Photo © Mikey Wax
You know those wonderful days that you have every now and then? The days that you get to spend sipping on a fresh cup of coffee and relaxing with your favorite songs playing in the background? Well, I have one of those days every time that I turn on Mikey Wax’s music. His full-length debut, Change Again, is a beautiful mix of songs that capture Mikey’s talent for writing beautiful lyrics about the trials and tribulations that come along with love, change and then the eventual lightness that comes with finding hope at the end of it all.
Last February marked the release of the For Better or Worse EP that featured six tracks including two of my very favorite Mikey Wax songs, “So Crazy” and “Back and Forth.” Lyrically and musically, the music is a little faster and more upbeat than Change Again. It’s perfect for your commute home, your coffee break or even as music to be-bop too while you get your work done.
Mikey is getting ready to hit the road with another findyourfav friend, Landon Pigg, this month. Be sure to check out their tour dates and catch a show! In the meantime, check out Mikey’s latest EP titled The Traveler, available for FREE on his official website. Give him a shot, you won’t regret it!
Your EP, For Better or Worse, is a collection of really wonderful, inspiring songs. What kinds of life experiences influenced the music on that record?
I wanted to do something a little more up-tempo then my first album Change Again. The story of “Remember” is funny cause I played it at a live show and said something about the song being about developing feelings for someone new rather than the girl you dated for 4 years and 6 months. Of course, the girl that I dated for 4 years and 6 months was in the audience. We laughed about it later. I’m at peace on this new album, and able to explore other topics in songs like “Back and Forth” and “Halfway Gone.”
You recently toured with Howie Day and Serena Ryder, what was that touring experience like?
Touring with Howie and Serena was great. It forced me to up my performance level every night.
Do you usually keep in touch with artists that you tour with?
Yes. Touring with someone you become close very fast and get to know that person very well. I still stay close with my first touring buddy, Tim Brantley.
What’s one item that you always bring with you on tour?
If I forget anything, there’s an app for that.
I read in your bio that your musical journey started with a letter from your Grandfather, I think that’s awesome. Where is that letter now?
I keep it in my wallet at all times. I like knowing it’s with me and I can read it whenever I need to.
Did you grow up in a musical home? How did you know that you wanted to be a musician?
Yes, I grew up in a very musical home. My dad was a piano player and songwriter. I remember being a little kid running around the piano as he would play and compose. Hiding under the piano. My brothers and I would also play “sock hockey” (basically soccer with a sock, but we liked hockey better), and we would blast Sgt. Peppers. At 5 years old I was infused with the melodies of the Beatles. I wrote my first song when I was 10. I had over 50 instrumental pieces written when I was 13. I always knew I would do something musically. None of my family or friends are really surprised.
What kinds of artists inspired you when you were a kid?
The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John. I also learned a lot of classical piano music growing up.
And how about more recent artists that inspire you now?
I still prefer older music to modern music. I enjoy Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, Pink Floyd, Phil Collins. Modern songwriters I listen to are Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Coldplay, Bon Iver.
What kinds of changes have you noticed in yourself in comparison to when you recorded your first record? And are there specific changes in the music that you’ve noticed on the new record compared to the first two?
Wow. For starters, I’m much more confident now than I used to be. I know exactly what I’m going for and I do it. I’m also in a more positive state mentally. I used to write only depressing music about lost love. Now it’s a combination of depressing/lost love music AND the hope of something better coming along. This positivity also shows in the music. I’m much looser and energetic in my tone and voice. More enthusiastic. My first album is very consistent; the newest album has a greater range of emotion.
What are your goals musically? And is fame important to you?
I’ve always said jokingly my goal musically is to sell out Madison square garden. Everything I’m doing now is just one step closer to that. I’ve always been inspired going to see a Dave Matthews Band concert at MSG, so I’ve made a promise to my friends that I will do it. In the next ten years. If you sell out MSG, your not just some guy with one big song. You have fans that truly care about your music and are inspired by what you do. I want to give that. I want to earn that.
You know, I was excited to catch Howie Day and Serena Ryder’s show in Seattle, but you weren’t here for that show which was a bummer! Any chance you’ll tour again soon and hit the west coast?
It would be nice. I have a song on my new album called “California Skies” which is funny cause I’ve never been. Shh.
What are some of your all-time favorite movies, books and albums?
I love Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind with Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. That movie is so artistic it inspires and fascinates me every time. Plus, the story is so beautiful, every time it reaches the end, I feel a new song ready to come out. My favorite album is perhaps Abbey Road, but I haven’t listened straight through in a while. I don’t like reading for long periods of time, so I’d have to say my favorite book isGoodnight Moon or The Polar Express. I like trains.
