We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mike Voss a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mike, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
My latest album “Ain’t Nobody’s Hero” is most meaningful to me. It’s not just because it’s my newest work, and I always like my newest work the most. But more so, writing and creating the album was therapeutic. It helped me to make it through a very dark period. From the more upbeat songs to the more dramatic ones, it was all what I needed to write. I’m also extremely proud of the sequencing, artwork, and just the way it came together since I had the idea for this album years ago.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started writing raps as a teenager, then began battle rapping to get my name out there since I couldn’t afford studio time. Over time I became more known and wound up on BET’s show “106 & Park” where I went on an undefeated 5 week run on their “Freestyle Friday” segment and was entered into the Hall of Fame. After that, I quit battle rapping to focus solely on music. I’ve released 4 full length albums and 5 EPs as well as many singles since 2016. I take great pride in my originality and work ethic as an artist, songwriter and live performer.
I also have worked on the side as a model (print and runway) for 5 years and have written for numerous websites.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I used to put a lot of stock in what other artists thought of my work because I thought listening to them was how I got better. Over time I realized how wrong I was. My music started improving and getting more recognition after I shut out others’ opinions and just listened to my own artistic instincts. Also, I aligned myself with collaborators, producers, engineers, etc. who I could tell understood my visions rather than those who would try to give unsolicited advice on what to do.
I’ve never looked back since and I’m thankful for it.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Watching people react positively to my songs in person, whether at a show, in a club, or just hearing my music for the first time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @whoismikevoss
- Facebook: facebook.com/whoismikevoss
- Twitter: @whoismikevoss
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whoismikevoss
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/47DYOKIwtjkCHOn9KSFGe2 https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mike-voss/1133265892 https://mikevoss.bandcamp.com
Image Credits
album art by Joshua Adair (graphic design by Michael Pipitone) black and white photo with shades by Kyle Ullsperger black and white photo on stage by Tim Hudson camouflage jacket photo and Pink Floyd shirt photo by Liam Rosay I do not know the other credits