Meet Mike E.P. | Musician/Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike E.P. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I’ve been in the music scene for over two decades now, and my podcast dives deep into the ever-evolving world of the music biz. I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with a diverse array of musicians and covering a wide array of music news. But let me tell you, there’s a seismic shift happening right under our noses thanks to the rise of AI.

Picture this: AI is swooping in, replacing swathes of talented musicians and creators. There are websites out there churning out full-blown songs at the click of a button, complete with slick album artwork to match. Step back and take it all in – the implications are huge. We’re looking at a future where countless artists will be left out in the cold.

From songwriters to studio musicians, even graphic artists – nobody’s safe from the AI takeover.

Think about it: why shell out big bucks for a temperamental composer or pricey studio producer when you can just punch in a few words and get a killer tune for free?

I recently blew the mind of a Grammy-winning composer on my show by showing her a website that whipped up a breathtaking avant-garde piano piece in seconds flat. Safe to say, she was gobsmacked.

And get this: Tyler Perry, slammed the brakes on a massive $800 billion studio expansion because of the latest AI wizardry hitting the market. Imagine the ripple effect – jobs lost, dreams dashed, all because of AI’s insatiable appetite for innovation.

Meanwhile, over in China, AI-crafted hits are dominating the charts. Here in the States, there’s even an AI rapper signed to a major label. The future is now, folks.

Even mainstream artist, alive or dead, are feeling the heat. Just ask Drake, who had to pull a track featuring Tupac due to copyright infringement from the Pac estate. With AI in the mix, anyone from Elvis to Eminem could pop up on your track without batting an eye. Thankfully, lawmakers are starting to take notice. Tennessee just passed a law to protect artists from AI impersonators, and Congress is mulling over the No AI FRAUD Act to safeguard voices and likenesses.

We’re barely scratching the surface of AI’s potential in the music world, and trust me, things are about to get wild.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Let me peel back the curtain a bit and give you a glimpse into my kaleidoscopic world, a world that’s a colorful reflection of my ADHD-driven personality. I’m not confined to any one genre; I’m out here writing everything from heart-wrenching Country tunes to electrifying Synth Wave beats. I’ll sprinkle a hint of reggae into an indie rock track just for kicks. It’s like being a musical mad scientist, pulling inspiration from every corner of the musical cosmos.

Now, here’s the kicker: I’m not just a one-trick pony. As a multi-instrumentalist, I’m the Swiss Army knife of the music world. I can play and record all the instruments myself, crafting sonic landscapes that are uniquely mine. Sure, I collaborate well with others, but I thrive in the solitude of my personal studio, where I can let my creativity run wild.

See, as someone with ADHD, I’ve got a restless spirit. I can’t just stick to making music all day long. So, I dabble in content creation and podcasting to keep things spicy. These side quests have turned me into a well-rounded artist who can hold court with an Emmy-winning musician, crack a joke, and still go viral on TikTok—all in a day’s work. Sounds crazy, right? But hey, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, I’ll be the first to admit, my journey hasn’t been all donuts and sprinkles, I spent years battling demons of addiction, pretending to be a musician while drowning in drugs and alcohol. It wasn’t until I got sober that my career truly took off. Sobriety became my secret weapon, propelling me to new heights of success.

To be clear, I’m not exactly sober anymore. After a long stint of clean living, I’ve found that a little marijuana and psilocybin can actually enhance my creative process. You may even find an episode or 2 where I am fried out of my skull navigating a conversation with a fellow creative. Now, before you raise an eyebrow, I’m not advocating for drug use. Far from it. It’s all about balance and moderation, both in music and in life, for me.

At the end of the day, I’ve built a universe around my brand, a sprawling tapestry of creativity known as the “We Speak English Good” universe. Like Marvel’s MCU or the twisted mind of Stephen King, it’s a world ripe for exploration and connection. Recently, I’ve even launched a music blog, adding yet another layer to this ever-expanding universe. Turns out, I’ve got a knack for writing too.

So, when you think of WSEG, think of it as more than just a music project. It’s a living, breathing embodiment of my talents and personality, a universe where anything is possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have toured and traveled a lot, so, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of kicking back and soaking up the comforts of home. Picture this: the vibe is laid-back, the company is top-notch, and the only thing on the agenda is pure relaxation. Sure, it might not sound like the most thrilling adventure, but trust me, there’s magic in these walls.

When friends swing by, you’ll find us right here, chilling at the crib or hitting the trails for a dose of nature’s finest. There’s something about basking in the sunshine and breathing in the fresh air that hits different, you know?

I’ve had my fair share of wild nights in bars and nightclubs, courtesy of my profession. But after a while, all that noise and chaos can wear you down. Sometimes, you just crave the peace and quiet of your own four walls.

I’ve got a knack for whipping up some seriously delicious grub. Yep, you heard that right—I’m a culinary maestro in my own kitchen. There’s nothing I love more than rustling up a feast and watching my friends dive into every bite. Call it a passion, call it a calling—I just call it good food and good company, the stuff that memories are made of.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Let me give a massive shout-out to my incredible wife, Reina Mystique. As an artist herself, she’s not just my partner in life but also the driving force behind turning my wildest ideas into something real. She’s my muse, my love, and the steady hand that helps me navigate through the creative chaos. Together, we not only jam and compose music but also collaborate on writing and producing for other artists. With her amazing talent as a singer-songwriter and boundless patience for my ADHD-fueled antics, she truly is a gem!

And then there’s my sister and dad, who’ve gifted me with an eclectic taste in music. After all, artists are the purveyors of taste, and their influence has sculpted the very essence of the artist I’ve become. Let’s not overlook my mom either, a true connoisseur of the arts and an unwavering supporter of my dreams. Their collective influence has woven a rich tapestry of inspiration that continues to shape my musical journey.

Website: https://wespeakenglishgood.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wespeakenglishgood/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wsegpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wespeakenglishgood/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFsCPVyc6w6iRe99yjJtsMw

Other: https://twitch.tv/wespeakenglishgood

Image Credits
Bishop Kymani