Introducing: MKM
Where can we find you right now and what are you up to?
I am based in Pretoria East, South Africa. Currently, I am on a promotional campaign for my upcoming EP Twenties, As a matter of fact I was invited to shoot two weeks back for a song titled Numb (featured) and another one is on the way with up and coming to East Rand artist Zanzenx.
What is the process you follow when writing your songs?
I am a sound fiend, most of my songs start with a piano note I heard and vibed with. Once I hear the entire sound composition when it's complete the lyrics either click or I let it be.
What are your influences?
Music is medicine for me, and I fall in love with a song that taps into my chills effortlessly. This made me decide that I want to be part of that. Creating beautiful sounds for people to listen to and enjoy, vibe, heal and just live. I mean imagine a world without music… so I want to carry on that baton.
What instruments are used to produce your music?
I work within my DAW, so even though I do not play any physical instruments, I have access to all. I just open fruity loops and let the drums roll.
Who is responsible for your mastering/mixing?
I currently mix and master my music, which isn’t the best way to put out music but, it is temporary. Nevertheless, I have come to appreciate producers, mixing and mastering engineers. You all have my love and respect.
What do you consider to be the most significant event that has happened so far in your career?
My career as an artist has just begun and with time and putting in the work there will be a lot of significant things to speak on. Nevertheless, I once received a message from someone on Facebook. And they said they just wanted to let me know that my music resonated with them. I was in disbelief that I fumbled it and rambled on. And ever since they keep on coming, not many but significant.
Do you remember any strange or funny incident that happened to you?
Oh yes, my first performance was the worst, I don’t think I even got to perform the entire track, LMAO.
What difficulties have you faced so far in your career? If so, can you elaborate on how you overcame it?
Juggling between music and work. Making music doesn’t come cheap nor easy, half the time the reward is in the music that has not been released yet. Like when mainstream music becomes tasteless to my ears from over playing, I take comfort in my own. Lately I mostly listen to what I have made and three other artists.
What do you think will be the future of live music in the future?
Technology, I’m talking VR live shows/events, smart music, and a whole lot more. Now if I’m being down to earth then the future of live music is phasing in. We have artists performing live on social media and making neat margins in tips.
What is the one thing you think every artist should avoid?
Avoid the new stuff, it is easy to think if you buy that new piece of equipment then your problems are sorted.
What do you feel sets you apart from other artists?
My willingness to put myself out there without the trimmings and varnish, of course, I aim to refine myself and grow as an artist and individual but, I am not trying to sell something I am not. I am as normal as they come, and I want to normalize that in the industry and the world.
What are your plans for the future?
Making more music and improving on quality and consistency, most importantly is finding the right people to build a team. I do not enjoy working alone so I am hunting.
Tell us about your latest or upcoming release.
"TWENTIES", Set for release on 1st August 2021 on all streaming platforms. This EP is the definition of the emotions I went through when I fell into depression. Twenties is a bi-polaroid body of work ranging from sad and heartfelt to energetic and vibey. I spared no expense in revealing my vulnerabilities in the hopes that people who suffer from any type of depression out of the few I know can be like, hey MKM behaves just like I do. It is no taboo to live with depression, but it should never isolate people. This EP is an invitation to a tribe, for those suffering and those who have survived.
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