INTERVIEW:
MYLK
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IF your Monday lacks any fizz and hope…
then do not give up just yet! I have been speaking with the variegated and captivating MYLK about her latest track, Haiku, and where she sources inspiration from. The Manchester-based artist tells me about music entering her life and whether we will receive more material this year.
MYLK shares her ambition for the coming months and tells me how she relaxes away from music; what advice she would give to new songwriters emerging right now – she ends the interview by selecting a rather colourful and energised track.
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Hi, MYLK. How are you? How has your week been?
Hello! I am good, thank you! My week has been okay; just the usual production and songwriting!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I am a U.K.-born, Japanese producer/singer/songwriter! I generally make J-Pop-influenced music mixed with a variety of E.D.M. genres and styles! I like creating a bubbly, happy vibe with my music.
Your single, Haiku, is out. What is the story behind the song?
It has a personal meaning. I went through a lot in my past. The light in the song refers to my goals and my life - as well as the fact that I never gave them up! I want the same for everyone else to value their life and goals.
It was written in the 575 haiku format. Was it difficult to fit the world around that format?
Although I took some time to think about it, I didn’t find it too difficult. Perhaps, because I used to like writing poems including haikus when I was young; so, maybe that helped the process.
Might there be an E.P. or more singles coming later in the year?
I have a collaboration with Michael White coming out on NCS this month! I have other collaborations that need finishing up and I do also have an E.P. on the way!
Were you very young when you caught the passion for music? Was there a reason you stepped into the industry?
When I was fifteen, I was bullied a lot in school. Ultimately, I ended up dropping out because it got really bad and it affected my mental-health. It was around then that I found a passion for music production as an escape. I remember spending five-days-straight wondering what all the dials did on FL Studio 5 (which was my first ever DAW).
After a few years, I initially I gave up on my dream to become a successful producer. But, when I met some friends who were full-time in the music industry, I decided to give it a shot!
You have come a long way and amassed a huge following. How important and encouraging is that support to you?!
I love all my fans. It's nice to have dedicated fans, too! They really lift my spirit up when I’m reading lovely comments from them (or messages)!
Which artists inspired you back then? Do you remember the first album you bought?
Around the time I discovered music production, I listened to a lot of Pop/J-Pop/Trance/commercial Dance music - and I was actually a Metalhead as well. I don’t actually remember the first album but I do remember my first single and that was Clint Eastwood by Gorillaz.
Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?
I don’t have any upcoming gigs and I’m not sure if I will tour yet, but I definitely would love to tour someday!
Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?
Yes. I would love to release all my unfinished tracks this year! I’ve held onto some of them for a couple of years now!
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
My favourite memory is definitely my trip to Japan to play my first-ever show!
Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?
Ironically, I don’t actually listen to music that much; especially not albums: I tend to listen to a couple singles here and there. I feel like, if I listen to music too much, it would interfere with my creativity – so I like to keep it minimal!
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Be yourself! Experimentations is always a good thing because it’s a great way to find fresh sounds. Don’t be afraid to be spontaneous and try something new! I know that certain set of genres follow a certain set of techniques or structure (or style) but music is art and there are no rules! I always like to go with the flow when I’m producing.
IMAGE CREDIT: Moe Shop
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I do! I used to unwind by snowboarding regularly but I haven’t been regularly for the last couple years. These days, I like Netflix and chill and I also like the odd walkies outside – and I love eating out! I love food.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Kirakira -ずっと好きLおRDおFSHAKE
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