HRCLS Records has produced and published music since 2016. Working in close collaboration with teams across Havas Group, the label is in the process of forming its own identity as a talent scout.
Mikano is one of the artists who has left his mark on the label, and his new project AKWA II is representative of years of work on behalf of the artist and his collaborators. Hear more from Mikano in Dare!.
Can you talk about what inspires you to write your music?
Usually, it’s just feelings and experiences I go through on a daily basis, and the inspiring conversations I have with other people (good or bad). But most of the time, I don’t know what I really want to say or how I want to articulate it before I get to the studio. I like being spontaneous when it comes to that.
What has your journey been like as a musician thus far?
Lot of ups and downs, but every opportunity and challenge have resulted in my growth as an artist. Being a musician is a pretty unorthodox path – therefore it’s a tough task to find permanent stability. But overall, my journey has helped me know myself better, to be less hesitant with my choices, and shed light on my flaws – which I think is a really positive thing.
“I want you to feel free if you’re giving me your time.”
Congrats on launching your most recent EP! What was your process like for creating it?
Thanks a lot! I didn’t have a specific one. My only goal was to involve many of my close friends in the process (designers, photographers, producers etc) because, luckily for me, they’re all super creative. I basically just opened up more and allowed the ideas other people had to merge with mine. Also, I took my time with this project so I could step back and make sure I was producing the best work possible. It really helped the EP in terms of maturity.
How do visuals factor into your process?
Ideas for visuals are omnipresent in my daily life. I can go back and forth for hours with my friends fantasizing about them. It shapes the sound designs in my music but also my lyrical approach. I think my music has gotten way more subtle in time, thanks to my love for visuals.
What’s the ultimate goal of your music?
I want to reach the largest amount of people I possibly can all over the world through music, visuals, and live performances. I want to make people more confident and at peace with everything they do or plan. I want you to feel free if you’re giving me your time.
If you’d like to listen to Mikano’s music, you can find it here.
