By Marlene Cordova
Mikol’s latest project, Paths, features lead single Paths, Westside, and No Distractions, telling the narrative of his adolescence, culture, and life challenges. Essentially the project displays his mentality and perspective towards life as an artist and how he came to be.
“I’m most inspired when I’m facing adversity. That’s where I draw all my music from,” Mikol said.
Being from South Gate, California has influenced a lot of his work. Mikol’s childhood experiences weren’t always ideal but shaped him to endure the long path of success.
“Growing up there, I faced a lot of challenges being the skin tone I was and my ethnicity. I was always labeled and stereotyped by certain things,” Mikol explained. “As a young kid, I didn’t know how to take it. A lot of my emotions and tones were driven by anger and bitterness. Now, I understand why people thought the way they did. I internalized what they were saying and flipped it into my music, to say my piece, and that’s where Oye Pana is at.”
Keeping that conversation alive through his music is imperative, but Mikol showcases his diverse techniques in the two singles after Paths. Westside, he lightens up the mood, with an upbeat tempo and energetic flow. No Distractions gives the listener a charming and confident tune. As Mikol would say, the purpose of these two is to, “give people some bars and vibes.”
Be sure to listen to Paths and keep up with Mikol as we anticipate what he’s working on next!