Mika Embraces Pop in The Boy Who Knew Too Much
By Laura Aguirre
Singer-songwriter Mika rose to fame in 2007 when he released his power-pop album Life in Cartoon Motion, which included hit singles like “Grace Kelly” and “Relax, Take It Easy.” This year he’s back with The Boy Who Knew Too Much, a compliment to his first album that also embraces pop music.
According to the Associated Press, Mika says the diversity of his roots propelled him to a global audience, and with someone who has been compared to the likes of Elton John and David Bowie, the brand of pop music that Mika makes is solely universal.
The London-based recording artist has been nominated for a Grammy, and won the BRIT award for best singer-songwriter, but he isn’t your typical musician. On both of his albums, Mika takes pop and transforms it something very original.
“I’m totally 100 percent unapologetic about the fact that I make pop music. I’m fascinated by it. I think I was always an outside when I was growing up and so the concept of a populist art form was something that was really attractive to me. I said, ‘Well, if no one is going to speak to me at school, then why don’t I write a song that they will all sing — then one day I will have some value.’”
Mika might embrace pop, but both Life in Cartoon Motion and The Boy Who Knew Too Much, expand way beyond the genre. In his new single, We Are Golden, Mika goes back to a more traditional music structure by including a choir. He goes way beyond the expectations of critics and fans alike.
“I don’t come from a particular place, so my music is not tied down to a particular style, genre, or scene. It gives me certain boundlessness and I can adapt and my music can find a home in many different countries.”
Pop music is always changing and many artists come into the music world wanting to change the standards of it, but Mika understands that in order to put your signature on the genre, you must make it you’re own. With two successful albums behind him Mika has proven that he has a lot of value.
Do you think Mika’s take on the pop genre is different than the rest?
