Mikey Jahbree Wooley -is a 20 year old, Eclectic Folk-indie – Alternative songwriter from New JerseyCurrently working on a new full length album. “Diaries Of The Extraordinarily Beautiful” started Pursuing/taking seriously the professional career seriously in 2009. Released First official ep “We the people” in 2013. Been playing since he was a small boy.his music an alt combination of melodic folk style playing with a poetic and lyrical conversation, pure art , percussive and staccato sound. A one man band with a distinct sound and poetic punch.Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Well I heard about exposed vocals through my music Twitter, a friendly representative , made the first move in regards to saying hello by following me , naturally I checked the website out and I came to find out it was a pretty cool community of musicians , living there dreams. Eventually that’s how we got to this point.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in NJ. Most of my life, so I’m no stranger to the hustle and bustle, everyone knows that New Jersey’ans and New Yorkers are a special breed. By no means am I saying other places aren’t , they are troopers too, I’m just saying you have to be strong. With that said, music has always been apart of my life from an extremely early age. I wouldn’t be surprised if I came out the womb holding an instrument. Haha, props to my mother and father. I could remember taking guitar lessons from my uncle John, and jamming with my uncle Joshua extremely young, they were singer songwriters as well, and still active at that. Check them out, “Joshua Van Ness And MOR” Back then My attention span was short , so I played but ventured off also, it had trouble keeping my interest so I learned the drums. And grew a love for many other instruments through band and music theory classes in school. Two years later around 9 or 10 years old. I picked the guitar back up as well and ever since then I took it seriously and it became all I knew. I always had a thing for musical instruments. Like they would sync to my touch. It was work, but I felt it, it was like soul work. I combined my love of writing and singing as well and basically that’s brought me to this point.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
My name is just my birth name, “Mikey Jahbree Wooley” I’m named after my father who’s name is Michael as well, he was an athlete and still is great. And my mothers name is Yvonne, she’s a graphic artist by passion. So with there creativity and awesome genes I was dubbed “Michael Jahbree Wooley” That’s what it was originally, then I went by Mikey “Arto” at first it was a personal pen name ,you know how artists like to create there own name? The second part of it at least, a while ago I used to go by “Mikey arto” it was variation name based after the Greek goddess ” Artemis” if your familiar with her stories. I know what your thinking but she’s a girl? Yeah, Thats where my activist side kicks in , well the very topsoil. I believed in divine equality and peace among all, so The two names Mikey as The Masculine and Arto(Artemis) as the feminine , balanced each other out. Since we all are composed of such things. But now I use my full birth name Mikey Jahbree Wooley, and I love it cause I’ve never heard that name anywhere else. I guess you’d have to ask my parents this question haha. But if you ask me I like it a lot, it’s unlike anything I’ve heard and rolls off the tongue like it was meant for an artist. So again, props to My parents, they name me and my sisters Bryanna Espree and Morgan Leigh quite tastefully. See that rhymed, all of our names do.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I think online music sharing is a great thing, especially since it opens up opportunities and makes this vast world so much more hands on and discoverable. I’m the kind of guy to give music away for free , especially if I just want people to enjoy and indulge in a listening session. I believe paying for an artists work is important too, because it is hard work and how we can sustain ourselves but with the artists ok , free sharing is Deffinitley cool!
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?
I am no big band by any means, just a little dude with a big dream. I use my talents to bend strings and belt out things like everyone else but if there’s any advice I can give, its this “be humble, be kind , be great, dream large and never stop fighting , they’ll be no such thing as failure, if you follow your heart , you can never end up in the wrong place.” The underdog code.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that? Mistakes?
Yeah there inevitable , I just work with it, so that they too become art. Just don’t stop and panic, and if you do it’s not the end of the world.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
I am trying to launch a tour in the near future, I’m young , so this is the time to do it. As of now I’ve only ever been in NJ and trying to break into New York City, but that’s why I’m excited for this new album, really wanna take it on the road. Look out For “Diaries Of The Extraordinarily Beauitful” it’s a mouth full I know but it’s worth it.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
I think it’s important to live life, so that inspiration comes naturally and it’s not a struggle or forced. When I experience , it inspires me. So I draw from many aspects of life, it ranges all over. As for the process of songwriting, I don’t have a standard format ; each song kinda has its own thing , and does its own thing. It’s kinda avant Garde for me. I tend to have an abstract approach although, it puts things in a unique perspective.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Yes I do! Myownlittleworldrecords.com and independent music label by John Van Ness. I’m also on facebook, Twitter, Youtube , Soundcloud, and many of the well known music platforms such as iTunes, jango, spotify, radio AirPlay, etc…
https://www.facebook.com/MikeyJahbreeWooley
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Embarrassing songs on my MP3? You guys are asking for trouble, I don’t know I mean my music taste i have pride in lol but I’m sure many would call me a nerd or a “hipster” I swear I’m not, who likes labels anyway. But celene dion my heart will go on. Kills me every time , I’m an old soul so I’m sure many would find my iPod to be a time trip. Ranges from folk, indie rock , psychedelic to underground punk rock /traditional metal , country and jazz.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Buy a bunch of banjos, acoustic guitars and stand up bass and record a live performance album. Tour it, and donate then proceeds to charity funds.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Right now we are Working with pro tools, a nice interface , cp1202 , krk speakers , a few nice mic setups , a blue, Akg, and Neumann, some shure mics, it’s not state of the art but it’s not bad at all, but that’s where the artists come in 🙂
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
I find that playing live is a great way of promoting and socializing with the people. They get a sense of who you are and why you love doing this, and can connect more that way. It’s a very intimate experience. The next best way is online perhaps.Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
My favorites of course starting with the dead, Richie havens, he recently passed he had a big influence on me. Met him years back, Joshua my uncle opened for him at the crossroads in garwood NJ, and when he was playing his voice and playing style just called out to me. And I’d have to say my Favorite folk musicans, Ani difranco, Ana egge , Angus and Julia stone, Bob Dylan, Utah Phillips, Tracy bonham, Joan Baez, grace slick and Jefferson airplane. Now I’m just gunna list the rest randomly , Fiona Apple, Joan jett, Fleetwood Mac, Amy winehouse, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix , and Bob Marley.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I’m recording a new full length album coming out this summer: “Diaries Of The Extraordinarily Beautiful” look out for it, your support so very much appreciated!Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Probably journalism, exploration science , Animal preservation and protection, and or helping out countries in need of support, social work, Anything that is hands on and in field, I couldnt stand sitting back and being complacent with everything going on. I want to be making a difference for the sake of actually helping people and Mother Earth out, unconditional love.Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
My first album I believe that I actually wanted was Ani Difranco and she’s my ultimate favorite to this day. It’s hard to explain, but you know the little things that make your day? It was like a thousand of those.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Balance is key, we all know this trade can get hard so it’s important to be prepared, I believe in putting 100% effort , all in. No one gets anywhere half cheeked , but a daytime job and educating yourself is important as well, they’re all very compatible, especially if you take it to a college campus.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?
Look forward to a brand new full length album and plenty of live shows! And hopefully a tour in the future! Also world peace? A guy can wish can’t he, let’s work towards it. Music unites.
