Droopsy Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Music: Lose yourself in Mika's devious cartoon-pop world By JONATHAN TAKIFF Philadelphia Daily News takiffj@phillynews.com 215-854-5960 Some turn to food or drink when they're bumming out. For me, a healthy dose of the British pop sensation Mika, playing Sunday at the Electric Factory, brings back the smiles. What does Mika (pronounced Me-kah) sound like? Imagine Freddie Mercury living in a "Yellow Submarine" world. Think of an androgynous cutie with an amazingly pliant voice and giddy tune sense, foisting musical visions so flamboyant and bright you gotta wear shades. On the surface, Mika's stuff seems cartoony. Yet it reeks of devilishness at the core. Kinda like what Mika's "strong, storytelling" role models - Mercury, Prince, Michael Jackson, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and the Rat Pack among them - have laid on the world. Born 25 years ago as Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr. in war-torn Beirut to a Lebanese mom and an American dad, Mika was raised (with ongoing calamities) in Paris and then London. String-bean thin and eccentric, the kid was so bullied in his British school he lost the ability to read and even speak and had to be home-schooled. Music became his salvation. From age 12, he started singing in opera productions. That landed him a spot at the Royal College of Music. An advertising jingle for Orbit chewing gum became his first compositional claim to fame. The world started paying attention two years ago with Mika's aptly named album "Life in Cartoon Motion," and especially the British chart-topping operatic spoof "Grace Kelly." Connecting himself to the demurely typecast actress/princess with the secret wild side, the song was Mika's plea to his record label to let him be who he really was. Also grabbing attention on his debut was the not so "Happy Ending," a bittersweet ballad now performed by many a collegiate a cappella group, the Offenbach-ish romp "Love Today" and the winking "Billy Brown," a music-hall novelty about a married man's secret homosexual passions. On his new and equally vital sequel, "The Boy Who Knew Too Much," Mika continues with the celebrations of (largely teenage) awakening. Personal faves include the anthemic bust out "We Are Golden" (check out the video at http://www.mikasounds.com, fancifully illustrated by Mika's sis Jasmine, aka DaWack); the frisky, flamenco pop lesson to not "Blame It On the Girls," and the haunting wake-up call "By the Time," a collaboration with Imogen Heep also likely to be embraced by singing ensembles. Digging really deep are his Beatles-bright, analyst's couch shout-out "Dr. John" and the twisted tale of "Toy Boy." While the latter lulls with its Disney-ish arrangement, the plot line challenges perceptions of what's really cruel and perverted in this world. No surprise, Mika proved equally thoughtful in our recent chat. Q: What's your take on pop as a form of therapy? And how do you feel about pop as a devious force to get messages across? A: Music should give you a feeling of hope, beyond the parameters of do you have money, or how well do you do at something in comparison with other people. That's the power of melody, to lift you up. The most powerful thing about pop is you can hoodwink people into thinking and talking about things they wouldn't want to talk about. Deviousness gives it depth, purpose, whether it's ABBA or the Beatles. Harry Nilsson was maybe the ultimate master, giving joy to the most bleak situation. Depeche Mode and Bronski Beat did the same. They give you the sense, "I don't know what's happening, there's no way to control it, but I can still dance and cry and feel free." In my work I try and take this attitude of emotional collage, to shake people up and take them to a whole new place. Q: How central is opera to your music? A: I come from opera in so many ways. My first job at age 12 was singing in Strauss' "Woman Without a Shade." I also did a lot of contemporary works. I couldn't read music, but I was good at memorization. That got me into the Royal College of Music, where I studied till I was 20, 21. My natural voice goes up to a high baritone, then I have this full voice falsetto, which I use a lot. I'm a simple piano player, so I found other ways to tell a story - with my voice. Opera has so many ways of singing, from whispering to screaming. I wasn't clever enough to study composition. I wanted to write movie music but they wouldn't let me do the course because I'm dyslexic. But here, too, my ear for melody, my skill at memory, pulls me through. Q: How much are you involved with the cartoon visuals for your album artwork and music videos? A: Conceptually, it's a 50-50 collaboration with my sister, though now she does most of the painting and drawing. In my mind, the visuals should work in the same way as pop. I look at comic books as having a similar style of illustration. Both rely on bold, black outlines and a direct, populist style that can't be spelled out, that's immediate but implied. Q: How did you avoid the jinx of the "sophomore" album? A: I had to promise myself I'd always take risks, never prioritize commercial desires, of which I have many. The reason so many second albums are bad - they're not bad albums, they were effectively made, but they're just boring. By taking chances, I risk commercial failure. But if you look at it from the perspective of a 20-year career, which I hope to have, the second album forms part of the arc. It doesn't stop there. Q: While your albums layer in vocal ensembles and orchestral flourishes, I'm guessing that's not part of your stage show, right? A: Live, we're just six people but still creating a world of our own. Would I love to have a string section and chorus on stage? Sure. In fact, I'm doing this [bBC] Radio 2 concert in November with the King's Singers that we're also going to record, that was partly inspired by all the a cappella groups now doing my material. At the heart, the live performance thing should exist with just me and a piano. If you can't get everything across with that, it's not working. But our show is a hybrid between concert and theater. It's got its share of surprises, twists and turns, with a bit of puppetry, some pyro moments. I have no shame. I believe you should go to a show and feel immersed in my world, in this feeling of hyper-reality. http://www.philly.com/dailynews/features/20091016_Music__Lose_yourself_in_Mika_s_devious_cartoon-pop_world.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babspanky Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 (edited) the kid was so bullied in his British school [/b]he lost the ability to read and even speak and had to be home-schooled. Music became his salvation. From age 12, he started singing in opera productions. That landed him a spot at the Royal College of Music. An advertising jingle for Orbit chewing gum became his first compositional claim to fame. As much as I love Mika, God how sick I am of reading all of this hard luck story. And, see bolded part, I would like to point out it was actually a French school in Britain. Otherwise a few interesting nuggets in there, t4p. Edited October 16, 2009 by babspanky Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 T4P Droopsy - it's cleared up why the King Singers are now appearing with him at Little Noise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnaMariaPetra Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Thanks for posting Droopsy! As much as I love Mika, God how sick I am of reading all of this hard luck story.And, see bolded part, I would like to point out it was actually a French school in Britain. Otherwise a few interesting nuggets in there, t4p. I understand that Babs, but Mika isn't known in the States as good as in Europe or the MFC. I think it's good for new listeners to get to know Mika better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babspanky Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Thanks for posting Droopsy! I understand that Babs, but Mika isn't known in the States as good as in Europe or the MFC. I think it's good for new listeners to get to know Mika better. Oh I understand that AMP, but I have wondered for some time how accurate the details actually are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naectegale Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 "In fact, I'm doing this [bBC] Radio 2 concert in November with the King's Singers that we're also going to record, that was partly inspired by all the a cappella groups now doing my material." Does he mean the little noise gig? I think he does ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FOUCHONNERET Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 thanks droopsy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnaMariaPetra Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Oh I understand that AMP, but I have wondered for some time how accurate the details actually are. You're right, they (the press) should check out MFC's FAQ's first... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzy Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Sounds like it was written by a fan girl, hahaha. "Androgynous cutie", I like that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Droopsy Posted October 16, 2009 Author Share Posted October 16, 2009 T4P Droopsy - it's cleared up why the King Singers are now appearing with him at Little Noise "In fact, I'm doing this [bBC] Radio 2 concert in November with the King's Singers that we're also going to record, that was partly inspired by all the a cappella groups now doing my material." Does he mean the little noise gig? I think he does ! Okay, was wondering which of the two gigs they meant So but... if the king's singers are going to be at noise, who's he doing a duet with at the charity thing then?? Omg *please let it be muse* *please let it be muse* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babspanky Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 You're right, they (the press) should check out MFC's FAQ's first... I don't even mean that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Droopsy Posted October 16, 2009 Author Share Posted October 16, 2009 Sounds like it was written by a fan girl, hahaha. "Androgynous cutie", I like that. Fan boy in this case Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Droopsy Posted October 16, 2009 Author Share Posted October 16, 2009 I don't even mean that. Are you implying Mika didn't have hard luck when growing up? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CazGirl Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 T4P! And it's Yasmine, silly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marilyn Mastin Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 (edited) I love this interview! I love that we're finding out about Mika's music being sung acapella! This is the proof of a good strong tune and harmonies, when it can be sung without intruments. I love how they mention HE and BTT as those kinds of melodious tunes! This is why Mika SHOULD, and WILL be taken seriously one day! I'd love it if, when he sings withe the Kings Singers, it would be televised. It would blow everyone watching clean away! If he's recording it, maybe it'll be on a DVD *prays to god* I think maybe he should do some acapella in his own concerts! It would be great! Edited October 16, 2009 by Marilyn Mastin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzy Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Fan boy in this case Ahh, I did wonder if it was a man but was too lazy to scroll up to check. Either way, I bet during the interview they were all Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CazGirl Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 I love this interview! I love that we're finding out about Mika's music being sung acapella! This is the proof of a good strong tune and harmonies, when it can be sung without intruments. I love how they mention HE and BTT as those kinds of melodious tunes! This is why Mika SHOULD, and WILL be taken seriously one day!I'd love it if, when he sings withe the Kings Singers, it would be televised. It would blow everyone watching clean away! I think maybe he should do some acapella in his own concerts! It would be great! I hope it is televised! But I'm not sure... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gatagordinha Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Aside from the frankly yawn inducing references to Freddie Mercury and the bullying (I'm with you on that one Babs ), that was an interesting read. I am glad to see Mika is thinking long-term about his career and realises that he is still very much on the upward curve. Also, I was glad to see him mention Depeche Mode; I don't recall him specifically referencing them before, but I have always considered them to be great exponents of the happy/sad musical thing Mika associates so strongly with. Thanks for posting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mari62 Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 T4P Droopsy!! interesting interview!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natmika Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Droopsy, do you live inside Google?:shocked:Thanks! It's the first time I read that he wanted to study composition to write for movies. I see Mika's records as soundtracks, and I really see him moving into that direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee-Ann Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Sounds like it was written by a fan girl, hahaha. "Androgynous cutie", I like that. By JONATHAN TAKIFF I love such positive written articles. The most ones we have here bristle with mistakes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Droopsy Posted October 16, 2009 Author Share Posted October 16, 2009 Droopsy, do you live inside Google?:shocked:Thanks! It's the first time I read that he wanted to study composition to write for movies. I see Mika's records as soundtracks, and I really see him moving into that direction. I might, didn't you know? I'm a robot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dark Angel Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Interresting. thx for posting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kodes100 Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 Than you for posting Droopsy! I still love these articles as once they finish with the general history of Mika we get these little tidbits that I didn't know. Unlike some here I never get tired of it. Love it!!:thumb_yello: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louiza Posted October 17, 2009 Share Posted October 17, 2009 [ Q: How did you avoid the jinx of the "sophomore" album? A: I had to promise myself I'd always take risks, never prioritize commercial desires, of which I have many. The reason so many second albums are bad - they're not bad albums, they were effectively made, but they're just boring. By taking chances, I risk commercial failure. But if you look at it from the perspective of a 20-year career, which I hope to have, the second album forms part of the arc. It doesn't stop there. I think that answers the sun article that said that Mika wants to quit music soon! t4p droopsy! it was an interesting interview! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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