Photo Credit: Haley Appell
Latinx Indie-Pop artist Michi has released her newest single ‘Escondida’. It is her second song in Spanish, following "Night Moves", and a nod to the multitude of emotion we experience during self-isolation. FLAUNT was able to talk to Michi about her influential dent on Latinx music as well as what it is like to create music in a time full of uncertainty. Read the conversation and check out the Latinx playlist Michi made for FLAUNT below!
**How did you start making music and how did you get into the industry? Any major inspirations?**
I started making music after meeting my old band at a party. I had been singing covers at home for fun, but when I met the band my passion for singing and performing formed. Major inspirations for me would be Sade, Erykah Badu and Mazzy Star.
**How has your headspace been during a global pandemic? Has it affected making music at all?**
My headspace has been up and down through this pandemic! The extrovert side of me is really struggling in not being able to see my friends and family regularly. I also only played two shows before la rona so I am really longing for live music again, too. This virtual show life isn’t my style lol. Making music has been challenging at times, but I’m fortunate to be able to continue a steady studio schedule with my producer while still being mindful and safe.
**Does your upbringing as Latinx have any influence on the music you make, if so how?**
My upbringing as Latinx has definitely influenced my desire to make music singing in Spanish, something I never thought I’d be doing. I’m forever proud and grateful to be able to have a platform in that community/genre and my abuelita loves to hear it too haha. I also grew up loving Selena and watching endless live videos of her. I can’t ignore how her performative confidence affected how I wanted to be on stage, an altered version of my little self.
**Tell me about your new single “Escondida”, what is it about and how did it feel to release it?**
My new single “Escondida” is about the value of solitude one can find even outside of this pandemic. I’m happy in a relationship and yet I still wanted to shed some light on the dreamy state of feeling complete with just yourself, and how loneliness isn’t always a bad thing. I’ve leaned on relationships for artificial fulfillment in my past and it felt amazing to release this song now when I have outgrown that.
**What is something about yourself that most people don’t know about?**
I should be wearing reading glasses far more often than I ever do lol, my eyesight is horrible. I’m also lowkey sick at drums (your mom agrees).
**What is a recent music industry challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?**
A recent music industry challenge I’ve faced is the awkwardness that comes with doing my first live virtual show. I personally enjoy attending shows where the artist doesn’t do a lot of talking and instead takes me straight to the experience of their performance so it was definitely different for me to talk more than my liking, yet I overcame it by reminding myself of the value of having the opportunity to be so intimate with my audience. It was also really special to play my songs on keys as I hadn’t done that live yet , and hearing my songs in a more soft and tender arrangement was a positive release too!
**Where do you see yourself in the future in regards to your musical career? Any goals for the future?**
When la rona passes, it’s over for you bitches - JK. I see myself releasing an album with producers and artists I admire dearly! Would love to also have a feature with someone like Omar Apollo too! My goals are to grow as a songwriter, really tap into the artist within performativity, and broaden my production skills too!
