"Mă ucide ea" is a song that has been playing frantically on radios all over the country for months. Although it is almost two years old, the song that made Mihail famous still makes us turn up the volume at traffic lights and hum obsessively. The Mihail phenomenon conquered many of us, being a breath of fresh air in the Romanian musical landscape. We also wanted to know more about the story of the Bessarabian who came to Cluj to study Art and Design and his decision to make music, so we revealed his secrets in an exclusive interview to the Olivo Coffee Bakery Newspaper.
Many times, success stories start as a game, a hobby, an attempt that comes naturally. The same thing happened to Mihail who, although he always flirted with music, was unable to find a suitable moment to dedicate himself to it completely. In the end, music drew him like a calling, and Mihail had no choice but to accept the inevitable: he was hopelessly in love with her and was going to let his musical creativity come to light.
With this decision, the world became richer with a special voice and songs that conquered us.
1. Who is Michael?
Mihail is the same simple guy, only now he has much less free time. :)
2. Tell us a little about your beginnings in music
The idea of music started since childhood, when I received a small piano from my parents, and in the 3rd grade, when I was 9 years old, I went with my mother to enroll in music school and from there somewhat started everything.
Then, I started playing in a light music band, and at the same time I was doing painting school. After I graduated high school I was in doubt: should I do arts and design or do music? And, at the moment, I thought it was safer to do visual arts, and I came to Cluj, to the University of Art and Design, but, in parallel with the faculty, I always played the guitar, that is, music was always with me. I've always meant to do something more serious about it, but never felt like the time was right.
After I graduated from college and got my license, I decided to focus on music for a year and if something works out for me, then I will continue to make music. It was an interesting challenge and luckily a lot happened that year and I realized that music can't be just a hobby because it's very consuming and demands all of your time, but I felt that this is my calling.
3. How would you define your musical style?
I don't have a well-defined style yet. I listened to a lot of classical music, a lot of funk, blues. Keeping in mind that I'm just starting out, I can afford to play around with influences and styles. I don't want to limit myself to just one.
4. What does a day in your life look like?
I can't say what a day in my life looks like, because lately every day is different. But I can say that an ideal day would be at the seaside, in Văma, with loved ones.
5. What inspires you when you compose?
Inspiration is everywhere, from a stand-up comedy show to a beautiful face seen in a hurry.
6. Tell us about a happy/funny/memorable experience from your music career.
It's hard to remember a specific moment, I just know that I had many euphoric moments at concerts around the country, where people sang with me and were there because they appreciated my work.
7. What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your hobbies?
People usually ask me "what do you do when you're not making music?" and I don't know what to say to them. I like photography, painting, and last year I "rediscovered" the sea.
8. Choose 3 pieces and associate them with moods, places, feelings
Poolside - Harvest Moon and Coldplay - Shiver recently "haunt" my playlist and I listen to them after concerts in the hotel room. And Josef Salvat - Every Night reminds me of Customs.
9. (If we are still a newspaper addressed to coffee lovers) How do you like to drink your coffee? :) How did you discover this drink?
Double espresso with milk, along with a fresh orange, usually in the morning, even if on some days that means after 12:00. I don't remember exactly how I discovered coffee, I just know that it was a forbidden drink for me at the time, and my uncle used to let us taste it on the sly.