Mikky Ekko: Taking It To The Limit

Let’s hop right into this highly anticipated — just released — debut solo collection, Time — Conceptually, what does that title represent both to and for you?

I wrote the song, “TIME” with my good friend, Fraser T. Smith. As soon as it was written, I knew it was the album title. It’s also the simplest track on the album, production-wise. I really wanted a honest look at what, for me, was a pretty complex emotion and “Time” was the only song that really embodied the full spectrum of emotions I felt while making the album. Plus, it was the only song recorded entirely in Nashville, with my best friends.

Now the set’s lead single and its cinematic, not to mention dramatic, video clip is entitled “Smile” — Tell me about this particular track? How did it come to fruition?

I wrote it in Wales with Jim Eliot. It was absolutely freezing and there was no heat in his studio. We literally took turns standing by the fire warming up. We were really trying to write tunes that felt like ’90’s street anthems, but with a healthy dose of cynicism.  If I remember correctly, we wrote the whole song in about 45 minutes.

For Time, you teamed up with some of the best in the biz; Stargate, Clams Casino, Jeff Bhasker, Benny Blanco and Ryan Tedder — That being said, how did you manage to make all of these collabos happen?

All these guys are extremely strong producers. Most of it came by word of mouth, like a 6-degrees-of-Kevin-Bacon sort of thing.  I tend to treat everybody like family right from the start, though, so most of what I do really begins with a friendship. Musically, I think they just appreciate my perspective.

Time also comes courtesy of RCA Records — What particular string of events led up to this union?

I was meeting with several labels initially. When I sat down with RCA, they really understood what I was trying to accomplish as an artist. They allowed me time to get this album right, even when there was tremendous pressure to release early. There’s a big difference between an album being finished and an album being right. In this case, time was that difference.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for John Stephen Sudduth?

I’ve always loved music. As early as I can remember, Mom and Dad sang to my siblings and me. I don’t know if I can really even remember a day going by without music. One day I realized I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Growing up, I always romanticized the musician’s life and, eventually, those feelings turned into a full blown love affair.

Now you hail from Shreveport, Louisiana, correct? So coming up in the “Pelican State,” who all did/do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Really, I grew up in Mississippi. I was a “bayou baby,” but not much more than that. I’ve always listened to lots of different types of music, though. Mom loved classical. Dad loved classic rock and oldies. My little brother and I would basically listen to anything we could get our hands on outside of that.

In having said that, where did the moniker Mikky Ekko originally derive from?

It’s simple and pretty easy for anyone to say. That’s what I wanted.

The masses first became aware of you through your hit duet with Rihanna, 2013’s “Stay” — How did the two of you even link up for this collaborative effort?

It’s still a pretty big mystery to me, honestly. But, that’s how I like to keep it. Rihanna is really good at being herself and putting it all out there. Her fans love her for that; I’ve learned a lot from Rih.

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

I am where I am because I’m willing to lay it all on the line, all day, every day, not because I have something to prove to the music industry. Sonically, “TIME” is really diverse. I refuse to sugarcoat that, though, because I’m not going to treat people like idiots. We live in a time where people are cool with being challenged; they want the real over the fake. I know people who love this album will stick with me because I’m not holding anything back.

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

Maybe some attitude problems here and there, but I’m pretty good at justifying those.

What do you want people to get from your music?

Connection. If you feel this album, you know me. Music is all about a real connection and that’s so important in life.

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

Harry Nilsson or Marvin Gaye or Elliott Smith. They all took it to the limit.

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

The Basement, Nashville, Tennessee…Because everybody starts somewhere.

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

“Time.” I’m pretty extreme. I’m either full on, or really chill and that’s how my friends know me. “Time” is a different expression for me, though. It’s a different kind of yearning.

What are your future plans and/or goals for sustaining longevity in music?

Be myself.

Do you have any other outside/additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

For me, timing is everything. Right now, music is all I see.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway?

I’ve always been a big fan of Little Dragon, so when I found out they wanted to release my remix – first and only remix to date – of “Pretty Girls,” I was glowing pretty hard.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

Hanging with my people; full speed ahead.

As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Sir?

tourtourtourtourtourtoursleeptour…I’m pretty excited to tour this album, yeah.

– @mikkyekko