We recently connected with Mike of Earth and have shared our conversation below.
Mike of Earth, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
For me it’s often been a struggle to keep my creativity alive. Being a working producer or musician sometimes means doing a lot of things you never saw yourself doing. For me, I’ve just found that actually going out and living my life is what keeps my creative mind turning. It’s so easy for many creatives to just surround their whole life with their craft, whether it be long nights in the studio or never ending gigging. I think going out hiking and enjoying the outdoors has really allowed me to take a breath. Sometimes it’s hard to be creative when you aren’t living a life worth telling someone about.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I feel like I’ve always been consumed by music. From the time I was a small child I was mimicking scores from films on my toy keyboard and recorders. By the time I was 15 I was on the road with my own band often playing guitar, keys, or drums for my own music and for other acts. I didn’t really know too much about the art of music producing until I was 22 and moved to England to help produce a live record. From then on I was hooked on the preproduction side of music. I love crafting new sounds and translating emotions through sound. I believe in a wholistic approach to music. One where every recording is a moment, created for a purpose. In the last 10 years I’ve been growing my own studio here in North Carolina and this year I’ve got so many exciting songs coming from my studio, including songs from Drew Nathan and Alexa Jenson, which should be out in the next several months.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
There are so many ways for an artist to be successful. There is no one path for any of us. I really think understanding that is key to success. No one else’s path will be yours. You have your own story to tell.
Practically, I think a hunger for knowledge is essential. Even if you just sing in your band, understanding all the elements of production, instrumentation, and marketing will be a huge driver for you. Not that you have to be a master of all, but just understanding how the people around you work will take you a long way.
The most essential quality, for me, in an artist or producer is how you interact with others. So much of music is emotional. It’s created out of someone’s desire to share stories. Being a good friend and a good listener will take you further than any other skill in music. The clearer you see the people around you, the clearer your art will be.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking for new artists to recording and produce in my studio. I’m really passionate about giving a chance to someone who might not have all the opportunities as some others. Whether it be because of money or connections, I believe there is so much untapped potential out there. I try and be good about checking my DMs at Instagram.com/Mike.of.earth.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Mike.of.earth
