What is your name?
My name is Mike Schiavo, but you can call me Mikey!
What is your genre of music?
I am a pop artist at the end of the day, but I am influenced by a lot of indie stuff and mess with some 80’s elements when I can. I started out in alternative bands and moved into the singer songwriter category so I’ve been all over the board in the past. I’ve finally found a spot in pop music that I feel like I belong in.
Give us a little bio about you.
I was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in Central New Jersey. I started singing at the beginning of middle school and haven’t really stopped since. I’ve been lucky enough to put out a bunch of music in the past and open for artists like Lauv, LeAnn Rimes, A R I Z O N A & Jacob Whitesides.
What made you go in to music?
I first realized my love for music when I became obsessed with Elvis Presley in 5th grade after finding a book on him in the library. From there I taught myself how to play guitar and started singing. It all snowballed from there, I became obsessed with music in general and fell in love with performing and was always in a band or performing solo material from middle school on.
Are you a signed?
Not currently, I’m a completely independent artist!
Your set to release your new single ‘ T-Shirt ‘ tell us more about the single.
“T-shirt” is one of my favorite songs i’ve written. It’s about being caught in a relationship with somebody who really only wants you when it’s convenient for them. I think it’s a place so many people have been in, on both sides of it. It takes a really raw look at the thoughts going through your mind when you’re in that spot.
Describe the track in two words.
Sadly relatable.
What was the writing process like?
It was slightly different than my usual process. I was stuck in a bit of writers block at the time and a friend of mine had recommended I start to read more fiction writing as a way to open my mind up a bit. He had sent me a list of a few suggestions and about halfway through one of them I was really inspired to write something. The topic of this track was on my mind and I came up with the pre chorus and the chorus really quickly. The reading really did broaden my thinking and I think had a big impact on the metaphor of the chorus.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process is always a blast. I can be pretty hard on myself when recording vocals so I do a million takes usually, but I love being in the studio and in the vocal booth. There’s an energy to it that is hard to replicate especially when you’re working with the right people.
Who did you work with on the single with?
I co-wrote the song with Allen Mattox who also produced the track with me. I’ve done a huge chunk of my new music with him, we really work well together I think. In the studio we get to work with one of my close friends Josh Florez, who is good at pretty much everything he tries to do. He helped vocal produce the track and makes me sound better than I am. He also mixed the song as well!
Where can we buy the Single from?
The song will be available everywhere online! You can buy it on iTunes and stream everywhere (Spotify, Apple Music etc.).
Do you have any shows coming up or a tour in planning?
I don’t have any shows booked at this moment, but I’m working on booking a show here in LA to get back on stage and hopefully play out more and more as the year progresses.
What else can we expect in 2019?
Lots of new music! I spent the last two years writing and really trying to find myself as an artist so there is a lot music in the vault that I’ll be releasing throughout the year. You can also expect some live shows!
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
No definite collabs in the works right now, but there’s a song I am working on that I think is a good opportunity to make that happen. Hopefully it comes together!
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Absolutely! I’m always interested in new collaborations with other artists, writers and producers! Any one can reach out to me on any of my social media pages.
Do you play any instruments?
I do! I play guitar, bass, drums and am finally getting better at the keys. I’ve been teraching myself that one the past couple years and am finally getting to the point where I can play in front of people.
Who are your influences?
This is always the toughest question for me since i listen to and get inspired by so many different artists across so many genres and I wouldn’t necessarily say I sound like most of them. I’d say recently some of my biggest influences have been Khalid, The 1975, Lauv and Maggie Rogers.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Usually I get inspiration from some situation I’m in or have been in. This project has been a lot about reflection. A lot of these new songs are inspired by past events in my life and looking back on them writing from that place, or writing from where I am now reminiscing on those times.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I hope that in 5 years I’ll be headlining my own shows on tour and releasing music that I’m still super proud of. I hope i continue to grow as an artist and a writer.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I’m a massive movie fan so I see a lot of movies. It’s become a really great way for me to shut my mind off for a couple hours and get into a new story. Usually as soon as I leave I’m back to thinking about music and my career but it’s a great way to relax and enjoy creativity. I spend a lot of time with my close friends besides that.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
– It’s hard to trace it all back to just one song, but one of the first songs I remember recording myself singing was Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton. It was the first time i listened back to myself when I was younger and i loved the feeling of being able to say I made something.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
I experienced a setback at a time where I was surrounded by some incredibly talented and successful artists where I was reminded by one of them that everybody around me had been knocked down in a major way at some point in the process of getting where they are. So the advice to remember that as I moved forward will always stick with me and remind me to keep pushing through whatever negativity may come at me.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
I would say what I’ve learned most that I’d say to another aspiring artist is to just make sure you’re making music that you love and not music you think someone else will love. At the end of the day, you need to love what you’re doing because that is ultimately what will make you feel fulfilled with what you create.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Make a plan and prepare to abandon it.” I heard Jimmy Kimmel say this on Dax Shepards podcast and i haven’t stopped thinking about it since. I heard it at a time where it felt like everything was going wrong and all these plans i had were just imploding. Since then it’s been a thought that I embrace when things don’t go as expected and I hope I will forever.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
My hometown, Colonia, NJ is a fairly small town and not much to visit but whenever I’m home I will always make time for a visit to Jose Tejas. It’s a local favorite restaurant that is always packed and besides pizza in general it’s what I miss most out here in LA.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Lyrics, my guitar, how to play my guitar, water and a towel because I’m gross and sweaty.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
I do! You can find me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @iammikeymusic. You can also subscribe to my Youtube Channel, MikeyMusic, for video content!
