Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Jean-Mikhael

Singer-songwriter and model Jean-Mikhael is an exciting new face in the industry. When he’s not gracing fashion spreads, he’s honing his craft as an artist. He recently released his new EP, The Deal, a five-song collection that perfectly shows off the many different layers of his artistry and musicality. Pop Culturalist caught up with Jean-Mikhael for an exclusive interview.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Jean-Mikhael: It was mainly through other people taking notice that I could sing. From a young age, I would be asked to sing at loads of events and parties. Eventually, I realized that I had a voice and began creating my own music, and not performing other people’s songs, but my own.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jean-Mikhael: I would say playing young MJ in Thriller Live probably had the biggest impact on me. I was able to experience and learn what a true star was, and I took that and put it into my own craft, which I’m now able to show in my music.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Jean-Mikhael: I would say the biggest lesson that I’ve learned is the importance of writing my own music. My mum really drilled that into me since I was young. When I was a kid, I took it as her nagging at me, but I appreciate it completely now. I’m performing my own songs from my life experiences and they’re personal to me.

PC: Tell us about your new EP, The Deal. What inspired it?
Jean-Mikhael: I think because it was my first EP, I wanted to give people a taste of my variety as an artist and give a real example of who I am. I recorded loads of tracks throughout the years and then cut it down to those five songs for the EP. It was just a great way to show people a glimpse into my world and hopefully, they can relate and be inspired, too.

PC: If you had to pick one song off the EP that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Jean-Mikhael: I would say, “Why You so Mad”. It not only shows my vocal range, but also the powerful part of who I am. I find it empowering and I want to empower the world and people around me.

PC: You’ve already had tons of success in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Jean-Mikhael: I would say signing my record deal and getting to number eight on the R&B charts when The Deal came out. Those were both great achievements.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Jean-Mikhael: 2019 is a very busy year! I have another single and music video coming out this summer, which I’m super excited about. I’m also working on the next EP for 2020 and will be announcing some live shows in the coming months as well as getting involved in fashion shows, as that is my other passion! There are a million other things that will come, so you’ll just have to stay tuned for those.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jean-Mikhael: Yungblud

PC: First album you bought?
Jean-Mikhael: Alicia Keys’ Songs in A Minor

PC: First concert you attended?
Jean-Mikhael: YolanDa Brown

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Jean-Mikhael: Wow, that’s difficult. I don’t think I can say there’s one album that changed my life; there have been so many inspirational artists and albums. Anyone that knows how to really perform and is a showman like MJ, Prince, James Brown, Beyoncé—they have changed my life and inspired my songwriting and performance.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform?
Jean-Mikhael: Wembley Stadium

PC: A must-have on the road?
Jean-Mikhael: Water is a must always. Now and then maybe a crisp if I’m allowed. [laughs]

To keep up with Jean-Mikhael, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up The Deal on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.