INTERVIEW: Model, Artist & Songwriter, Mykal Talks New Single “FWU”, Upcoming EP, Racism & #BlackLivesMatter Movement, Setting High Expectations, Plans to Becoming a Nurse, and More…

Meet Atlanta based artist, model and songwriter, Mykal as he tolds to me about his recently released single “FWU“, upcoming EP, race relations, racism and the #BlackLivesMatter movement, setting plans in motions to be a male nurse, and much more…

Check out my exclusive interview with Mykal below:

Hey MYKAL! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?

Wassup to the readers out there! Just to kick things off my name is Mykal and just to let you know I’m here to stay! I was born and raised in Chicago Illinois. I come from a musical family background. I’m young, Cool AF, chocolate and hella attractive! I like cooking for my family and friends, hanging out, talk a lil shit, spreading love and positivity.

Take me through an average day in the life of you?  

Well to start, let’s just say it’s kinda crazy…on an average day for me, I’m always on the go working…grinding you know. Coming up with new ideas and different strategies to take my career to the next level. 

What institution(s) did you attend and what did you study?

I attended some college, studying business, but I’m so indecisive I ended up wanting to do welding instead, then I dropped out and focused more on my music. For the readers that are currently in school or college, don’t do what I did because education is the main source and key to life!

How did your journey into music begin?

For me it started when I was 5 years old, so I always found a fascination with dancing and music. My mom was in an R&B group and my grandmother sung back up for Tyrone Davis, so I come from a Musical family.

What’s your take on the current burning issues on race and police brutality in America?

To be honest it’s just not fair it’s not right…I stand against racism. It’s simply just disgusting…#BLM until the day I die! 

You have experienced doors closed in your face and being told “NO”, but you continue to have an optimistic attitude. Why so?

Oh of course, I’ve looked up to many and been let down so many times to the point I didn’t want to do music anymore. I’ve been criticized, overlooked and even told that I did not have the look, but that didn’t stop me! I had to realize who I really was and focus on my craft, my well-being and also get my mental right. 

How would you describe the music scene in the United States and is it helping indie artists like you grow? 

Good question…I will say it’s up to you to build your stage to draw people and to be awesome. It’s also important that you get your voice heard. Everything is at your fingertips, by promoting and staying optimistic and not giving up, so I feel that there are great opportunities for indie artists such as myself to make it happen.

You recently released a new single “FWU”, what is the message behind the title? 

The message behind FWU is simply about confidence and feeling yourself even when life gives you lemons…turn it into lemonade!  It’s about self love and just knowing your worth! 

You performed at the Showtime at the Apollo in 2009 where you came in at 2nd place. What was that experience like?

Coming in second place was really a great deal for me and also a really great experience to have under my belt. The experience really taught me how to study harder…practice more and knowing my craft and my voice and to continue to put in 110% in everything that I do. 

As an artist, what would you say keeps you motivated/inspired to stay dedicated to what you love? 

I would say making sure that my music touches other lives and making a difference other than that my family and friends for sure! 

What’s your 5 Do’s and Don’t when it comes to music? 

Ok, I’ll start with the Do’s…

1. Make sure you do your research and seek legal advice before signing any type of documentation.
2. Make sure that you have a great team behind you. 
3. It’s very important to always get your sessions after each recording session. (Make sure you have split sheets.)
4. Always stay true to yourself.
5. Make sure you and the producer are on the same page.

Now for the “Don’t”…

1. Don’t listen to he say…she say when it comes to negativity because people will try to throw you off your A game.
2. Don’t ever compromise your integrity.
3. Don’t loose your focus and what you set out to accomplish…it’s 80% business and 20% talent.
4. Don’t over promise.
5. Don’t settle for less.

What do you do to stay in shape, do you go to the gym?

I work out about five times a week and try to eat healthy as much as I can! Now with this quarantine I feel like I failed myself smh lmao! 

How do you balance your personal life and music life? 

I try to keep the two separate, but it’s very hard because I’m always thinking about music and always thinking about how I can take my career to the next level.

What would you say is the main misconception the public has about the music industry? 

Everyone isn’t your friend! 

What aspect surprised you the most once you started working in the industry?

How ruthless some people can get and try to shed a bad light on your name when you really don’t know them. Unfortunately you have people out there that will try to tear down your name and destroy your image. 

Looking back to when you started doing music and writing songs, is there anything you would like to change going forward?

I would say at this time nothing because the experiences that I have overcame really molded me into the man I am today so I wouldn’t change anything! 

Which brands, clients, artists, photographers, producers, directors, etc, have you worked with?

As far as producers, I’ve worked with: Troy Taylor, J.bonkaz, Anthony September, J-Hot.
As far as photographers, I’ve worked with: Malik Alrahim, Patrick English. 
As far as Stylists, I’ve worked with: DallasTheStylist.
Future brands that I would love to work with and collaborate with are: Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Just to name a few.

Producers that I’d like to work with in the near future are: Kuk Harrell, Pharrell, Blaq Tuxedo.

What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?

Getting a great entertainment lawyer and managing myself.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet? 

Rihanna, Usher, Chris Brown, Summer Walker, SZA, Drake, Travis Scott.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Sometimes getting my expectations of others too high. 

Tell us two things people don’t know about you?

1. I’ve worked for a funeral home.
2. I also want to study nursing and become a male nurse.

You are very active with a massive following on social media. Do you think it’s important to be online and if so why?

It’s very important to engage with your fans and followers on social media in order to keep them informed of your next moves and upcoming events, EP drops, etc.

Born and raised in Chicago, but now based in Atlanta, GA. How is that city treating you? 

It’s cool.

What are your must visit travel destinations?

I have traveled to South Africa, but I really would like to go to Japan. I also would like to make a stop by Paris!

How would you describe your style?

I really can’t because I know that I’m very unique…sorry.

Name 5 things we should take seriously about our style choices? 

1. Owning who you are.
2. Knowing who you are.
3. Accepting who you are.
4. Loving who you are.
5. Staying true to who you are.

Name your 5 must have accessories/essentials?

1. Food/Water
2. Soap
3. Cellphone charger
4. Good vibes 
5. Shelter 

What are your favourite fashion trends?

I’m always changing my style so I can’t really pinpoint that as of now but anything I like and put on I’ll make sure I own it!

What is your favourite dish?

Seafood and Caribbean food.

What music genre appeals to you the most?

I love to have fun so I would say hip-hop, R&B, and pop…I can’t sit down and be bored someone has to have all the fun you know.

What songs are currently on your playlist?

Anything that doesn’t put me to sleep lol.

Apart from music, what other projects are you currently working on? 

I want to work more on my dance and acting.

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams? 

NEVER GIVE UP ON YOURSELF AND KEEP PUSHING! 

Any specific plans for the future?  

LIVING AND MAKING HITS…collecting Grammys and becoming a billionaire! I also plan on opening a fancy bougie restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Any final words?

I greatly appreciate this opportunity and I’m looking forward to doing more interviews! Also, I will be dropping my EP very soon…so keep your eyes open for that!!! 

Where can we follow you online and on social media?

IG: kyng_myk  IG: thaacegang1 (back up)
Facebook: Kynng Mykal