Mikel Knight: Cowboy Way

You recently dropped your new single/video for “Last Night in Texas” — Tell me about this track? How did it come about?

Ironically, “Last Night in Texas” is just the beginning of the story that’s about to unfold; even though the song implies an ending to something. It was fun making this record because it’s a salute to my true style as an artist and the entire 1203 Entertainment format. The song tells the story about having to move on and face hard times head on; and sometimes that means putting aside everything you know
and love to get a job done. Like everything I write about, it came from life experience.

Now in a rather unorthodox business move, you have opted to take the reigns yourself and act as an executive for your own music, promoting and marketing it through your Maverick Dirt Road Street Team — What prompted this decision?

Just seeing other peoples’ situations and understanding how this industry moves made me look at my bigger picture. I realized early in this game that no one was gonna take my music, my vision and my business, as seriously as me; so if I’m gonna grind 100%, then me and my team need to recoup 100% and not some label sitting back watching us work.

So far this has been going amazingly well for you, so for those who have never heard of such a thing, please spread some light on how this actually works?

It’s actually simple. You get in there and make your music…Music that’s important to you and speaks to people in a real way. Then, you work hard to get it in front of people; getting up before the sun and hitting the road, and talking to everybody. Eventually, people are gonna hear you.

Reflecting, how did you first discover your musical talent?

I think music and the feeling you get when you hear a sound or voice that speaks to you, hit me when I was really young. I started writing songs when I was 11, but I had love for good music way before then; it’s just always been part of my make-up…In my DNA. I used to listen to my mom’s records from all types of artists and it stuck to me.

Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why?

I grew up listening to everything; all types of artists…Like I said, but people who inspired me were Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Lynyrd Skynyrd…Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, Lionel Richie…People from every musical genre and background because they were the ones who didn’t need studios and extra stuff to be great; they just had a voice, an instrument and a story to tell, that changed peoples’ lives.

What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?

Urban Country…A backstage pass to the real cowboy life; the best of two different worlds is what I bring to the industry. My genre of music bridges gaps and creates a causeway for people who may be culturally different, but at the end of the day they have the same love for life, family, good music…All trying to reach one destination. I bring a work ethic that translates through my music, and that is
inspiring people — young dudes and old heads — all colors and backgrounds.

That said, how then would you define and/or describe the style of music that you created and perform?

It’s Urban Country [Fusion]…It’s that good Country music, laced with the energy, lyricism, grit and head nod factor, that only Hip-Hop can bring.

Where does your moniker/nickname, the ‘Maverick of Music Row,’ originally derive from?

A “maverick” is someone who is a rebel, goes against the grain and doesn’t conform to what the world thinks they should be, how they should act or what they should look like. Music Row is the music hip strip of Nashville; it’s where it ALL goes down. So I was dubbed the ‘Maverick of Music Row,’ because I am that person…I can’t be contained or forced inside a box…And I’m here to make my mark on Music Row.

Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?

Problems? …That’s a subjective term. What some may view as problems might be considered bumps in the road or just temporary challenges. Sure, nothing you do worthwhile in life is going to be “problem free”; I’m used to hard times, obstacles, things not panning out the exact way I planned, but I chose to turn those situations into opportunities. It’s all about your mindset…And my mind and my team’s will is strong. And, I have discovered that the harder I work, the better luck I have.

What do you want people to get from your music?

Happiness, a good time, inspiration and hope. I want people to have fun when they hear my songs, but also feel like they can get out here and do something for themselves that matters; something that they can be proud of.

When can we, the masses, expect some new music from you?

We’ve got new stuff dropping this month. Check for us on radio and online at: www.mikelknight.com.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

The Maverick Dirt Road Street Team; building up a band of cowboys that are fearless and go hard every single day for the team. And also, just being here, at this place in my life where I’m fortunate to be doing a job I love.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Willie Nelson. He’s a living legend, a musical icon and one of the best storytellers in music. He is history in this present time and I’d be honored to collab with him.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Probably AT&T Stadium where the Dallas Cowboys play. I don’t think an explanation is needed *Chuckles*

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

“Cowboy Way” …I’m a cowboy and the song speaks to that life and mentality.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

I think we covered a lot.

Any “parting” message(s) for our readers?

Yep…Keep your heads up and keep pushing. And, go cop that Mikel Knight album, Urban Cowboy: Where the City Meets the Country, and check us out during the tour in your city!

@CountryRapKing

By: Todd Davis