We recently connected with Michael Hughes and Mystina Sol from CultJam, and have shared our conversation below.
Michael and Mystina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Mike Hughes: I began learning from watching others. High school music program really made me up my game. We started performing and I understood what I had to do and the level of playing skill I needed. You never stop learning and pushing yourself to be better. My happiness comes from me personally having a great showing and the band creating magic.
Mystina Sol: I grew up watching my parents perform at house parties and practicing singing, playing the guitar every day. I loved the karaoke cassettes. Loved the whole technology with microphones. It sparked energy in me to want to hone my craft as a singer. As a songwriter I channeled my skills writing to the house tracks DJs would spin late night. WBLS, Hot97, Kiss FM, KTU had an abundance of tracks they played that I could write to on the fly. I was always into dancing, too. Movement and the body are so beautiful, and I’ve always been obsessed with how I can move better.
The only thing that hindered my process was me. It was easy to pick on me because I was always anxious and unsure of my steps. Getting older is great cause I care SO MUCH LESS and that helps my progression in learning more. As far as essential skills believe it or not is knowing how to edit footage. Saves us a lot of time and money, not to mention we can always be sure our vision is accurate!
Love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Mike Hughes: I grew up around lots of music in Brooklyn. At a young age I meet some older musicians who took me under their wing. I learned a lot about putting on a performance and the work it takes to be good. These musicians formed a band called Full Force and then later a production company. I would put together a band called CultJam and my mentors produce our first hit record in 1985 titled “I wonder if I Take You Home.” The group under the name of Lisa Lisa & CultJam with the production of Full Force went on to have 3 multi-platinum albums, multiple #1 songs and gold singles. After many TV appearances and world tours, I’m mostly proud that music was my career. My music paid my bills, gave me a good life.
Mystina Sol: I’m Mystina Sol, singer songwriter for CultJam.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Mike Hughes: Like everything in life things change. Families break up. In our case it ended in 1993. Alex, my musical partner and best friend and I reinvented CULTJAM in different ways trying to continue on the path but financially it didn’t work. Our bank accounts were running dry, so we had to pivot and work to live. Fitness was always a major part of my lifestyle. Because of that knowledge and further training I was able to make a living. That sidetrack took me in directions I couldn’t image. The continuation of dance and martial arts lead me to Brazil, which lead me to Brazilian music and DJing. Full circle brought me back to loving playing live percussion and my old friend Alex. CultJam was reinvented once again with new energy from lead vocalist Mystina Sol.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Mike Hughes: Royalty collection. These there are different agencies that collect your electronic Royalties, for streams and such. I wish I knew about that much sooner.
Mystina Sol: Publishing and marketing. I couldn’t have predicted trying to beat an algorithm on social media today but definitely those two.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.cultjammusic.com
- Instagram: @cultjamlove
- Facebook: Cultjam
Image Credits
credit: CultJam