Exclusive Interview with 'MITHYKA'

Deep soulful house music is what Mithyka is all about, and he’s doing his best to spread the word about it from Mexico City. A style that was popular in San Francisco in the early 2000s, but with my own contemporary spin on it, influenced by the R&B music that is popular today. Check out his latest EP ‘Watercolors’ and the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

MITHYKA: Thank you for having me, I come from a small town in Mexico City, that’s really where it all began musically as well. My earliest music memories took place there, making mixtapes in a boombox and playing them for my neighborhood friends.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

MITHYKA: I am self thought. So if you’re wondering why it takes a little while to release new music, this why haha

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘MITHYKA’?

MITHYKA: The Red Hot Chili Peppers were the ones that made me fall in love with the concept of music. Then as my musical tastes expanded into other genres I later transitioned into electronic music. Enter the likes of Paul van Dyk, Kaskade, Miguel Migs, put them all in a blender and you get a Mithyka haha

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

MITHYKA: I try to craft a sound that is organic to preserve it’s longetivity, I believe deep house is the most timeless form of electronic music. Incorporating the sound of real instruments is the key element for a record to stand the test of time.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style?
**MITHYKA**:
My 1st taste of electronic music was actually Trance, when I first embarked on this journey I wanted to be the next Armin van Buuren haha but as they say, the only constant is change. I’ve yet to make a Trance record but that doesn’t mean I’m not being influenced by it still. I consider my style to be “deep house” but really it’s an amalgamation of every sound that has shaped me up till this point.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

MITHYKA:

This is a very good question, a lot of people think “dance music” is just dance music. Electronic music comes from jazz, soul, disco, funk, you name it. Dance music doesn’t need lyrics to send it’s message, I invite the readers to do the research of where it came from, acknowledge it’s cultural impact and respect the pioneers. Without them we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing today.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

MITHYKA:

In the age of social media music is a funny thing, I try not to think about the end results too much otherwise I’d go insane. My goal when I make music is to just make something that will hopefully resonate with people and make them feel any and all emotion. That’s the type of fulfillment I most care about.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

MITHYKA:

I have yet to find a concrete way of tackling the process, sometimes it begins with a vocal, other times it begins with a simple drum pattern. If it gets the inspiration juices flowing I try to ride the lightning the furthest I can, anything to avoid hitting the dreaded writer’s block!

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

MITHYKA: Consistency. It’s tough regaining momentum in a post pandemic world, but we out here!

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

MITHYKA: Definitely getting signed to my 1st record label during the hardships of these last few years, as well as having the opportunity to open for a few world renowned international DJs. 16 year old me would not believe me if I told him what was in store :)