Introducing Queer Musician MYKL
MYKL is based in Portland, OR
MYKL is a Portland based queer college student who was born April 17th, 2001 in Bronx, NY. MYKL started getting into music at the early age of 12. Some of his big inspirations are Billie Eilish, Michael Jackson, Notorious B.I.G, and Ariana Grande.
MYKL states that he would often get a vision of someone on stage performing in front of thousands of people but couldn’t see that person’s face. But MYKL knew it was him. MYKL brings up the topics of equality, love, and mental health in his music. MYKL was diagnosed with MMD (Major Depressive Disorder), an Anxiety Disorder and mood swings in his early adolescence. MYKL doesn’t shy away from talking about his past suicidal attempts and he won’t do so in his music. He grew up in a pretty conservative household with strict beliefs against the queer community.
He was forced to suppress his feelings for a total of 4 years. “It was so painful,” he said. His experience with bullying also speaks to the struggles he faced while growing up. He would get bullied every day for how he looked, how he sounded, what he was wearing, etc. Kids would even spread rumors about his sexuality and it would get spread around the school. He would often get called the f word by other students and teachers and most staff members were not supportive. MYKL discovered his ability to write lyrics after writing a song for his dad about racism. He was grateful to receive coaching from his brother who produces music.
Throughout his time living in New York before moving to Portland, MYKL has gone through trials and errors to try and start his musical journey. He was often doubted by so many. Told he wasn’t good enough or his anxiety would just get in the way. Although MYKL only has one song out, it is without a doubt a promising start towards a mainstream career. His drive, his passion and dedication to music will serve him well in the coming years. His new single SEE YOU IN HELL is a personal reflection of his experience with homophobia and preaches against judgemental perspectives towards other people. “I can’t change this about myself and nobody is perfect. We are all sinners in our own way, so if I am going to hell for something out of my control, then I’ll see you there”. With low, gruff vocals, explicit lyrics and a hype dance pop beat, MYKL’s SEE YOU IN HELL is a song that every queer person who is or was experiencing similar circumstances like him, should listen to.
MYKL will continue to bring and sustain light on queer/black artists and their work. He has a simple yet uplifting message for everyone who chooses to follow him on his music journey, “there is only one person you are with 24/7, and that is yourself, so that is who matters the most''. Go stream SEE YOU IN HELL. Out everywhere!
