We'd like to introduce Mikie Henderson an upcoming singer/songwriter with a in Electrical and Electronic Engineering degree and a deep passion in country music.. Read his Quick Fire Five to find out more about Mikie.
1. What can you tell us about your upcoming single? MH: Now Is The Time is the most fun I've ever had writing a song. I knew I wanted to write an upbeat and happy song, and set out my writing session with that thought in mind. I wanted to make special effort not to write about a breakup, which is such a common theme, so I just got to thinking - why not write about the exact opposite situation. I was sat next to my piano (the piano didn't actually feature in the recording in the end), and it was a writing session where the song just comes to you without any effort or stress. With all that being said, Now is the Time is about a simple pleasure in an every day life that most can relate to - coming home at the end of the day and enjoying time with your loved one.
2. With a background in electrical, how did you stumble on country music? MH: I only ever really remember liking Country Music growing up. With early influences such as Buck Owens, George Jones and Merle Haggard, right through to my idol Brad Paisley - country music for a long time was all I listened to. As I got older, I started listening more to other types of music and appreciating more genres - but I always find my way back to a country song! (There's a lyric, I'm sure of it...). Anyway, the Electrical Engineering was a sort of path that my schooling brought me down and I always had so much pressure to have a "backup" option. Actually, over the past few months with the pandemic, I'm glad I have it. It's been a tough time for musicians and I don't envy those who have absolutely nothing else to turn to!
3. As a writer, does it get any easier revisiting crucial moments in life and singing about them live? MH: I think the reason for writing a particular song will always stay with you and have that special meaning, but in some ways each of your songs just become another tool to promote your brand and business as a music creator. So in some respect that desensitises the meaning - especially as an independent artist when you have to do everything yourself. But ultimately, songwriters have a story to tell, or an emotion to express, and we do that through our songwriting. So the true emotion or story will always be with me deep down, even though I'd probably say that yes, it does get easier to sing about.
4. With already 1 single out what can listers expect from you? MH: My listeners can expect to continue to hear a modern guitar-driven sound, deeply rooted in and inspired by traditional country music. In terms of themes - I'll always continue to write stories that people can relate to; about life, love and loss.
5. Finally, your Top 5 country records? MH: This is such a hard question - I think even harder than answering the top ever record!! Okay... In no particular order here are my top 5 country albums: 1. Brad Paisley - This is Country Music 2. Luke Combs - This One's for You 3. Buck Owens - Buckaroo 4. Eagles - One of These Nights 5. is coming into the list because I can't stop listening to it right now Kelsea Ballerini - kelsea