New Zealand-based Mikeyy is a dynamic dance music producer who has been blending his signature vocals with emotion-fueled electronic music, which culminates into an uplifting and moving sound. Continuing his hot-handed run with NIGHTMODE comes the awe-stricking four-track EP ‘breathe’. The project builds on the momentum of the lead single “lift” and the title track “breathe.” The former has been a runaway success landing in the ‘Top 20 Hot NZ Singles Chart’ at #14, and drawing support from tastemaker radio in said region, George FM. The project also features two new tracks that build upon the immersive sonic universe while showcasing the range of the buzzing artist’s immense talents.
Setting the stage comes the melancholic yet deceptively uplifting, “breathe,” a melodic house track meant to offer the world a shoulder to lean on. It bolsters his soft, breathy vocals and smooth falsetto, whose lyrics are the only sign pointing towards a suffocating anguish. The somber subject matter is contrasted by the radiant stutter synth leads, shimmering atmospherics, lofty melodic stabs, and shuffling groove, which hopes to guide tortured souls into the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s an intricate web of passion and pain intertwined in a catchy yet touching bop.
“‘breathe’ was written in a time when I was going through a rough patch mentally. I built the chords in the breakdown to feel like I was almost giving myself a hug, and the lyrics reflect on the feeling you get when you have that pit in your stomach and feel trapped in it. The drop is high energy and features uplifting synths to help uplift both the listener and myself while I was making it.”–Mikeyy
Illustrating Mikeyy’s shapeshifting style comes “lift,” a vibrant entry into the stutter house realm. On it, he weaves motivational lyrics through dynamic orchestral flourishes, lofty piano melodies, and warm synth textures. Mikeyy’s own topline vocals drive the track’s poignant message of resilience and self-love, complemented by the playful sounds of children’s laughter and soaring builds that explode into energetic drops. The result is a motivational burst of sound, designed to inspire listeners in virtually every scenario imaginable.
“‘lift’ encapsulates the prettiness combined with the high energy of the ‘breathe’ EP. To anyone listening at home, on the dancefloor or at a big festival: I hope it moves you. You are always never alone.”
“heal” is a turning point in the hero’s journey, both emotionally and aesthecally. Melodic plucks bounce over energetic drums in the introduction, creating an off-kilter uncertainty that is matched by the vocals. Mikeyy pours out his emotions, reflecting on his growth and the realization of time starting to heal the pains of the past. The mental breakthrough is backed by rising production that grows with his sense of confidence before exploding into a colorful cathartic release. The drops are an ecstatic eruption of energetic drum & bass sounds replete with stuttered vocal chops. It’s a powerful reminder that the sun will eventually shine and there’s beauty on the other side of the darkness.
“‘heal’ encapsulates the light, raw feeling of the ‘breathe’ EP in drum & bass form. With a stutter house-influenced vocal chop in the drop, it’s wholesome but high energy as always.”
Serving as a fitting finale, “Changes” is an immersive work of art that takes listeners on a heartfelt adventure. Meditative spoken word vocals guide you to a centred and reassured mental state. Hopeful piano notes drive the track forward while pensive keys, reverberating bass, and gripping strings are intertwined. “Let it all workout” is repeated through the track, acting as a motivational mantra to keep moving forward. The nearly six-minute epic navigates the highs and lows felt across the entire project, conjuring memories of dark days while interspersing a sense of reserved optimism that flourishes in the final uplifting crescendo to close things out.
“‘changes’ is unfiltered and ends the ‘breathe’ EP with letting out all the undesired feelings of the tough time that the EP accounts. It’s mirrored with a positive tagline: ‘Let it all workout’ and hopeful pianos that build into the ultimate crescendo at the end with a big synth 4x4 drop to let out all the emotion.”
Mikeyy’s ‘breathe’ EP is truly a breath of fresh air, showcasing his deep, emotional soul, expressive vocals, and dynamic production.
