We were lucky to catch up with Mike Lamitola recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Mike thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Yes, both myself and my work has certainly been misunderstood by some. And I’m certain that’s a very human thing to do, especially in the arts. We see or hear maybe one song, or a small piece of something someone created and that become what we sum them up as. I would say as recently as just a few months ago I was having a conversation with someone that was trying to make a point about where certain music is popular and has a thriving local scene and it came up that my most recent release “The River” was better suited for somewhere like Colorado because of it’s roots in nature. My only thought on that was that they didn’t actually listen to the song and likely just based that on the name since it goes much deeper into something all people have in common like wanting connection, needing healing in someway and working through childhood setbacks and traumas. I think the best insight to take from that is really just not to take anything personally, ever.

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 a Colorado based musician, a father, creative, and seeker of the good things in life. For the purpose of this interview and my creative works, music is what I put out into the world. I do have a lot of other creative interests that keep me grounded and they all contribute to the music I make. I’m not actually sure how I got into this industry to be honest other than I’ve always been in love with music and the journey of learning to play it and write it. Growing up you start playing, then make it with other people, get in a band and start playing out and it really just keeps going from there. There’s been some start and stops along the way as far as performing out live and most of that is just due to starting a family or working on some other focuses in writing but the music has always been there. At this point in my life, especially with being a father and just experiencing some big changes in life I’ve had a lot more to write about and things to go deeper with that have changed my music for the better. Playing out is something I am loving more and more and finding intimate spaces to have shows and share with other artists has been the most fulfilling. Over the last few years I’ve been playing more festivals and I always take my kids with me to those, It’s a fun way to connect and get them exposed to all different sorts of music and community.
The things that most excite me are staying on this musical path, the songs I haven’t written yet, the amazing people I know I get to keep meeting, places I get to go play and the opportunities that keep coming when I’m not expecting them. I’m always practicing just being curious and excited about those.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Go see live music in your town and surrounding communities! Host a living room concert, tell friends and family when you discover someone that peaks your interest. There’s so much music and art out there, especially in the communities I’m part of that you can find some amazing artists every week. There’s always been a focus on getting out to the big venues and I while I love those too, it’s also refreshing to go right to your nearest downtown and see what folks are creating. Those kinds of things and support add to thriving creative communities.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I do think we’re all creative in our own way. Maybe we just have to try things. Some things that scare us are usually a good indication it’s something we should try. Part of expressing creativity can be vulnerable, especially once you decide to put it out into the world in some way. That doesn’t always have to be the case either, finding a creative endeavor can be just for the person doing it. That’s usually how it starts!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mikelamitola.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikelamitola
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@MikeLamitola
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mike-lamitola/the-river?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2EDbWsoLUEhAcH8kkm0R4y?si=ZekhEpvtTvSJEJdd3efmwQ

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