We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michauli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michauli thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve been creating music since I was in middle school. I always had a love for it, but didn’t take it serious until I went to college. I was always afraid to take myself serious as an artist due to me being a gay man from the South. Society has put so much pressure on us which can create fear within yourself to push yourself like a straight person would. I made a vow to myself, my junior year of undergrad, that I would never allow any one to undermine my art based off my sexuality. Honestly, my sexuality actually helps my art become more authentic and vulnerable.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am all things music. I sing, rap, produce, and also write my own songs. I think what separates me from other artist is that I write all of my music. No help whatsoever! So many artist write their own lyrics and the recognition doesn’t get exposed enough. I also went to school at Texas Southern University and got train in vocal music.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I put in a lot of work as an independent artist. When I say this, I speak for all independent artist. Releasing and promoting music without having a major label can be stressful, but it is so rewarding at the end knowing you did it by yourself. It is very imperative that we show love and support independent artist trying to break into the mainstream market.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

It has always been a dream of mine to have my album(s) chart on the Billboard 200. I support so many independent artist to have chart placements, because it shows the world that you don’t need a major label to be a successful artist. I wouldn’t care if I entered the charts at #200. It’s the principle that my creativity got me there.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: iammichauli
• Twitter: iammichauli
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_J1qEDDe-XiRMlraFhoHKQ

Image Credits
Shot by Darius Jeleel Williams