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The exceptionally brilliant, (and exceptionally charming) Mikky Ekko performs tonight at London's XOYO. Following success with his Rihanna duet 'Stay' in 2012, the US star is now back with his own, solo single 'Kids'. During his London visit, Gigwise caught up with the singer/songwriter to discuss the transition from 'that bloke' on a worldwise smash to a solo star in his own right.
Ekko discussed the ongoing work on his debut album (and promised some 'aggressive' songs on the record) and the pressure he feels to deliver after his breakthrough success. He discussed his admiration for Frank Ocean and yes, Rihanna.
"Seeing the life 'Stay' took on has been a real pleasure. I try not to question it too much," he told us. "I wrote that song with Justin Parker, who is an amazing writer, he's written for Bat For Lashes, Lana Del Rey and loads of great people.
"When we finished writing that song it was too much for me. I couldn't listen to it, I didn't like it. I was so worried about being pigeonholed as the male answer to thing, I couldn't see the forest for the trees. It was uncomfortable for me to be so vulnerable. It taught me how important that was, especially right now. That's why records like 'Video Games' and Adele's stuff really took off."
Check out our interview with Mikky Ekko below
