Meet Mike Twice | Writer/Songwriter/Artist

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

Hi Mike, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Essentially as a creative, you think “Hey Ive got a vision that I want to see come into fruition. Very seldom will someone else come along and offer you the thing you see in your mind. So you have to build it yourself. Don’t get me wrong, if you get a chance to become a direct part of a much larger vision, you go with it. Like if they asked you to help build the pyramids, you don’t turn that down. But then you take that experience and you add to your vision. That is the thought process of starting your own business or brand.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I feel sets me apart from others are my influences. Also my determination. I have lots of really dope artists for friends, but a LOT of those friends have voiced their want to give up and move on. Thats something I simply could not do. This type of thinking has landed me in places that I would have never been if I gave up. One of the most incredible moments in my career was when I found out I won a Grammy. This would not be possible if I gave up. I had an opportunity to work with Kanye on his Christian rap album “Jesus Is King”. The story behind that is I went to school with Cyhi The Prynce and was sort of a rap mentor to him in those days. He held those experiences close to his heart and was the one who invited me out to Calabasas at the time. One thing I learned from my cousin B.J. was to never give up. I live my life by this philosophy. It was actually over and video game at around age 8 or 9 when he gave me this advice lol. All in all the way I got where I am artiscally and professionally was from not giving up and learning from the many artists I’ve worked with. It changed my ear for music and my tastes

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ll keep this one as short and sweet as possible.

On Sunday during we would go to Garden Room for brunch then Bonfire Atl that night.

Monday would be Our Bar on Edgewood for drinks and performances.

Tuesday night would be Elbow Room in Buckhead for some NY style pizza and green tea shots. Big shout out to the bartenders Mike and Melissa. Also our fav servers Karli and Melanie pronounced like (Muh- Lainy)

Wednesday we would go to MJQs for a none stop night of dance music.

Thursday we would visit the world famous Vortex on Peachtree Street. Even though the one in L5P has the skull entrance the one on Peactree was actually first and to me has more of the original vibe. But they HAVE to try one of the burgers. Also buy one of their dope shirts…(Im actually on the wall as a shirt model btw)

Friday we would go to the Southside and hit up VVS or the Cigar Bar on The Nat (Old National Highway)

Saturday would be a park day. Atlanta is surrounded by so many amazing parks from Roswell Mill, Cascade Nature Preserve, Stone Mountain Park, Arabia Mountain Park etc….but to keep it simple and traditional we would go to Piedmont Park and eat lunch at Willy’s.

A few people I would love for them to meet would be Chilly O who is big in the art scene and skate parks. Really positive guy. Also know for his hoodies and hats that are everywhere. Westwood P and long time friend that is plugged in everywhere. I call them the under social elite. From the Mayors office to the Benz stadium. Also Westwood is one of the brains that started Bonfire Atl.

If you had an extra day we would go to Studio Space Atlanta (studiospaceatl.com) for a tour. The premeire video studio in the city. They have some pretty cool sets from a fake kitched to a money…there is even a court room set up. It would dope for some memory making photos.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Friends and family has always played a huge role in my success. There where times where I was far away from home and I had no friends or family around, but I was able to count on phone calls. Some names off the top of my head include my Uncle JJ. Jackson Drumgoole Junior. He is sort of like a rock in my family. My cousin B.J. Throught out our entire lives we have pushed and encouraged each other to reach new heights. My Sister Helena, for so many reasons. To keep it simple tho, she taught me how to rap when I was very very young. Also my homies/brothers Pujo Williams, Tazzy P Jason (Trick), and JP. They were always in my corner in what felt like my darkest hours. Lok Akim for being my big brother and advisor. My brother from Chicago Pep for having my back when it felt noone else has and many more. They all know exactly who they are. I feel blessed to have the support system and team around me that I do!

Website: Www.miketwice.com

Instagram: @therealtwice

Twitter: @mike_twice

Image Credits
Westwood P.