Artist Highlight: mykel

mykel might be one of my personal favorites, and one of the more unique and versatile artists on the rise. Born and raised in Miami, he bounced between different parts of the city growing up, eventually spending some of his most formative years in North Miami and Opa Locka with his mother. As an only child with separated parents, mykel found freedom and expression in things like gaming, computers, BMX, and beatmaking, all of which still play a role in his life today. From early on, his world was built on curiosity and self-made fun, which naturally translated into his music.

He first dipped his toes into production in sixth grade using a demo version of FL Studio 8, and by middle school, he was already playing drums in a nu-metal band called Dead Directory. Growing up in a home where both rap and alternative music were always playing, mykel was exposed to a wide range of sounds and ideas. His mom is the one who originally introduced him to the idea that he could make beats himself, which ended up sparking a lifelong passion. What started as experimenting with sounds became a full-blown pursuit once he realized how deeply he connected with writing and performing his own music.

Two of his latest tracks, Chance2 and Used 2, mark a turning point in his creative path. mykel shares that they were born out of a rough period of self-doubt and creative stagnation when the excitement around label talks fizzled and his belief in himself started to fade. Chance2 is a raw, open plea for renewal, a song about wanting another shot, not just from the world, but from himself. Used 2 reflects on how losing momentum creatively made him feel disconnected from his purpose. Both songs are featured on his upcoming indie EP Material, dropping this month, and they capture that shift in mindset: from being stuck to finally moving again.

When I asked about influences, mykel doesn’t hesitate, Bladee is his GOAT. The way Bladee communicates emotion and perspective with poetic, sometimes cryptic lines really speaks to mykel. He calls Bladee the “Future for neurodivergent gamers,” which honestly paints a perfect picture of the kind of energy mykel connects with. He’s not chasing a trend, he’s drawn to artists who challenge the norm, who make you think and feel in unexpected ways.

Outside of music, mykel leans fully into his interests. Whether it's gaming, participating in local Pokémon TCG tournaments, modding old consoles, or just hanging out with his girlfriend. He finds joy in the smaller things, something I think we should all learn to value more. He’s also been trying to get into anime,Vinland Saga has his attention at the moment, though Attack on Titan still holds the crown for him - great pick, I must mention.

Wrapping things up, we asked mykel to reflect on one of the standout moments in his career so far, and he pointed to a past show he played with Geller at the Moroccan Lounge in LA. It was a sold-out crowd, and for the first time, mykel really felt that spark, that sense of being exactly where he’s supposed to be. Hearing the audience sing his lyrics back, feeling the weight of the applause and the encore, it all hit different. It reminded him why he even started this journey in the first place.

As he gears up for the release of Material, he’s already working on the next project. Making good on his promise to keep the music coming! His message to anyone watching his rise? Stay curious, surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you, and keep learning.