Miguel: the unapologetic hitmaker
R&B maestro and fearless artistic experimentalist Miguel lands on local soil this December to perform at Afropunk SA
Having established Himself as one of R&b’s Most sonic fabulists over the last decade, consummate artist Miguel has never been afraid to follow his impulses – wherever they lead him.
Throughout his musical career, the self-described ‘dynamic, psychological thriller with sexual overtones’, has proven himself a master of reinvention. Of his musical evolution, from his first album to his latest, he says ‘Even in “All I Want Is You”, my approach has always been to offer listeners alternative sounds and themes. I want to use my music to increase their appreciation of different types of musical styles and genres.’
He achieved this when he received global recognition for his self-produced single “Adorn” in 2012. With its subdued groove and emotive lyrics, the song signalled a big change for the genre, paving the way for an edgier brand of R&B. Miguel’s style championed genre-bending productions while maintaining soulful melodies, inspiring other artists to expand their music beyond the conventional boundaries of R&B.
His musical identity was shaped by a cultural background – he grew up in California – he describes as ‘unconventional’. He listened to R&B, funk, hip-hop, rock and jazz as a child, influenced by his Mexican-american father’s and an African-american mother’s taste. By the age of 14, his interests had evolved independently, and he began to write and record songs of his own. With each album, Miguel has managed to fuse both halves of his creative identity: the restless experimentalist and the crowdpleasing hitmaker that millions of fans adore.
His latest offering, War & Leisure, is his most ambitious project to date. Critics and fans agreed it to be a perfect blend of forward-thinking production and melodic delights, which more than embody the duality hinted at in the album’s title.
GQ: War & leisure is reflective and critical of our current culture, but it’s also the most upbeat album you’ve ever made. What did you want it to say?
Miguel: The message is that life oscillates, but it’s possible to remain positive and hopeful through the back and forth. I intended to convey that message through my oscillation of life.
GQ: You’ve never been afraid to experiment with new styles, sounds and influences.
M: Life changes, but I decide how to feel about it. My perspective and style is often influenced by what stage of life I’m at.
GQ: How has selfexpression influenced your image and music?
M: I think art and self-expression are synonymous because selfexpression is the reason I create in the first place.
GQ: audiences consume music, art and culture differently now than they used to. How has this affected your creative process?
M: We’re all drawn to stories and storytellers. I want to be the best narrator of authentic and honest stories that I can be.
GQ: What headspace are you in at the moment, in terms of critically thinking about the music space you want to be part of with your next album?
M: Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the habits worth holding onto and the ones worth letting go.
GQ: afropunk sa is one of the biggest music festivals in the world. Why do you want to be part of it?
M: It’s a safe space where people from black communities are accepted, and their individuality is celebrated, regardless of how they express it. GQ: does your music contribute to the rise in the reshaping, acceptance and promotion of the black identity? M: Absolutely.