Mike Harris is pretty new to the music scene, but his latest single Moscato has definitely grabbed people's attention. In the song he describes a tumultuous relationship fueled by alcohol and tarnished hope. We were able to catch up with him where he describes his ambition and drive, future projects and more.
Boston Culture: Where did you grow up?
Mike Harris: Grew up my whole life in Pembroke Massachusetts. It was awesome living in the suburbs I hate the congestion of the cities. I’ve always been more of a small town person myself. Growing up was definitely fun me and my boys made sure of it there was still plenty of fun to be had.
Boston Culture: Talk to us about "Moscato". How did you get the idea?
Mike Harris: My single Moscato is about a past relationship that I let a mix of alcohol and bad thinking ruin. It wasn’t meant to be but I held onto it for so long with the idea that drinking on it and waiting would eventually make it better. I used to have a very bad drinking problem, which lead to the ultimate demise of the relationship. The songs mainly a diss towards myself in the fact that I felt very conflicted with the idea of wanting to be sober but battling a drinking addiction.There are visuals in the work in due time, timing is everything and I’m waiting for just a little more heat behind it.
Boston Culture: Was there ever a studio session when you thought. "Yo this is crazy" ?
Mike Harris: I’ve only had one professional studio session with one of my homies Cside the Miracle. It was unreal I was instantly hooked I’ve turned my room into a makeshift studio and begun working with local producers to continue keeping that vibe and grind.
Boston Culture : What made you want to create your first song and how old were you?
Mike Harris: I mainly just reflect on my younger self and analyze things I either like or don’t like and how I could’ve changed things. I try and be lyrical and not swear as much as possible because I want my music to appeal to anyone, and everyone. I was about 15 when I first released a rap and my family loved it but that was about as far as it went. I guess you could say I went into “retirement” and just continued writing in the shadows with no publishing of any sorts. Randomly it clicked with me when I saw the music video for “The Bigger Picture” I had seen how effective and resonating a visual and piece of music can be. That’s when I decided to actually try and do something with music this time around. I’m hoping that some kid in a tough relationship will hear my song and have it resonate with him or her, and feel better about it. When I listen to it I feel at ease with my past one hundred percent and I’m just hoping that it can do the same somewhere. I don’t want to blow up I just want to resonate with an audience.
Boston Culture : What was the best advice you got early in your career?
Mike Harris: Best advice I ever got was to never stop writing. My boy always told me no matter what believe in yourself and never stop writing.
Boston Culture : What do you dislike about the art world/music industry?
Mike Harris: I feel like if you don’t already have money nobody’s gonna wanna hear it. I try not to rap about designer things and fast Cars because I drive an Avalon and shop at TJ max. I don’t really flex too hard I’m a watch guy so I’m hoping to one day get a Rolex into the collection, but for the most part I try and keep it to more emotional raps and things that people of any walk of life could struggle with or come face to face with.
Boston Culture : Did the pandemic affect any plans you had?
Mike Harris: The pandemic definitely put a delay on my progress but it also inspired me to write more, as opposed to spending time elsewhere. There’s a silver lining to everything.
Boston Culture : Who are your biggest influences?
Mike Harris: Biggest influences would definitely be Joey Bada$$ when I was younger, Unorthodox was the first song to give me chills, that’s facts. As I began writing more I vibed with Yung Pinch and Lil Peep, any rapper that didn’t necessarily rap about being in a tough city with guns and drugs because that really isn’t me. I resonate more with emotional pieces and relationship struggles because I wear my heart on my sleeve and it attracts a lot of problems for me to say the least.
Boston Culture : What do you think of the music scene in the city?
Mike Harris: I really am still too new to the music scene, I’d love to get to know more producers in the area and work with anyone whose willing to try and make a hit.
Boston Culture : Tell us about your goals for the rest of the year and 2021.
Mike Harris: My main goal for 2021 is to have at least one polished studio album to my name. I think with the right timing and a well placed album I could maybe take this music stuff somewhere. I have a passion for writing and entertaining and I really have always dreamt of doing it on a global scale.
Boston Culture : What inspires you to wake up everyday and stay hungry?
Mike Harris: Staying sober from drinking is my biggest motivation. Also I have a wonderful family and girlfriend, at the moment complete with a brand new puppy so I wake up inspired everyday to provide a happy environment for everyone who loves me.
Boston Culture : How do you seek out opportunities?
Mike Harris: Lately I’ve just been using Instagram and personal networking to get the word and sound out there. I linked with Cside through a mutual friend and ever since then I’ve just been stirring up a buzz with anyone I know who makes music. I got some heat in the works I promise you.
Boston Culture : When was the last time you were in the studio?
Mike Harris: I was in the studio recently working on a couple new tracks for the album, I think people will like the ones up next they are a total vibe switch a little switch up from the sad boi music that I usually reside in.
Boston Culture : Who's your favorite producer and artist?
Mike Harris: My favorite artist probably has to be Yung Pinch, I consider him to be my role model he just releases so consistently and is relatable to me because I’ve worked by the beach for over half a decade. I consider myself the Beach Boy From the East Boy. Favorite local artist has to be KingSam I like his sound and think he’s got big things coming.
Boston Culture : What brands should sponsor your?
Mike Harris: Dr Pepper should sponsor me I drink a can every night and am insanely marketable. It’s my biggest guilty pleasure since quitting drinking.
Boston Culture :Anything else we missed you want to tell your fans?
Mike Harris: I want to tell all my fans I love them for listening and hope that I can take this music somewhere to the point where I can give back. I want my first cousins little car to be something right so she can feel special. Other than that just stay happy and keep a positive attitude and good things will come.
Follow Mike on Spotify!
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