Mykel Announces EP + Escapes Death On “Brace For Impact”
Today, Los Angeles via Salt Lake City indie pop artist Mykel announces her driving debut EP Hometown Runaway due out November 7. Alongside the announcement, the artist shares the project’s first taste with “Brace For Impact,” out now, a heartfelt recollection of a near-fatal car accident. On September 6, the artist and beverage aficionado will partner with Couplet Cafe in Downtown Los Angeles for a custom beverage to celebrate the new music–find more information here.
With commanding vocals and sweeping, vast production over six tracks, Mykel bravely confronts a range of themes like ego death (and escaping death), self-worth, imposter syndrome, her layered relationship to faith, and more. Messy, grounded and bittersweet, the artist chronicles the challenges of leaving home in pursuit of her dreams, with assists from GRAMMY-nominated producer and mixer Yang Tan (Janelle Monae) and 3x RIAA-certified producer and engineer Gehring Miller (Giveon, Ella Mai) and recorded at LA’s iconic Record Plant Studios.
Ready to give up, it took hitting rock bottom for Mykel to rediscover her artistic purpose and direction. Hometown Runaway, a rich mix of pop with R&B flairs, allows the artist the space to discover and define herself like never before as she embraces her past and looks ahead to the future, this time, with a renewed perspective and appreciation for life. Finally releasing the pressure of unattainable standards she’s placed on herself, Mykel shares, “I knew I wanted to take all the nuances of my journey and put it into a body of work that represented me. Not what the industry or society wanted of me or told me would sell. This EP is a beacon of truth and integrity that has both freed and terrified me.”
After narrowly escaping death, the slow tempo power ballad “Brace For Impact” poured out of Mykel. In collaboration with producer, engineer and friend Gehring Miller, the two built a safe space for the artist to finally face this traumatic event, which ultimately led to the full project being made. Mykel adds, “It was born out of pure necessity–and because of the safe space Gehring created for me to face myself, my fears, and ultimately that unlock trickled into the entire 6 song EP within a matter of 3 months.”
Originally raised Mormon in Salt Lake City, UT and now in Los Angeles, Mykel has a range of influences and experiences that culminate in the forthcoming sharp, spiritual project. With a musical theater background, the artist delivers grandiose vocals coupled with elaborate storytelling that draws listeners in. After spending years working a slew of odd jobs and writing songs for reality shows like Love Island, Vanderpump Rules and more, Mykel is ready to take ownership of her story and tell it on her own terms.
On the resonant, meditative debut EP Hometown Runaway, Mykel reckons with leaving home, following her dreams and deconstructing her faith. It’s due out November 7 alongside the stirring first taste “Brace For Impact” out now. Don’t miss more from Mykel–connect via Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Photo credit: Jerry Sun