Published: March 31, 2009 9:53 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight April 2009 Edition
Mikey Wax
Mikey Wax
Not since the debut of John Mayer has there been a singer/songwriter that has managed to capture the same excitement as Mikey Wax has with his music in a longtime. With an amazing voice and enduring presence, Mikey has all the magical parts (talents, skills, stage presence, looks, and that amazing voice) to make him a special commodity in the music industry. In this recent interview with Junior's Cave, I had a chance to speak with Mikey who candidly speaks about what music means to him as an artist and why he loves this industry. Enjoy!
Isaac: How do you sum up 2008 for Mikey Wax?
Mikey: 2008 for me is similar to what the year 2000 was for John Mayer, or 1993 was for the Dave Matthews Band. It was the year I released my first independent album and people started to take notice of my music.
Isaac: One of the reasons why I am drawn to your music is your amazing voice.
How are you able to pour such emotions into your music?
Mikey: Thank you and I appreciate that because listening back to my first album, I still feel like I didn't put ENOUGH emotion into the vocals. However, a few of the songs captured the best of me, and for those, you pour so much emotion into the music cause the song deserves it. It can't be any other way, and it becomes almost like a reflex. It has to come across that way.
Isaac: What do you feel was your biggest accomplishment for 2008?
Mikey: There were a few highlights this year. The first was winning the unsigned artist contest held by 97.9FM WRMF in Florida the day of my 24th birthday. That station is one of the top radio stations in South Florida, and hearing my song over the airwaves for the first time for so many listeners was a thrill. Being asked to perform on CBS news this past November in Florida was pretty cool too. I remember being so nervous, but since it was filmed at 7am; I was equally tired and came off seeming relaxed and natural. Being selected to play in the CMJ festival this past October was another big accomplishment for me in 2008. Being selected for that festival let me know that my career was headed in the right direction and that my music was strong enough to compete with some of the best new talent in the world. Last, releasing my full-length debut album early November and having it chart on the iTunes Plus top 100 pop albums was extremely rewarding. I put two years of hard work into recording that album, and to actually put it out there, let alone have it stir a positive reaction from people, was more than I thought possible at the time.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music
industry and why?
Mikey: Growing up, it was a combination of classic rock music like the Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, and Queen. I started playing piano at 8 years old, and being from Long Island, Billy Joel was the man. I think because of that, I always gravitated towards artists whose music had strong melodies. Modern day artists such as John Mayer, Coldplay, Dave Matthews, Radiohead, and Keane. Clearly Billy Joel and Radiohead have very little in common except that both of them are great songwriters. For me, it's less about the "sound," and more about the "song."
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Mikey: I want my music to have the ability to make you smile and cry in the same listening. I want it to fit all seasons. I want to bring back elements of classic rock in a modern-day singer/songwriter. I want to collect the romanticism of a Frank Sinatra with the purity of a James Taylor, and mix it with the other-worldly feel of a Pink Floyd. I want people to be able to hear it on the radio, and then listen at home with head-phones on and realize there is much more going on. That being said, I want to find the perfect combination of artistic and accessible.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it
be and why?
Mikey: At the moment, Phil Collins, and mainly because of what I just described above. Sure, you can say Phil Collins was pure 80's pop and very commercial. However, put Phil Collins on with head-phones, and you enter another world. It is much heavier and mysterious than I think a lot of people realize.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Mikey: Honest and poetic, yet commercial. A little John Mayer/Dave Matthews, a little Coldplay/Keane, a little Billy Joel/Elton John.
Isaac: What is your definition for Pop Music?
Mikey: Tough question. Pop music is just popular music. It's music that is accepted by a majority of people. It became confusing when alternative and indie music which used to not be accepted by a majority of people started to become accepted by a majority of people and therefore became pop itself. So I would say that pop music is really any kind of music that a majority of people can relate to- usually songs with strong melodies that people can remember and sing along to.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received since releasing your debut album, "Change Again," in November?
Mikey: The feedback that I have received since the album's release has been better than I could have ever expected at this point. Since coming out in November, it has already charted on the iTunes plus top 100 Pop albums charts in the U.S, UK, Canada and Australia. To see that was an incredible feeling. In addition, the comments and messages I've been receiving each day through MySpace, Facebook, and YouTube are extremely rewarding and encouraging. It's nice to see the combination of touring and word-of-mouth creating some momentum with my music.
Isaac: What can fans expect from your latest CD, you are working on currently?
What is the inspiration behind the CD?
Mikey: Not working on a CD at the moment. Just released my first album a few months ago! However, I have been writing a lot of great new material and can't wait to get back in the studio after touring some more!
Isaac: What can fans expect from Mikey Wax in 2009?
Mikey: Lot's of touring, new songs, and maybe the start of a new album! : )
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Mikey: None of what I have done so far would be possible without the support and encouragement of my family and close friends. Thank you! I would also like to thank all the early fans that have supported my debut album and helped in spreading the word!
Isaac: Final words from Mikey Wax…
Mikey: I've always expressed myself better through songs. Check out my debut album!!
