Exclusive Interview: The Mietus Touch Delves on His Creative Tastes, His Inspirations & His Latest Album “Transcendental Souvenirs”

It’s an honor to speak with you today. How did you get into music and for how long have you been producing for?

I’ve been playing music since the Casio keyboard I purchased with saved allowance money. So that gives you an idea of how long ago that was. I played trombone and euphonium in high school band and dabbled in a few moderately ok garage bands. After moving to Chicago I was in a number of rock bands for awhile, some of which got pretty popular and introduced me to a world that I previously never thought possible for myself in terms of where music could take me.

How do you mean?

Just in terms of the size of crowds I played for, the venues, the people I got to meet. The Metro is a pretty famous Chicago venue and I headlined a sold-out show there. I got to tour all over this country, other countries, got to see myself on TV, hear myself on the radio. Just all sorts of things that I never would’ve imagined for myself when I first started playing music.

What was the inspiration behind the album? 

I had a handful of songs that needed lyrics and had my eye on putting out an album. Around this same time I started spending a lot of time with someone who really invigorated and inspired me, who I really connected with. So that’s what I wrote about. Just as I thought the project was nearing completion that relationship ended and suddenly I was left with an album of songs about how much I cared for and enjoyed being with a person who was no longer in my life. I had to amend one song and write two more because it felt incomplete otherwise. So the album was delayed a few months because of that, but I suppose it worked out. It was a shame to lose that person but artistically it made for a more complete work. I think the heartbreak and healing songs are the best on the album.

What single off the album “Transcendental Souvenirs  do you anticipate taking off both on charts and with listeners/fans?

“Digits” seems to be the obvious single in the traditional sense, but I’m finding a lot of people are resonating most with “You Got Me” which may be my favorite as well. That song really came together in a flow state – I’d say 85% of what you hear on the album was written and recorded in one night.

Wow! Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

In terms of performing live I’m not sure if I can remember specific songs as much as shows. There are certainly a handful that were incredibly memorable and special. As far as recording goes I’m currently working on a follow-up record due early 2022 and there are songs I’m working on now for that I’m really excited about. I’m very proud of Transcendental Souvenirs but I’m taking everything I learned from making that record as a jumping off point. This next one really will be a big step forward.

Which title or hat are you most proud to wear outside of being an artist, and why?

I’d like to think I’m a kind and compassionate friend. Someone you can turn to and will be there when you need. You know that Carole King song, “You Got a Friend”? There’s a Donny Hathaway version that inspires me to be a great friend every time I hear it.

Is there anything else the world should know about you that is fantastic, cool, or left of center? Do you have any hidden abilities or interesting tidbits?

I’m also a portrait photographer and have been working on a colored light project for the past few years. You can see it at https://www.instagram.com/mietustouch

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