Standing out in a town like Los Angeles is a feat within itself. With a population of 9,862,049 being the sole person in the spotlight takes work. Miguel, Jive’s new R&B artist, has worked his behind off and is now getting his chance to shine.
His vocals are the type that makes hair stand and panties fall. But his music isn’t just good for baby making — the club or the car, he’s versatile enough for any setting. That’s actually the catch… He can’t be put into one box. While some would classify the half-black/half-Mexican singer in the genre of “R&B” others would call him “Alternative” or even “Pop.” So where do we put him?
We classify him as “Good.” And so do the many artists that he’s written for including: Usher, Musiq Soulchild and Mary J. Blige.
His first single “All I Want Is You” has been getting tons of hype with help from fellow newcomer, J. Cole. The complete album in due in the fall, but he took time for us (before his crazy summer schedule) to talk about his sound and focus.
Madame Noire: What are you up to right now?
Miguel: Right now we’re slowly kind of promoting. Trying to get out the single, “All I Want is You”. Trying to push it on the radio. Have a few dates for shows here and there. I’m pretty much preparing for the album coming.
MN: Do you both get to perform with J. Cole often?
When our paths do cross. And our schedule makes sense, then we do perform together. I’ll ask and he’ll just come through. And I’m trying to do something for his album. Hopefully I can return the favor.
MN: How did you two get together?
Miguel: J. Cole is on the record because Mark Pitts is the one that signed me at the label and he works with J. Cole. I went to Miami to record and he asked him if he’d want to rap and he laid his tracks down. It was exciting how it came about, because I definitely love his work. It’s a good look for fresh talent.
MN: So…who are you Sir? Who is Miguel?
I’m a good guy that likes trouble. And just happens to be stubborn enough to keep on pushing. It’s pretty much the story of anyone who has ambition. Thankfully I was [ambitious] and here I am. Born in raised here in L.A. Grew up in a town called San Pedro, it’s a small town outside of the city.
MN: What’s your ethnic background?
Miguel: My father is Mexican and my mother is black.
MN: So you speak Spanish?
Miguel: Sadly [Laugh], I don’t.
MN: Do you have siblings?
Miguel: Yes, I have a brother and we’re like 3 years and 8 months apart. He’s in his own right one of the most talented, musicians I know. He better, be better than me. That’s how I look at that. You know, through me encouraging him we’ve just started to work together a lot more now on some of my work. But the world is going to hear more of his style in my music as well. This guy he can sing, he can rap—he’s really an MC at heart. He produces, he’s really serious about his craft and always trying to hone what’s in his head. He’s amazing.
Miguel: What it was is that my dad had all these instruments around the house. He wasn’t a musician [professionally], but he had all these instruments. He could play the guitar and sing. He had a drum set at the house—I remember playing around with them. My father was a little more varied what his listened to. Classic rock, hip hop and funk. My mom was a little more classic in what she listened to, like old R&B. So I grew up in a fairly broad spectrum of music. My mom would always have us listening to the sounds and instruments in music. I never understood why she would do that—have us separate the sounds. ‘What is this sound?’ and ‘What is this instrument?’ We’d just be in the car listening to music and she’d ask these questions.
MN: When did you start pursuing a music career?
I started around the age of 13 and I’ve been chasing and working and building since then.
MN: We know you’re not about generalizations, but if you had to put your album in one box, what genre is it?
This is more of an urban pop album. I would say urban because stylistically… where I’m coming from as far as delivery it’s going to be more catered to an urban audience. But the subject matter and the delivery is very unique to me and specific to me. It doesn’t fall in line to what’s current at this point. It’ll be a good introduction to broadening people to new sounds and styles.
Luckily I’ve been given so much creative control over my project. A lot of the writing I was in my room putting words with sounds together and then bringing them to the studio. I’m not a producer yet, but I working to becoming more involved.
MN: How has the fame been? What’s changed in your personal life?
As of yet, I haven’t experienced fame. But…I do see how things are changing around me and about me. At this point I haven’t suffered in my personal relationships. I still have my anonymity to some extent. Although I am getting exposure here and there, we’re still building right? I’m still trying to get noticed and just sitting back and watching things change.
I’m not really out there. It’s my job to let them know who I am.
MN: When’s the album due?
October, September is what we’re shooting for. I’m just exciting and just writing. We have basically a pull of records and the majority are locked in. I think its maybe two or three songs that are up in the air. Our intent is to make a complete album, no one song should be out of place.
MN: How concerned are you about having a solid image you stick to?
You know what, I’m not concerned because I know that the way I’m building my brand it’s all about change and growth. I think that that being the focal point of my brand, another part of that being individuality and celebrating that I think the people that connect with my music and connect to me are going to naturally going to like my work. I’m not the kind of person that puts myself in a box. And I think that’s going to be very clear on this album. I’m just putting out there that they should enjoy me. I feel very strongly about my choice of style that I’m comfortable of arching over many different types of sounds. I’m not concerned but I’m paying close attention to it.
MN: Where do see yourself in ten years?
I see myself somewhere all along. [Laughs] No, just kidding. I see myself well established as an artist with a strong fan base. Music is my passion, but it’s a stepping-stone to stable to my family. So now, hopefully wherever music takes me—if its Broadway or writing screenplays or acting, I think I’m going to follow the arts. So, wherever the art takes me, that’s where I’m going.
