MIKALAH GORDON
Singer-songwriter and host MIKALAH GORDON dishes on the release of her first ever full-length album, VIVIAN and her single “Hands Off” as a cathartic release of her emotions from her life experiences. Listening to it would allow you deeper into her world as an artist whose goal is to make her audience feel good.
In this interview, Mikalah also spoke about her music, the challenges she faced in her career so far, her ways of navigating around the challenges, inspirations, goals and projects.
Hi Mikalah. Tell us a bit about yourself.
What you see is what you get! I am a proud Italian girl who loves pasta, wine, and my partner Lisa! You might remember me from the Top 12 of American Idol (Season 4) or the TV show, Living With Fran. I have headlined the Comedy Store as a comedian and am now so proud of my upcoming album and introduction back into music!
Tell us more about your first ever full-length album “Vivian” as well as your new single “Hands Off”.
I am beyond excited and a little bit nervous. This is a side of me a lot of people have never really seen. I have always been known as “the funny girl”. I have always wanted to make people feel good and feel really special. I keep things positive, upbeat, and bubbly. However, during the pandemic, when my grandma died, I hit my rock bottom. All the things that I kept piled down and tucked away came spilling out. This album is the journey from the beginning of my life, to finding success young, to being so crippled with depression that I couldn’t see my life worth living. It also shows what it looks like on the other side. There are so many songs that are relatable for the listener. I would like my story to be someone else’s survival guide. "Hands Off” is an example of that. It wasn't supposed to be the single, but once Roe v. Wade overturned, I knew it was the perfect song about protecting and empowering women.
How would you describe your music?
I always like to say my music is like if Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin had a baby; I would be that baby.
What are the challenges you faced during the process?
I think the biggest challenge was the emotional and mental hurdles I had to overcome. I was writing an album while navigating therapy, my own self-worth, and grief.
How did you rise above these challenges?
I made the choice to understand there is no other option. I will never quit on myself. My only option is to rise above.
What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?
I think I have had a lot of moments I am proud of, but the proudest is my resilience through it all. I wasn't set up with an easy family life or a lot of support. I just had myself from such an early age. I could've and maybe should've ended up in so many other circumstances. This album is a testament to that. I am so proud.
Where do you get your inspirations from?
I really do pull from whatever is happening in my life. More than anything, I always want to be transparent and authentic. If it's happening in my life, it will definitely be in my music.
What scares you?
Looking back and regretting not going for what I want, no matter the outcome.
Guilty pleasure?
OMG I LOVE TRASH TV. I am literally obsessed with the entire TLC network. I can honestly say I have never missed an episode of 90 Day Fiancé or Married At First Sight.
Name your top 5 favorite songs of all time.
Oy this is so tough. Hmmmm. I used to blare the song “Extraordinary” by Liz Phair in high school, and I still do to this day. I think my top five artists are easier lol. Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday, Jazmine Sullivan and Whitney Houston. THE GREATS.
Last song that got stuck in your head
I filmed the music video for my new single "Hands Off" this weekend and I cannot stop singing it!!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
You can be the juiciest, ripest peach of the bunch, but some people just don't like peaches.
What’s your ultimate goal?
I want to live a life full of so much love and laughter. I would love to start a family with my partner Lisa in the next few years and be a great example of what following your dreams looks like. I have always wanted my own sitcom. I would also like to start a successful nonprofit for battered women.
What are your dream projects?
I would love to star in a sitcom with Leah Remini and Michelle Visage with Fran Drescher producing it. I think they are such strong funny women.
Is there a skill / talent that a lot of people don’t know about you?
I am a professional trash hunter. I love finding furniture and refurbishing it with my partner Lisa. My whole apartment is furnished by the streets of Los Angeles lol.
Anything else that you want to share with the audience? Tour/Shows/etc.
Along with my new album, you can listen to me every morning Monday-Friday on my national LGBTQ morning show on We Are Channel Q.