Miki Fiki - "Stranger"
/
For those new to Nashville, planning on moving there, or just regular visitors, there is a really great organization called YEP Nashville. They have a Facebook group where musicians, songwriters, and people on the business side can network and connect. Check it out here. This is where I met Ted Hartog, lead vocalist, and keyboardist of Nashville based Hip/Pop band Miki Fiki. In late 2017, they released the single "Stranger," featured here. When I listen to this song, I hear a very cool funky, soulful, pop vibe. Ted's voice reminds me a little of Jamiroquai. A talented new band that formed in 2017, with a really diverse and fun sound.
Miki Fiki is a DIY band playing in Nashville, and touring regionally. They are looking to connect with more regional bands to put together great shows. Within only their first year as a band, they've already been playing several shows in Nashville, and have expanded out regionally into Alabama, Virginia, and Ohio. Their goal is to connect with talented and like mineded DIY musicians to pair up with for upcoming shows, and to share their audiences with. Check out "Stranger," and the brief interview with Ted below.
Go see shows, meet people, make stuff!
What’s the story or inspiration behind this song?
It’s a song about the conflicting feeling of being the one to rip the rug out from under yourself. I wanted to be angry for feeling distant from friends I used to be close with, and I spend the whole song trying to convince myself that’s true. But the questioning in the chorus speaks to the deep-down knowing that it’s me, that the responsibility is on me. Defeating, but also hopeful that only I have to adjust to get back to where I want to be.
Who are your musical influences?
Ben Folds and The Avett Brothers guide me through the songwriting. Anderson .Paak, Terrace Martin, and BadBadNotGood guide us through some of the musicality. We all bring somewhat diverse musical tastes to the mix, so it’s not always clear right away who influences a song.
Which books, documentaries, blogs, or podcasts do you share the most with other musicians?
Logan and I listen to The Daily podcast and can often be found in public saying “have you listened to The Daily today?” to gauge friendships. I also try to share whatever information I glean from the Ted Radio Hour podcast with whoever I can find. Patti Smith’s “Just Kids” has also made the rounds. If you’ve got any good documentaries please let me know.
If someone wanted to reach out to help and support you and spread your music. What is the biggest thing you need and what could someone to help you with that?
In terms of spreading our music, just tell your friends about us and like us on Facebook. The biggest thing we need help with right now is touring. We’re sending all the emails and getting decent responses, but we need help finding bands/artists active in their local scene. We’ve found a great group of friends who are passionate about what they do here in Nashville, and we’re desperate to find that elsewhere.
What’s your definition of making it?
Making it for me is being financially independent playing music, and staying fulfilled by it. The bands I admire not only get to play music for a living, but they bring joy to their art every night. They have longevity, and I want to create and continue to mold something sustainable enough to be enjoyable for a long time.
Connect with Miki Fiki:
https://www.realmikifiki.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RealMikiFiki/
