Music Review and Interview with Lil Miko – Gold

The ambiance created by the gentle synth bell sound that plays the riff, at the start and throughout this track, is a really pleasant and peaceful backdrop to this collection of lyrics and verses. The beat is simple yet strong, and the vibe created by the whole thing is consistently quite soothing, comforting even, in a hypnotic and oddly trustworthy kind of way. There are a fair few lyrics that feature in this track actually, which also give off the same kind of feeling. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is that creates this trustworthiness, this believability, perhaps it’s just an effective fusion of elements, as is often the case. It works, anyway, it draws you in, it’s unusual, yet there’s also something very classic and very hip-hop about the whole thing. Maybe there’s also a little bit of nostalgia.

The hectic mix of vocals and samples, particularly during the intro, was a little like a Podcast opener in some ways, not quite setting the smoothest vibe for what would follow, but fortunately the vocal rhythm and rap-meets-melody style was quite effective. The verses actually have a similar sort of classic film or podcast presentation, by that I mean it sounds like a one take success, and the togetherness shines quite brightly, which is generally just a nice thing to be a part of. Some of the lines really make you smile, those leading up to ‘I’m a healthy kid’, performed by voices that do massively sound like healthy kids, kids who love life, and music – it’s cool, enjoyable to listen to. The style of this track is not hugely new, but something about it is really fresh sounding, and all in all the whole thing works really well. You remember it, which is always a massive bonus for song writers and musicians hoping to leave their mark.

By Rebecca Cullen

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Lil Miko:  I grew up in the Bay Area. I was born in Oakland, California and as a kid i kinda bounced around the Bay but i was always n the same general area. Just growing up I experienced a lot of different things and that’s kinda where a lot of the stories in my songs come from. Everything i write is true and recently i was going through some hardships so one night i hopped in the studio and just let out my pain on a track called “Feel it in the air” ( a song i remixed) and from there people was starting to feel me.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Lil Miko: Well , Miko was actually given to me when i was younger by my sister, she would call me “Miko” and i kinda just ran with it. My other nicknames you frequently hear in my songs like “Ratchet Baby” was given to me by my cousin. I was kind of a wild child in some ways so she would say ” You a lil Ratchet baby, you and all yo baby ratchet friends

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Lil Miko: I think it’s a good form of publicity, i mean technically i give my music away for free by publishing it on soundcloud and youtube; but im sure i have some people willing to buy it.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Lil Miko: Only thing i can say is just it’s more self-confidence than anything and Thank God for each blessing you get because even though you might be just starting off like me, you don’t know where it could take you.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Lil Miko: My songwriting inspiration comes from the heart, everything im feeling inside i put out for the people who DO feel my pain or Do understand what im saying. Most of my songs honestly are freestyles before anything because i be feeling so much. but then i write down what i say after so i can put it on the track but i mostly just freestyle it before anything. not too much time is put into my thinking process.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Lil Miko: I use Soundcloud and youtube. Soundcloud more than anything. You can follow me on soundcloud at “Lil Miko” or just use the hashtag #10k #Mikoly #lilmiko or #ratchetbaby

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Lil Miko: I would invest in something bigger and better. More than likely give back, i mean i’d still let it benefit me but i could use it to spread some love around too.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Lil Miko: A lot of times I promote my music on snapchat, instagram, and on Instafamous people’s pages. Some people actually help promote me without me asking. By the way, my Instagram is @Mikoly_finessechild.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Lil Miko: I guess to just keep working and keep my focus.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Lil Miko: I would be doing the same thing I’m doing now, still working hard trying to better myself.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Lil Miko: I always find time for things I feel I want or need to do, but I don’t Need music. It’s just something I do.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

Lil Miko: Just more real music for them to vibe to.