Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mad Mike. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Mad, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Mad Mike, co-founder of Dual Diagnosis, has been immersed in music since the early 2000s. Growing up in the 1990s, he and his brother, Paulie Walnutz, were deeply influenced by the rap and rock fusion of that era. This exposure ignited their passion for music, leading them to create music together. Their unique blend of hardcore rap and rock has become a defining feature of their sound.

Mad Mike’s musical journey highlights his dedication to addressing mental health through his art. He emphasizes his commitment to connecting with listeners who are still struggling, using raw, unfiltered hip-hop to speak to the soul.

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?

Mad Mike is an up-and-coming artist in the underground hip-hop scene. He is best known as one half of the duo Dual Diagnosis. His unique blend of hardcore rap and rock has garnered attention for its raw intensity and introspective themes.

Dual Diagnosis’s music delves deep into mental health struggles and personal resilience. Mad Mike’s first solo EP “Nature of the Beast,” released in June 2024, exemplifies this approach, offering a visceral journey through turbulent emotions and experiences. The EP features tracks like “Harsh” and “Patient On The Run,” which explore psychological strife and the quest for self-awareness.

Beyond music, Mad Mike is the CEO of Lost Soul Productions LLC, an independent label based in New Jersey. The company not only produces music, but also ventures into film and other creative projects, allowing Mad Mike to fully realize his artistic vision.

Through his music, Mad Mike aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health, fostering open conversations and encouraging others to seek help and support. By providing a visceral journey and sharing his personal narratives, he inspires listeners to confront their own turbulent emotions and experiences associated with mental health struggles. This ultimately promotes universal healing and understanding.

Through Dual Diagnosis and Lost Soul Productions, Mad Mike continues to push boundaries in the underground music scene, offering a platform for artists to express themselves and connect with audiences on a deeper level.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Working and collaborating with independent recording artists in the underground horror-core genre cements Mad Mike’s dedication to addressing mental health through music that conveys authenticity, freedom of expression, and a remedy to listeners.

The process of writing lyrics, recording in the studio, and being involved in the final stages of music production shows his unwavering commitment and ability to connect with listeners on a personal level. He expresses his artistic vision without constraint, and instead, is motivated to embrace camaraderie and the power of community within the music industry.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Dual Diagnosis crafts music that resonates beyond the creative community, offering themes and emotions that non-creatives can deeply relate to. For example, non-creatives can resonate with:

Universal Themes:

Mad Mike’s music delves into universal human experiences. Dual Diagnosis creates an avenue for individuals to confront their own emotions and experiences, opening a dialogue to discuss mental health and personal struggles.

Emotional Resonance:

The raw intensity and authenticity of his lyrics provide a visceral experience that evoke empathy and understanding. His music explores loss, grief, resilience, and the power of not giving up.

Cultural Reflection:

Dual Diagnosis’s music serves as a mirror to societal issues, reflecting the challenges and triumphs of those living with dual diagnoses. This reflection can lead to a greater understanding of the complexities of mental health and the human condition.

Therapeutic Impact:

Engaging with their music can be therapeutic, offering listeners a means to process their own experiences and emotions. The cathartic nature of Mad Mike’s songs provide comfort and a sense of solidarity to those facing similar challenges.

By exploring these themes, Dual Diagnosis bridges the gap between the creative and non-creative communities, communicating a shared and collective understanding through the power of music.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lostsoulproductionsllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dualdiagnosis_/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dualdiagnosis_
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ualiagnosis
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Sk35018yh24zRzANRmHIA