With Spotify listeners in 148 different countries in 2022 alone, 26 year old independent musician Mikae is heading into 2023 strong with the release of her new single Cheap Love, out now on all streaming platforms. Mikae has been independently releasing self produced music since 2019, although she has been a musician for 22 years now, the majority of her life so far. She best describes her musical sound as synth-pop new wave. The singer/songwriter has had a love for music her entire life, starting out by becoming a classically trained pianist at an early age. Now-a-days her love affair with music has brought her to writing all her own songs and independently producing a lot of her own music as well. Mikae prides herself in having the rare musical talent of “perfect pitch,” just like superstars Charlie Puth and Mariah Carey.
Follow Mikae @mikaeallday
Hi Mikae, please tell us a little about you?
Hello! I’m a 26 year-old musician based in Los Angeles. I like to sing in the car, buy one-way plane tickets and watch the sunrise from a lifeguard tower. You can probably find me in the studio, in the Cane’s drive thru or journaling on my roof. I love cats, my family and my friends—in that order (jk).
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Positive, inquisitive, open
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I’ve never really had a good answer for this one; music has always just felt like something I had to pursue. In a way, it’s a very innate reflex for me. I’ve just continued to say “yes” to music throughout the years, and it’s brought me to this point. I like where it’s taken me so far, and I’m stoked for what’s next.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Sentimental, free-spirited, unpretentious
Do you play any instruments?
Oh yeah, almost a dozen I believe. I’ve been an instrumentalist for a few decades, and I like to think you can tell when you hear my music. I tend to experiment with my vocals a lot and treat my voice as an instrument, layering harmonies and utilizing them to keep the song moving forward.
Do you ever get nervous before performing?
Sometimes! I mean, I trust my technical skill when it comes to music since I’ve been working at it for so long. But putting myself out there emotionally? Ohhhh man. It never gets easier! I just try to remember that someone in the crowd needs to hear my music’s message.
Tell us about your new single “Cheap Love?”
Oh this was such a fun one to write. “Cheap Love” was my first release that had a little bit of attitude! It embodies a turning point: when I resolved to no longer accept cheap love as an adequate means of buying my time. The song combines pensive lyrics with nostalgic musical elements, making for a pretty catchy track!
What’s the story behind the song?
I wrote this one a few years ago on the piano. It’s a song about being a rest stop for broken people: they show up, take what they need, and head on their way. “Cheap Love” is my take on that rehabilitation cycle and the exuberant waitlist of “patients” that naive, well-meaning people can accrue.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Keep going! Oh my gosh, keep going. You’d be over the moon if you got to see all the priceless relationships we’ve built along the way. Don’t stop now—the journey is just getting started.
How would your best friend describe you?
I hope they’d say I’m intentional and thoughtful. Even when I have a million things going on, I do my best to check in. I think that’s part of the reason I’ve been lucky to have a handful of long-term friends—they might not always know what city I’m in, but they always know I’ll be there for them.
What’s next for Mikae in 2023?
I’m working on my first studio album! It contains songs I’ve written throughout the past 5+ years—during highs, lows and everything in between. The album covers some heavy, profound concepts and makes them easier to emotionally digest with the help of some upbeat melodies.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Oh, definitely Snoop Dogg. I just know he’s 100x more interesting than we already think he is.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Hopefully I’m in a place where I’m able to mentor other musicians who are just starting out. I’m a huge proponent of paying it forward, so I’m eager to win, lose and learn, then give a few pieces of advice to the next generation of musicians.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
“All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey is my go-to. For some reason, it’s more of a crowd pleaser when we’re nowhere near Christmas time. Trust me, it’s always a hit!
Where can we follow you?
I’m on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok as @mikaeallday. I’m also on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and YouTube. Drop me a message—I always love to hear from you guys!
Your Favorite –
Book: “Trumpet of the Swan” by E. B. White
Quote: “Live full. Die empty.”
Movie: “School of Rock” starring Jack Black
Tv Series: Spongebob Squarepants
Favorite Food: Enchiladas
Travel Destination: Honolulu
Sports Team: LA Clippers
Photo credits: Matthew McCormick Photography
