Renowned for her soulful voice and captivating performances, Mikhale Jones has just released her highly anticipated second album, Too Many Promises. This independent release marks a significant milestone in her career, showcasing Mikhale's bold artistic independence.
Glamour: Can you tell us about the journey and inspiration behind your second album ‘Too Many Promises’?
Mikhale: After winning MTN Pulse virals I knew I was equipped to make it all happen for myself. Not a single excuse in the book would stop me from making it happen now. Everything the label promised and didn’t deliver? I finally have the chance to do it exactly how I want to and do it myself! - This journey in juxtaposition to a toxic relationship is what “Too many promises” is all about.
The journey of Entering into a relationship (aka signing with the label):
1. Loving it and getting comfortable
2. Getting hurt
3. Becoming the bad guy as a coping mechanism to retaliate
4. Taking accountability for my part to play in the good and bad too
5. Finally letting go and believing again...
Glamour: How did winning the MTN Pulse Virals competition influence your decision to reclaim your artistic independence?
Mikhale: Every challenge reminded me of how much I’m capable of. Winning reminded me that all I needed to do was believe in myself because everything else is at my disposal. No one handed me my accomplishments, Ive worked towards every single one of them and I realised that I’ve down played that for too long. The competition opened my eyes in a broader light when it comes to me and what I am able to do without or without a label.
Glamour: You mentioned collaborating with Ammo Moses, YoshiYuki, and Nothando Mamba on this album. What was that experience like, and how did it shape the sound of your music?
Mikhale: Oh what an absolute pleasure it was working with these guys! First of all, we had FUN. As much as we all walked into the room with a mission we still allowed for thing to organically happen. I would pitch a demo to the group and everyone added a different element that would elevate the sound. Ammo did some crazy things when it came to the mixing and mastering of my project. Some songs sounded completely different when he was done with them. Yoshi’s Production is beyond insane. He always understands exactly where I want to go with my sound and even throws me off sometimes but in a good way like with “dribble dribble” - that is a completely different song compared to the demo I gave him. Nothando is an insane song writer and just overall has a good ear for music/good music, I gravitate towards her because she’s a story teller just like me, but I think even better than me !
Glamour: Could you share with us the significance of the singles ‘24/7’ and ‘Toxic Trends’ as lead tracks from the album? What do these songs mean to you personally?
Mikhale: 24/7 - In the journey stands for - The first step to “Wanting to heal.” The song speaks on Moving forwards but on my mind constantly is the past and the hurt it comes with. So it makes healing feel almost impossible. But the mission is still the mission “ I want to get better.” And what’s the first step to healing? Admitting - Toxic trends - is exactly that. Me admitting that my past relationship wasn’t perfect, and neither was I. These two songs set the audience up for what to expect from this body of work.
Glamour: Your album is described as a blend of Neo-Soul, RnB, and Hip-Hop. How did you approach blending these genres while still maintaining your artistic identity?
Mikhale: If you know me and my journey in music, you’d know I started out as a dancer. So When I listen to music, I hear it as a dancer does - this is the element of Hip hip I like and enjoy but I know that my writing and vocal style remains Neo soul and RnB. It’s for this reason that merging these sounds wasn’t difficult at all, they all came together seamlessly. All these elements are closely related to who I am and where I come from, too.
Glamour: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while producing this album independently, and how did you overcome them?
Mikhale: My biggest challenge was patience and trusting the process. I have doubts like any other artist would. So many factors and “what ifs” that sometimes delays the process. But I will say that when you surround yourself with people who believe in a product as much as you do? You feel unstoppable. Myself, Ammo, Yoshi And Nothando would take midnight drives listening to the project over and over in awe of what we created. So I had to trust that no matter when or how this project is released its a beautiful body of work regardless!! And WE DID THAT!
Glamour: Your music often reflects personal experiences. How did your journey in the music industry and personal life influence the themes and lyrics of ‘Too Many Promises’?
Mikhale: I was signed to a major label and I am absolutely blessed for that. Unfortunately I was constantly compared to specific artists way too often and it 100% affected my confidence in self. My movement was also very limited with the label so it affected how often I could drop music which sucked the life out of me. I can also admit that I didn’t take full advantage of being signed out of the fear of “owing them money back.” Another factor that limited me. Thanks to all of these factors I felt very despondent and just didn’t release music for another 2 to 3 years. I had to get my head right and remind myself of who I am. And this entire project speaks about the journey back to self when finally walking away from something you thought was so good for you but actually not that great.
Glamour: How has this album allowed you to express yourself differently compared to your previous work?
Mikhale: I’m running everything so I get to direct things visually, sonically and narratively without anyone trying to redirect me or tell me “it won’t sell because it's too RnB.” I'm less focused on making money and more present! Present in my art, in my story and even and in how I present it to people. Also the work is so relevant to me and who I am now! As opposed to having made this project 2 years ago and only releasing it now, which was what I struggled with when it came to my last project. I was in a different phase of my life already when “It is what it is'' came out, which made the music less relatable for me and looking back, it shows.
Glamour: What message or feeling do you hope listeners will take away from ‘Too Many Promises’?
Mikhale: Live in your truth. Feel your feelings. Every step is necessary (EVEN THE UGLY) for you to get to your desired outcome <3
Glamour: What are your aspirations for your music career after the release of this album?
Mikhale: I want to be back on stage. That's it ! That's always been the goal. Other things would be great too, like another chance at the SAMAs and maybe the Metros, who knows? I feel like I have a better chance with this body of work. But mainly I WANT TO BE BACK ON STAGE !!
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