has been my favorite artist all the way back from “Drug Dealer Girl” until his present-day hits.  I love his honesty, songwriting, production and style.  It will happen, I am sure of that.

 

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

 

A) A rock band called Greta Van Fleet.  They are from Michigan and my Dad actually put me onto them. They have a Led Zeppelin vibe. He is a big rock n’ roll guy and I grew up listening to that stuff driving with him places when I was younger.  My Dad and I went to see them when they came through Lancaster and I was super dope seeing a rock band working a stage I have played as well.

 

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

 

A) Social media is everything to an independent artist like me.  That is where my promotion starts and where I can grow my fan base.  As I said earlier, everything right now is centered around building and growing my fanbaseb and social media plays such a huge roll when it comes to connecting with people and having them hear what I have to offer as an artist.

 

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

 

A) THANK YOU!  I am super appreciative of anyone who rocks with me and what I am trying to do.  I am literally chasing a dream and achieving that dream would be impossible without the support of my fans or anyone who takes the time to listen.  If you are a fan, tell a friend or bring them to a show to experience it.  A lot of people laugh at me for what I am trying to do, but those who support me keep me going when times get rough.  Find your passion and chase it!

 

 

Listen to “I Know…” On Spotify:

 

Stream “I Know…” – https://fanlink.to/mwiknow