You’ve collaborated with an incredible lineup of legendary MCs on your upcoming record. How did these collaborations come together, and what was the creative process like?
I have to thank the producers I’ve been working with since around 2020. Wyshmaster, Anno Domini, Legion, and Temper made these “colabos” possible for me and other indie rapper types. And of course, I thank the rappers involved for lending their voices for the purpose of helping myself and others gain some attention. Unfortunately, I have never met any of these guys, but the chance to show that I can hang with them on a track is monumental and just plain fun at the same time. It’s my dream mixtape.
With so many different personas—Mile High Mike Colin, Milky Way Mike Colin, Zhitkur Roswell—how do you decide which alias to use for a specific project?
Ever since the get-go, I was Eclecticore. I grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s listening to the rock I loved and still love: The Beatles, The Stones, Jimi, Bowie, Iggy, Lou, Prince. I also loved Hip Hop—Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy. I even loved solo classical for some reason. I used to put it all under one label, “Phantasmorgasm,” which was my band in the ‘90s, but as time went on, I splintered.
Mike Colin is a rock singer/songwriter.
Mile High Mike Colin is a rapper/lead guitarist.
Milky Way Mike Colin is a composer/multi-instrumentalist.
Zhitkur Roswell is a beat producer.
Where to use each alias is sort of built into the alias itself.
Your output is prolific, often compared to music legends like Prince and Zappa. What drives your relentless creativity, and how do you keep the ideas flowing?
Well first off, I’m nowhere close to being in league with Prince or Zappa or any of those guys who are true artistic geniuses. I have a knack—a knack for putting music into a song/record format. I’m not a virtuoso musician. I’m not a talented vocalist. I just have a knack for expressing myself honestly and exploring song ideas that others don’t.
Ideas are no problem. They can start with a beat, a riff, a vocal. If your goal isn’t limited to commercial appeal, then you can just create. I throw music at the canvas like Pollock, I celebrate the ordinary like Warhol, and sometimes I obsess over a grid of details like Da Vinci. Music itself is the genius. I’m just lucky enough to be able to do it.
The trauma you’ve experienced is heartbreaking yet inspiring. How has it shaped your music and your approach to life?
I have been through a lot, just like a lot of people. Life is both beautiful and horrific. I think we are all left wondering what the purpose of pain is, and the finality of death on our plane.
In 2024, my dog of 10 years died, and it just about killed me. I just want to see him again. I haven’t seen my mother or her parents in almost 30 years because they all passed. I finally found out who my father was thanks to DNA. He died before I could meet him.
This is what we all carry with us in one form or another. This is what art is. It’s all of it, all at once. Entertainment is art that distracts us from our pain. I wish I was an entertainer.
You’re known for your love of recording over performing live. What is it about the studio environment that resonates so deeply with you?
I love the studio because any and every song is a go to explore. In the ‘90s, I toured and performed 500-plus shows, and what you learn is that the audience only wants to hear a small segment of material. The repetition drove me crazy. The 375th time you play the same 15 songs, it becomes a job.
Also, I’m just not an entertainer. I’m trying to relate.
Producers like Wyshmaster, Anno Domini, Legion, and Temper have played a big role in your projects. What do these collaborations bring to your sound?
Working with producers has kept me going. I love getting the tracks and just going for it. It’s collaborating in a manner that I understand.
Your new record features a mix of hip-hop heavyweights like Eminem, Method Man, and KRS-One. What makes this project stand out from your previous work?
This album is just different than anything I’ve done because I’ve never done anything so accessible or commercial. I hope this opens the door and allows the audience to discover some of my other music.
You’ve dabbled in so many genres and styles, from hip-hop to acoustic to beatstrumentals. What draws you to explore such diverse musical paths?
I love music. I have dabbled in most genres, just like The Beatles or Prince. Time has proven that Rock/Hip Hop/Classical is what I do. The dabbling is over.
Except—I am making a K-pop record just to be hip.
Vinyl and cassette releases are scheduled for April. What inspired you to embrace these classic formats, and how do they complement your music?
I’ve been around long enough that the first recordings I released were on vinyl and cassette. They’re fun. Nostalgic.
That said, digital access is pretty great. I love Spotify and Apple Music. I have every record I have ever wanted at my fingertips. It’s incredible.
Despite everything you’ve endured, you’ve remained focused on creating music. What advice would you give to artists facing their own struggles, both personal and professional?
Don’t let depression keep you from making your music. It is hard. Believe me, I know.
Sadly, don’t bring your sorrow to the biz. Nobody gives a shit. If you expect them to, then you are in for a rude awakening and a lot of wasted time.
There is music the art, and there is music the business. Make music because you want to, not because you think you could be the next Guaplord or Smoked Cheddar the Ass Getter.
Even so, you must promote your art once in a while. I’ve been writing and recording for 30 years. I never “made it,” yet I have fans in 81 countries.
Maybe someday I will get to perform for them. Life’s a continuous, contiguous journey that isn’t over until it’s over.
mikecolin.net
