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Buy/Stream HERE

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Interview with
MIKE MINEO

(8th June, 2021)

Interviewer – Dave Bruce

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Have you always wanted to be a musician? When did you get the songwriting bug?
I hadn’t really “wanted to be” anything, I think it was a much more natural state of being, especially at the young age I started learning how to play instruments. I was just following a natural ability that I happened to stumble upon, and it grew to be a true passion.
I got the songwriting bug when I was about 12. There was a night in the house where an argument between my older brother and stepfather escalated to physical violence. I tried to stand up for my brother, but lacking physical prowess at that age, I found myself in my room armed with my guitar and a notepad channelling my emotion. It was the first song I had written, I came out of my room, played the song for my mom and she started to cry. I watched my mom digest my experience and emotions by the end of the song, that’s when I knew this craft would forever be important to me. 

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
I would describe my sound as ever changing. I can’t get too attached to the outcome of the inspiration that flows through me, then it’s bastardized by ego and has lost the true catharsis nature that got me writing in the first place. I don’t THINK people resonate with my music, I HOPE they do.

Which artist’s music and/or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
The Dirty Projectors music will always hold a special place in my heart and head. Especially the album “Bite Orca.” David Longstreth, the lead of the group, is always reaching for uncharted territory, you can hear it, you can feel it, and it inspires me. As a performance and artistic/community visionary, Tupac blows my mind. All he wanted was a message for his community, he painstakingly and poetically portrayed “T.H.U.G. L.I.F.E. (The Hate You Give Little Infants Fucks Everybody)” and taught the ultimate lesson with his life, “Live by the gun, die by the gun”. He’s a legend.

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Your new single “What Love Is” has just been released! Describe its origin and evolution.
I remember the song when it was the same melody it was now, but with totally different lyrics. The lyrics were more topical/political, it sat in my song book for a while like that, it just never felt quite right in that context, but I really loved the vibe and melody. I think I returned to it a while later with a past relationship on my mind and the current lyrics just poured out. Later the song was produced by Blou Productions and they bumped the song up by about SIXTY bpms, added a sick baseline, and here it is today. It came out great.

Is there an EP or Album on the drawing board?
The drawing board is full! We need another drawing board!!!

Any tours or events coming up soon? What are you looking forward to, and what can the fans expect?
There are currently no tours or live events booked. I’m looking forward to hopefully having fans in places all over the world, then they can expect tours and live events in their towns.

If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
Hmmm great question! My dad, because I’d love to see him again and play music with him again. Sorry, that’s sad, but it’s what came to me first.

Do you have any long-term aspirations as a music artist?
Yes! To always be able to find genuine inspiration through mundane day to day life, and to be honest with myself in my writings as I change throughout my time on this planet.

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What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
The best thing about performing for me, is when you have a totally captivated audience that is completely in the moment with you, whether it’s two friends late night with beers, or an auditorium of people. The moment you know everybody is on the same page and it lasts the whole song through. That’s special. I experienced that when I opened up solo acoustic for a portion of The Steve Miller Band’s tour a few years back. It was definitely a career highlight.

Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – Grace by Jeff Buckley
Artist – Sam Prekop
Movie – Forrest Gump
Place to visit – Italy
Venue to play – That’s too hard!
Food – Sushi
Drink – Mezcal or Pastis on rocks with a splash of water
Person in History – Albert Hoffman
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) No tats, and every idea I’ve had for one, I’m so glad I didn’t end up getting. So, I guess a tramp stamp of “LUCKY” would be perfect. 

Thanks guys and gals, I appreciate you taking the time to read my little thumb tap dance. :)
Mike

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Buy/Stream HERE

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Follow MIKE MINEO
Website – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

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Press Release 4th June 2021 below

MIKE MINEO
Releases Energetic New Single
“WHAT LOVE IS”

Pop Artist Guides Listeners Through
The Ups and Downs of Relationships

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Pop artist, Mike Mineo, released his new single “What Love Is,” a passionate story of battling a dead-end relationship. Love can be a turbulent journey, and sometimes it’s hard to determine when to say goodbye to a relationship. “What Love Is” is available to download and stream on digital music platforms worldwide.

This playful single portrays a tumultuous love affair that brings out the worst in both people. Mineo expresses his frustration in “What Love Is” with sassy bass guitar and bold melodies. Listeners can feel the devotion in his voice through heartfelt lyrics that paint a picture of uncertainty when it comes to love. “I knew what I wanted was a genuine, caring connection,” says Mineo. “But the relationship had been bad for so long that we both lost our way back to the love we once felt.” The emotional conflict of the heart can be heavy, and Mineo portrays that perfectly. “What Love Is” was produced by Reed Berin and Louis Johnson, mastered by Randy Merrill (Maroon 5, Harry Styles, Muse), and mixed by Paul Kimsal at Toucan Studios in Nashville, TN. The single will be paired with a vibrant music video set for release on June 17th.

The artistry of Nashville-based songwriter, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist Mike Mineo shines with exuberant charisma. The Boca Raton, Florida, native developed an encyclopedic knowledge of musical styles ranging from Latin, reggae, and Haitian Kompa, which he absorbed from the cultural melting pot of his home state. His expanding musical imagination was revealed in theatrically charged performances, unusual instrumentation, and eclectic explorations. With a wealth of onstage experience, he is a crowd-pleasing performer attuned to diverse audiences, from intimate listening rooms to concert stages. Although he is a new artist, he’s already made the music festival rounds on pre-pandemic bills with Cage The Elephant, Portugal The Man, Weezer, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. With a looping setup for solo performances, he has opened at events for a roster that includes Alabama Shakes, Train, and the Steve Miller Band. 

“What Love Is” inspires listeners to pursue true love and leave a dysfunctional relationship. “It’s that point when you know it’s over and you want to find true love, but you’re still afraid of letting go,” says Mineo. Download or stream “What Love Is” now on digital music platforms worldwide via Red 9 Records. To keep up with Mike Mineo’s musical journey, visit MikeMineo.com or follow him on Instagram @OfficialMikeMineo.

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AMNPLIFY – DB