An Interview With The Rising LA-Based Singer-Songwriter, MIKEY WAX On His Newest Single ‘Big Little Life’ And More!

Posted On 30 Jul 2018

By : Leah Brungardt

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Tag: All Access, All Access Music, All Access Music Group, Artist Interview, Big Little Life, Mikey Wax

Get to know the rising LA-based singer-songwriter Mikey Wax! His newest track is called “Big Little Life” and the video for it can be seen here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIqzQyPYD4Q

It was officially added to (and tweeted out by!) the biggest playlist on Spotify: New Music Friday. Additionally his music has been heard in prominent pop Spotify playlists like ‘Daily Lift‘ and ‘Summer Party‘ where he’s gained over 15 million streams.

Mikey’s uplifting pop/rock music can be heard in major ad campaigns for United Airlines, Hollister Clothing, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, and Nike Swim.

Connect With Mikey Max Here:

Learn more about Mikey Wax in the following All Access interview with him:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you now? What’s on tap for the rest of your day?

This interview finds me sipping some coffee sitting at my friends recording studio. We’re working on some new tunes.

All Access Music is currently compiling a list of our artists favorite songs this summer so what is YOUR song of the summer?

I’m digging the Maroon 5 song “Girls Like You.”

Overall, how do you think 2018 has been treating you and your music career? What has been one goal that you have had this year and how close are you to reaching it?

2018 has been a developmental year in terms of writing and recording. My goal was to have a large bunch of strong pop songs that I could release over a long period of time, and I think I wrote some pretty good stuff. I’m excited about it! Also can’t complain that my latest single release ‘Big Little Life’ landed Spotify’s New Music Friday in 8 countries 🙂

Growing up, was music always a big part of your life? Can you recall your first ever musical experience?

Yes, music was always a very big part of my life. I would come home from school and sit at the piano for hours and make up songs. My first ever musical experience I can recall is my dad playing piano and me hanging out under the piano watching his foot work the pedal.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? Has there been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

I think the biggest surprise is how fast styles and trends change in production, writing, performance. I enjoy the challenge of writing a really good song and making it relevant.

How do you think you and your music have been influenced by your hometown and where you live today? What is the music scene like there these days?

Where I grew up definitely played a role in my music. So much about writing comes from those early experiences, your surroundings, etc. I used to love sitting at the piano on a snow day home from school. Living in California now, that’s one big difference that it’s usually always sunny. Neither is better or worse necessarily, they just put you in different writing moods.

How would you say that you have grown as an artist since you first starting making music? What has remained the same?

I think I’ve grown in terms of writing music that gets to the point better, a little easier to understand. I used to think songs had to be really complicated to be considered a good writer, and I’ve learned how writing a simple hooky pop song is actually just as hard and respectable. As far as what has remained the same, I think my sense of melody – knowing what direction a song should go – has never really changed.

What was the inspiration for your latest song, “Big Little Life”?

I wanted to write a song for my fiancé on our wedding night. We have a small but comfy house in California, and we always said that we’re fine with cozy and not having a lot to show off to the world, just having one another.

What was it like creating the music video for it? How creatively involved were you with the overall process of making that video?

The music video was a whirlwind because it came together rather quickly and we filmed it in my actual house. We removed all the furniture and built it back up scene by scene. I didn’t allow my fiancé to come home for the 3 days we filmed because she would have freaked out. Fortunately she didn’t mind the hotel room too much.

When do you hope to release more music and a full album of new songs?

I’m planning on releasing new singles once every few months. As far as a full album, not so sure about that just yet.

What do you think makes for an ideal show for you?

The concerts I enjoy going to most are like a roller coaster ride. There’s highs, lows, build ups, drops, etc. I think taking the audience on a trip like that is important.

We are currently living through a very trying and politically charged time right now so I am curious to know how your own music is reflecting this time period?

I think I’ve kept my music as an escape from the political turmoil going on. Every recording session we talk about the world and politics for several hours, and then it’s like “ok let’s write a fun pop song”. But I have been thinking about ways to include it for the future. It’s important.

Would you say that other musicians are making music that has been influenced by this climate?

I don’t think it’s spoken about enough in current pop music. I think the trend will change soon though. Pop has been very “relationship” oriented for lack of a better word for a while.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?

Social media can be a challenge because as an artist you’re expected to post frequently and show your life. But the truth is most days my life isn’t anything particularly exciting ha! So it becomes another aspect where you have to constantly think “how can I make this trip to Starbucks interesting enough to post something.” Don’t get me wrong – I love hearing from fans and being connected. it’s always so meaningful when I get truly supportive posts and can thank them. I just don’t like the feeling of always having to be doing something cool or interesting.

I’m most active on Twitter and Instagram (@MikeyWax).

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

There is a large list but Chris Martin, John Mayer, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheehan, Dave Matthews, Adele and many many more.

If you were going to be stranded on a deserted island forever, what musical item would you take with you and why?

It would have to be a guitar just because it’s easy to carry around and I would write really sad songs and stare out at the ocean.

If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in?

I think the big show that resonates emotionally with a lot of people is This Is Us. Would definitely be cool to have a song on there, but I’m always humbled whenever a show wants to use my music and I just found out that “Big Little Life” will be featured in the season finale of Born This Way on A&E this Fall.

At the end of the day, what do you hope your fans take away from your music?

That’s a great question. I’m not sure I fully know the answer. I think my message is one of hope, and sincerity. Be real in a world filled with fake news.

(All Photography Provided By HIP-Video-Promo)

About the Author

Leah Brungardt (recently married) joined All Access Music Group in August 2011 and has been enjoying getting to know a new side of the music industry ever since. Having worked to promote radio stations in the past, seeing what makes a successful radio hit has been a thrill. As a lover of all genres of music, working at All Access Music Group is a perfect fit for Leah, and she loves learning about up and coming musicians as well. Most of her friends have come to rely on her for new music. Leah grew up overseas attending American international schools and attended The University of Arizona, where she earned a BA in Music Management. She roots for the Wildcats every chance she gets. Leah has been able to work at a variety of music-related jobs including several internships at small independent labels, ClearChannel Radio and Journal Broadcasting Group. She also spent time working retail at a store that specializes in vinyl, which was a lot of fun for her. Her favorite movie is Empire Records, so that makes perfect sense.

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