We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Smirnoff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
“Taking risks is intrinsic to the artistic journey,” I might assert, echoing Kierkegaard’s sentiment that “to dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily, but not to dare is to lose oneself.” It is this fertile ground where creativity blossoms. The act of creation itself is a risk, a leap into the unknown where vulnerability and the potential for failure are ever-present. Yet, nestled within that risk lies the possibility of unearthing profound expression and forging a connection with the audience, the listener. A life devoid of risk, as Kierkegaard suggests, is a life incomplete; it is in taking chances that we truly discover the breadth of our capabilities and the depths of our artistry.

My musical journey has been an eclectic tapestry, woven with threads of orchestral training, jazz exploration, and the privilege of sharing knowledge as a university educator. The rhythmic pulse has guided me through countless performances, extensive tours across North America, and the sonic landscapes of numerous albums. My artistic ethos centers on serving the song and the artist’s vision, prioritizing the emotive power of human expression over mere technical prowess.

In the face of a world characterized by volatility and rapid change, where chaos and beauty coalesce in a dizzying spectacle, the role of the artist emerges as one of profound significance. We are not merely purveyors of entertainment; rather, we function as conduits, channeling the raw energy of our tumultuous times into expressions that can evoke emotion, ignite inspiration, and provoke contemplation.

The spirit of the Sturm und Drang movement, with its emphasis on unbridled emotion and defiance of convention, resonates with particular potency in the contemporary landscape. However, our mandate extends beyond mere anger; it encompasses the entirety of the human experience – the elation, the despair, the bewilderment, and the aspiration. Our task is to capture these multifaceted realities, not simply to mirror the zeitgeist, but to transcend it and offer a glimpse of a more profound truth.

Artists do not claim to possess all the answers; indeed, we are likely plagued by more questions than most. Yet, our purpose lies in creating a sanctuary for those questions, fostering dialogue, and reminding humanity that even amidst disarray, beauty and hope persist, and art endures as an eternal beacon.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Aside from live performances, my recording studio is my home for creative risk. The creative process there is all about collaboration and capturing the magic of the music. This has been especially important, creating music in the studio, following the fires this January, and being displaced from my home.

Recording projects usually start with a demo from the artist and a conversation about where we want to take the song – the feel, the dynamics, the groove. From there, I lay down the drum tracks and we start to build on the initial ideas. It’s a give-and-take, with plenty of room for experimentation and new approaches. We might add some extra percussion, like tambourine, shakers, or congas, to give it some texture. Then we let it breathe for a day or two, come back with fresh ears, and fine-tune it until it’s just right.

The final version is usually a blend of the best moments from a couple different takes, a patchwork of creativity that captures the energy and the vision of the artist. Whether it’s singer-songwriter, jazz, rock, soul, electronic music, or anything in between, I’m always open to exploring new sounds and making great music. So if you’re feeling the vibe, reach out – let’s make some magic together!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I want to take a break from creating music, you might find me at one of my favorite haunts in LA. Check out the Record Parlour in Hollywood to dig for vinyl treasures, Black Market Liquor Bar in Studio City for a great meal and a wonderful atmosphere that’s completely TV-free, and Hotel Café to catch the best of the local songwriting scene. El Floridita is a great spot where the vibrant spirit of Cuba comes alive, with live groups playing authentic Salsa Latin music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a shout out to all the great teachers out there, the unsung heroes of our society.

Website: https://www.mikesmirnoff.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasscityone/?hl=en

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