For Miguel, the spiritual and the ‘wild’ are one
Does Miguel answer prayers? Fans will find out on his first headlining tour. The vibe “is a bit of spirituality, a bit of ethereal and dreamlike meditation,” the soft-spoken R&B singer says. “But most of all, it’s wild and fun.” It’s not unlike his latest Wild
heart, released last month, on which he incorporates psychrock guitar riffs and funk grooves into his intimate bedroom sound, all the while waxing poetic about his conquests between the sheets. Led by sultry first single Coffee, the album made its debut at No. 2 on the Billboard charts and is now being promoted on a 28-city North American tour.
Since crossing over with second album Kaleidoscope Dream in 2012, the 29-year-old crooner has seen his star steadily rise, with Hot 100-charting singles Adorn and How Many Drinks? and songwriting credits with Beyoncé ( Rocket) and Mariah Carey (their collaboration #Beautiful). But he also made headlines with a DUI arrest in 2013 and a cringeworthy stage jump at the Billboard Music Awards earlier that year when he accidentally kicked a fan in the face, which resulted in a lawsuit. In the three years since Kalei
doscope, Miguel says, he has changed. “I just don’t care anymore. I mean that in every way, not just music. I don’t take things so seriously anymore. It’s just about having a good time, man, and doing what you love. You can arrive at this at any point in your life, once you figure out there’s no such thing as normal.”
Here’s his take on touring:
Excited to perform: Holly
wood Dreams off Wildheart. “It might be the narrative or allegorical nature of the song, but it’s fun to perform, in that I feel like I’m telling a story and having a conversation.”
Backstage rituals: “It’s all about staying creative. In conversations, drawing, painting or reading. ... I may end up onstage this time around with paint on my hands.”
Tour rider: “It’s my favorite waters, roasted almonds, seeds, snacks. Just healthy stoner food, like quinoa chips and salsa. I love fresh fruit. And then, of course, afterwards on the rider, there’s tequila and vodka and whiskey.”
Pre-show prep: “I don’t normally like to drink or smoke before a show. I want to be completely present and in the moment with the fans. At the same time, I don’t rule out anything.”