An Exclusive interview with Mike Smoove On his Newest Track “I Can’t Breathe”

Q: How would you describe your music?

I have a flexibility when making music. I’m not confined to a certain approach. So sometimes, with Mike Smoove…you never know what you’re gonna get. :blush:

Also, as far as lyrics go, I tend to stick with authenticity. I don’t like speaking on things I generally don’t connect with. I’m also really conscious about what I say. Our words have power, and with power comes responsibility.

Q: What sets your music apart? What is unique, or at least uncommon?

I generally act as the missing piece on whatever track I work on. For example, if I’m featuring on another artist’s song. I don’t try to come with a defined style of sound or delivery. I try to hear for what the track tells me it needs. I listen for what’s missing, regardless of my traditional style of delivery.

So whereas when you think of a artists like DMX, E-40, or others you know the sound they will provide and what to expect. Like if I were to say I’m putting a guitar on this track, you know generally how it’s going to sound. But me, I don’t have any rules or boundaries. I’m open to excepting whatever sounds right at the moment. It could be a fast, slow, or melodic delivery. I don’t know myself. I decide in the moment.

Q: Who are your main musical influences?

I definitely like a lot of common artists like Jay-Z, Twista, Kanye, T-Pain, Anthony Hamilton, The Dream, and more. But I learned a lot from watching Young Sta and Q-Storm (R.I.P.) out of the Chicago area and gained influence from them. Even my buddy Gabe. Influence comes prior to and during creating. So when you get a chance to create with someone, you get influence from them. I think we all influence each other. So guys are just too cool to say it.

Q: What does your music say about you?

My music says I’m open to receive, listen, and translate what I’ve interpreted back through music. I’m expressive and there are a lot of colors to me, definitely not just black and white (or even gray for that matter).

Q: Why this album? Why now?

Good question. I’ve learned that the only time is now! There might not be a “later” and the past has already happened. And I don’t know if there’s another lifetime to do it. We’ve all wasted so much time hesitating, delaying, or putting things off for various good and bullshit reasons. So once again, the only time is now.

Q: When you create music, what is your personal purpose or goal?

My purpose is to create something that others can personalize. To create a space, a memory, or a moment where someone else connects one a personal level with the honestly or accuracy of my music. I want to create something people can appreciate on a genuine level.

Q: What is your biggest musical challenge?

I feel my biggest musical challenge is overcoming my own fears and insecurities. I’ve been the guy that says “How does this sound?”, “Did you like that?”, or “Was that good?”. I had to stop doing that. I mean, there’s a place where that’s ok so that you’re not the crazy guy who’s music is hot, when it’s just hot garbage! But as an artist you have to find your confidence and understand that everyone is not going to like what you create! Pick an artist or song off a list of the top songs on the Billboards right now. I bet you and your friends can argue over what and who is good and who shouldn’t be on that list, right? Exactly! That being said. We as artists have to create in confidence. That’s one thing I work on. Forget the critics, just create!

Q: What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, TV, or other media?

I used to start with a poem. Now it’s moods, emotions, and moments that inspire me to write. That and attempting to capture those golden moments of freestyling in the shower. LOL

Q: Would you like to collaborate with anyone? If so who and why?

I don’t have a specific artist at the moment. I just have a passion to create something that is a artistic challenge that blends well complimenting each other in the end. I have fulfillment creating with other artists that when we collab, we bring out something different in each other.

Q: Do you enjoy recording and production?

Yes, I do. Sometimes it’s frustrating perfecting the right sound, pitch, or delivery. But that’s what creates those memorable moments that you can later appreciate. I love the art of creating. It’s a wonderful and healthy outlet.

Q: If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?

Do it now…what the fuck are you waiting for! Just do it! Don’t worry about what people think or say, just take every opportunity your heart tells you to!

Q: Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Just be honest with yourself, don’t be close-minded to advice, and do what feels good. Take the opportunities, because regret sucks.

Q: Do you have any advice for young music makers like yourself?

Explore different aspects within yourself when creating.

Q: Social Profiles:

Instagram: @mikesmoovemusic,

Facebook: @mikesmoovemusic

Soundcloud:

@mikesmoovevideos on Youtube