Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Apollo Mighty

Apollo Mighty is a rising R&B/soul singer-songwriter who should be on everybody’s radar. The gifted storyteller is taking the lesson he’s learned in life and channeling it into his music, connecting with listeners around the world. Pop Culturalist caught up with Apollo to chat about his career, his new EP Behavior, and his work as an advocate.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Apollo: I realized that music got stuck in my head and would evoke strong emotions from a very early age. Music just hit different from the jump. Like even now, I remember old TV commercial jingles from when I was four years old. I even remember the first time I heard “Hey Jude” on a commercial. [laughs] Then, once I discovered different genres like gospel and pop, I knew there was something divine about my relationship with music.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Apollo: I’ve continued to follow that voice in my spirit, and it leads me with music and community. Honestly, the journey seeking out balance and understanding has been biggest influence. Fostering a better relationship with myself over time has been paramount.

PC: You recently released your new EP, Behavior. What inspired the collection?
Apollo: I was working on the songs before the world shut down. They were inspired by a relationship that I was starting as well as some introspection I was experiencing at the time around my faith and my own behavior, hence the name.

PC: If you had to choose one song off of Behavior that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Apollo: I’d say “Heaven.” It’s not my favorite from the project, although it has a dope feature, but it really encompasses how I feel about life and myself in a lot of ways. The point of the song is that the strive for perfection is futile. The best we can do is be sincere in our intentions and try; that’s as close we can get. The idea of heaven isn’t very realistic to me anymore. We have life and perspective—use them both wisely.

PC: You’ve used your platform to spread positivity and bring awareness to movements and causes that you’re passionate about. How did you discover your voice as an advocate?
Apollo: Well, I’m Black, and I’m targeted automatically for that alone. I didn’t want to be an advocate, but I also don’t have the luxury of turning a blind eye to what is blatantly a war against my skin. I use my platform because I have to. My story encompasses the that Black experience in America and it’s a difficult one at times. I don’t do anyone any good by ignoring or suppressing that part of myself. Around twenty-three I began to accept that, and my life hasn’t been the same since.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the rest of the year hold for you?
Apollo: I have no idea. I’m just living day to day trying to keep perspective and hope at the same time. Whatever it brings, I plan to be fully immersed in it.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Apollo: I love Paramore.

PC: First album you bought?
Apollo: Lil’ Bow Wow’s Doggy Bag…I think, but it could have been Baha Men as well.

PC: First concert you attended?
Apollo: It was something gospel, I’m sure—like Mr. Dell or some sh-t—but my first “secular” concert was Lil Boosie. I knew one song.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Apollo: This is hard. I can’t do just one, I’m sorry. Here we go: Never Say Never, Blueprint 2, Whatever Trey Songz’s first album was, Nellyville, and Superhero by Brian McKnight. I know all those albums by heart—every song. Oh fu-k and I Need You Now by Smokie Norful and College Dropout. They just inspired me and imprinted on me from listen one.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Apollo: The Apollo Theatre, duh. [laughs]

PC: A must-have on the road?
Apollo: Life Saver Gummies Chile. Gotta have them, I don’t care.

To keep up with Apollo, follow him on Instagram, Tidal, and Spotify. Pick up or stream Behavior today.