Intended for the big stages, English singer/songwriter Mike Brunch makes a big impression when his latest release, “IDKWNFM,” falls off his EP “Lunch,” released on October 20, 2022.
The instrumentation is interspersed with shimmering bass lines and a high-flying atmosphere. Mike Brunch’s empathy is palpable, and I feel every word the rapper spits as he talks about the difficulty of being an artist, trying to figure out what’s next as they conquer a phase of their artistic voyage.
Mike Brunch had a conversation with us and answered our distinctive 8 Questions. Check it out below.
HYPEFRESH: So tell us, how did it all begin? What encouraged you to start playing and making music?
Mike Brunch: As a kid, I thought putting words down and rap to a beat with them was cool. It moved me so much when I first saw my brother writing down words and reciting them to instrumentals.
Then in 2009, my friend Ivan discovered me writing in a notebook and asked about me coming over to record music. If not for those two events, I can’t say that I’d be making music today.
HYPEFRESH: Talk me through your creative process when you write new music.
Mike Brunch: Anytime I begin the writing process, I always try to clear my work desk of any clutter, a cleansing process.
I serve a cup of tea, put my noise-canceling headphones on, and see where it takes me. Sometimes I’ll let out an emotional cry or two.
Other times, I’ll try listening to the beat while walking around. Also, re-writing. Even if I love the verse, I’ll always try to write another, even if it doesn’t need it, to ensure it’s the absolute best I can give now.
HYPEFRESH: Can you tell us about your new single, IDKWNFM?
Mike Brunch: The thought of the song had to do with the idea that, as humans, we tend always to wonder what’s next. We accomplish something and immediately think about what the follow-up will be.
There’s a breakdown in the song before the final verse, where I compare it to watching a TV show. We wonder about the character’s arc in the show. You get into it and want every bit of it, but once the show is finished, there’s this weird nothing-ness we experience as humans where our mind wanders. What’s next?
Maybe even some of the lesser-known ones. We wonder about the different storylines and how they would continue. It’s similar to life when we get a new job. Congratulations! We get a new car, alright! Then we instantly wonder what’s next for us. What if this job doesn’t work out? What if this car has issues down the road?
HYPEFRESH: What do you like most about being a music artist?
Mike Brunch: I can express myself as freely and creatively as possible. There are no rules or pulling strings. You can draw from your personal experiences and the adversity you’ve overcome. You can package that into a song for people to listen to and hopefully vibe out to.
HYPEFRESH: What projects do you have coming up? Can you give us any info on them?
Mike Brunch: Well, the trilogy of food projects is going to come to an end with my self-titled album, Brunch. I am about five or six songs away that need to be recorded, and then a few more must be re-recorded. In the meantime, while I perfect that, I have some upcoming stuff with one of my favorite rappers/producers, BFO, aka Brainfellout.
HYPEFRESH: Any tips for readers trying to get into music?
Mike Brunch: Create what you love. If you love it, no one else can take that from you. Also, don’t fall into the black hole of comparisons.
HYPEFRESH: How do you solve productivity/scheduling problems and reduce overwhelming situations?
Mike Brunch: Cleaning, especially washing dishes, helps clear my mind when I have a lot of anxiety. It always comes back to ensuring my personal space is clutter-free. I always try to slow down my breathing. I’ve also been learning about meditation.
HYPEFRESH: Name Three things you can’t live without when recording in the studio.
Mike Brunch: Headphones, water/hot tea, notebook/pen.
Stream “IDKWNFM” on Spotify
