Q&A with Singer, Songwriter, and Refreshing ‘Pop’timist Mikey Wax

Music is many things to many people. A single song can turn a gloomy day brighter, which is why we sometimes refer to positive, inspiring artists like Mikey Wax as ‘pop’-timists. Just try to listen to and/or play his latest hit, “You Lift Me Up,” without feeling… uplifted.

We had the opportunity to ask the pop and social media star a few questions about how he approaches songwriting, his live performance and professional tips and his run-in with a certain cheese-state MVP (we are headquartered in Wisconsin, after all). As you could venture to guess, Mikey was gracious enough to share his insights & experience. And so, without further delay, get to know the man who’s known for bringing smiles to fans’ faces near and far: Mikey Wax!

Musicnotes: We love how your songs impart instant positive energy. Do you have any tips for evoking a particular “feeling” in songwriting?

Mikey Wax: Thanks! I’d say it’s about letting your guard down and allowing your inner thoughts/feelings to translate. If the writer feels the sound is expressing what he or she feels inside, then that’s all that matters.

You’ve been known to play guitar and piano simultaneously. When it comes to songwriting, which instrument do you prefer to write with any why? Could you walk us through your creative process?

MW: Yep! Playing simultaneously is fun and usually something unique not many people have seen before. I started playing piano much earlier than guitar, so piano is my go-to instrument for writing and performing. However, because I’m not as accomplished on guitar, it actually allows me to experiment in a way that I can’t on piano because of how well I know the keys. Guitar gives me a certain freedom to invent chords and patterns I might not otherwise. I think writing on instruments you don’t know too well can open up creativity.

“You Lift Me Up” is your most recent single to be featured in TV spots and promos (and the sheet music is one of our current favorites). How do you decide what projects to license your work to?

MW: Thanks so much! Many times I’ll get notified via my manager or music supervisor friends about shows or promos that are looking for a certain type of song (high energy, positive message, etc). I think that opened up the door for “You Lift Me Up.” It’s always cool to hear the song being used in a show or commercial, and introducing my music to new fans.

You’ve now released 3 full albums and a number of EPs. (Ed. note: Check out sheet music for “Only One” and “Bottle of Jack” from Mikey’s latest self-titled album.) Would you be able to give us a little insight into how you construct an album? Do you go in with a theme in mind, or does the theme take shape once you start recording songs?

MW: I think it’s a combination of both, but the end product is usually not what you had intended at first. The theme sort of takes shape once the recording gets closer to finished, and you realize how it’s fully going to sound, and how lyrically and musically all the songs tie together.

You’ve toured with some similarly fantastic musicians over the years (Andy Grammer and Howie Day to name a couple). Is there anyone you’d hope to do a show with in the future?

MW: Hmm…I’d love to open for Ed Sheehan, Coldplay, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, to name a few!

Do you have any performance preparation or rituals you do before a live show? Likewise, are there any performance tricks or pointers you can share with aspiring singer-songwriters?

MW: I don’t have many rituals, I just try to stay as relaxed (but not too relaxed), stress free, and focused as possible. Some of my rituals which I guess fall under “performance tricks” are: I always do vocal warm ups to get connected, and usually some kind of small exercise to get the energy flowing.

What, would you say, is the most important bit of professional advice you’d pass along to fans who are aspiring professional musicians?

MW: A musician once compared becoming a musician to going on a diet. To lose weight you have to eat healthy and exercise. To be a professional musician you have to keep writing songs and playing shows. Hah. I don’t know any other way to become better and more professional than to keep working at it!

You’ve just wrapped up a headlining tour and your self-titled album continues to inspire veteran and new fans alike. What’s next?

MW: I just want to keep finding ways to introduce my music to new fans, keep writing, and keep touring. Onwards and upwards.

Finally, being that we are headquartered in Wisconsin, we have to ask about the (Green Bay Packers quarterback) Aaron Rodgers connection. He’s a big fan of yours, have you two met?

MW: Yes! Aaron stumbled upon my music a few years ago, and he’s been a loyal supporter since. We finally met in person last summer when he came to my show at Hotel Cafe in LA. Such a great guy!

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We’re so thankful to Mikey Wax for taking the time to answer our questions. Be sure to check out Mikey’s YouTube page and shop for uplifting Mikey Wax sheet music here.