We welcome LA based electronic artist Mako for an interview this week, and he has just seen his wonderful new record ‘Breathe’ land through Ultra Music. Read on to hear more about it.
Hey Mako, good to meet you! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself as an artist… what makes your sound unique?
I do my best to put authenticity and beauty first in everything I do, I suppose that might be the glue that helps keep everything ‘Mako.’ With it comes a little package of influences that I feel like aren’t often combined on a regular basis: film music, classical music, indie rock and electronic.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned since you started making music? What have been some of the challenges so far?
There are so many layers of adversity when it comes to making music as a career. I’ve found the most helpful guiding points for my own makeshift compass to be staying true to myself musically; write from the same place that got me into it in the first place. It’s so crucial to be able to teach yourself as well, to be able to shift gears out of all the creative ruts you tend to encounter. Knowing your own strengths and weaknesses 🙂
What has the journey been like since becoming a solo act?
It’s a very similar day-to-day life cycle for me. I always made the music for Mako on my own in a dark studio, so that hasn’t changed. The big difference is that I had such a wonderful friend and mentor in Logan – we’re still super tight but preparing a Mako show always meant I got to hang with Logan during the adventure. He’s doing such incredible things right now, I’m so proud of him.
Do you remember what first got you into wanting to create music? Was there a specific track or artist that inspired you?
John Powell – How To Train Your Dragon. ‘Nuff said 🙂
Which of your tracks mean the most to you and why?
I’ve got a couple of favourites, but I am really proud of how the ‘Our Story’ (Hourglass Finale) turned out. It says a lot about where I came from and is (so far) ageing pretty well, with regards to where I want to take the project in the future.
Your new single ‘Breathe’ is such a great track. How long did it take you to put together?
Thanks! That was an 8 month journey. Wish these things came easier!
How have the reactions been to it so far?
I always tell my close friends and family that its so easy to get caught up in the ‘numbers’ and the business of it, but truly the only important box to check for me is that I did our Mako family proud, that I’m able to bring them something that made them feel good. ‘Breathe’ seems like it’s checking that box, it’s been a really gratifying week so far.
If you could name three artists/acts who have influenced you the most throughout your career so far, who would they be?
John Powell, Swedish House Mafia, Radiohead.
You’re about to head on a tour of North America. What can people expect from your shows?
A really personal experience. Our Hourglass tour was the first time I ever stepped out of the DJ booth and sang to the audience – man, what an electrifying thing. I feel like it’s a special show from my vantage point, and I hope everybody in front of me felt the same.
Best part of 2017 for you as an artist?
The Hourglass tour, no question.
