Meet Michael GOVAN” Hackett | Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael “GOVAN” Hackett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael “GOVAN”, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic/creative career because I knew in my soul that is what I wanted to do. As I child, I would always daydream about what that life would be and I would always have these big dreams of where I could go and I still do, so following this path is sort of an ode to my inner child. It is what brings me the most fulfillment. Whether it be making music or acting or occasional dancing, I pursue it because it is what calls me and is what brings my soul joy. I’ve been a dreamer since a kid and I feel in my soul that this is what I am meant to be doing with my life. And it’s also fun! It’s freeing, it’s fluid, it’s fulfilling. Yes it comes with struggles but those struggles contribute to the path.

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.
In my childhood, music was a constant in my house. And being from the culturally diverse Bay Area was always an influence with that. My dad was a local rapper and he would always be in the studio and would always share it with my family. Aside from that, he was a hardcore rap fan, so I listened to a lot of Tupac, Biggie, Mac Dre, Outkast, and so much more as a kid. My mom was an avid music listener. She exposed me to Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, Keyshia Cole, Brandy, Beyonce, Michael Jackson, and even earlier acts such as Aerosmith, Teena Marie, Lisa Lisa, Pebbles, Babyface, Paula Abdul etc. So I had this very fluid combination of different musical styles and sounds around me that I attribute to today. Aside from that, I loooooooved movies and tv and always pictured myself on the screen. I started doing theater when I was 10 and that’s when I knew that I wanted to be a performer. I wanted to entertain, and make people laugh and make them feel something. Coming from a small town, I had big dreams with this but with little resources. But I found my home with Stage Right Conservatory Theater and throughout my early years I was able to cultivate this vision through them. I continued to develop myself by doing theater and high school choir, and it led me to audition for UCLA’s School of Theater with an acting emphasis. Theater and film acting had always been a dream, but I always loved to sing and I realized that I wanted to try and write and record my own songs. And doing that really grabbed ahold of me and unlocked something within me that I will never let go of. Five solo songs and three features later, I am getting ready to drop my debut EP titled “The PRETTY BOY Show!” and I have no plans of stopping. My music is such an authentic expression of myself and that is all I ever wanted, and the fact that people are inspired by it and can vibe with it is really humbling and very much solidifies my passion and purpose. It has led me to be mentored by Kara DioGuardi, Pink Sweat$, Marc E Bassy, and DAISY so I mean those opportunities really made me believe in my gifts, especially the fact that these people I look up to see me and want me to succeed. Although this path was never easy for me, I like to consider myself a flower who sprung out in a field of weeds. And I think that is what sets me apart and what made me create my music persona GOVAN. GOVAN is someone I always aspired to be: a pretty boy, a loverboy, a confident, smooth and charming person (also emotional) who sings or raps his truth and makes these melodically beautiful songs that just hit. He is in this constant coming of age story (aren’t we all?). But even deeper than that, I hold my upbringing close to me because it is what makes my perspective today. I make these songs that are full of light but they’re filled with so much intention and perspective that is complex and emotional and unique. The fluidity of my inspirations atones to that: Childish Gambino, Doja Cat, Lauryn Hill, Charlie Puth, Kehlani, and so many more. I can hop on an R&B track and smoothly sing about my troubles and/or desires. I can hop on a track and rap a few bars and talk a big game. I can make a pop track that is catchy and fun. GOVAN has that artistic and musical fluidity and perspective and that is what sets me apart from others. And I am proud of the person and the artist that I have become today. I just wanna spread light, inspire people, live in my truth, and make my dreams come true. And I am soooooooo excited for everyone to hear The PRETTY BOY Show and all the amazing things I have lined up after. #ApplyingPressure

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you want a nice lil diner experience for breakfast, then definitely check out CJ’s Cafe on Pico (did I mention easy on the wallet?). I loooove going to the beach so I definitely recommend Will Rogers or Santa Monica Beach and stay for the sunset! A drive through mullholland with the music blasting is forever a vibe! Also driving down PCH through Malibu and Topanga! Going to Hollywood at night with all the lights and people is so touristy but does something for my soul. Take a visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures because it is so damn cool to see the movie magic in front of you! LACMA is also a museum with beautiful exhibits. Rooftop Cinema Club is the perfect end of the day vibe with a movie, popcorn, and a lil wine. And for the best burrito of your LIFE, check out Tacos Cinco y Diez in Mid City. I love finding various concerts and music events too, ranging from Hollywood to DTLA to Santa Monica. You’ll meet some dope people too!

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 want to shout out my family for always reminding me of my roots and keeping me grounded. My friends that inspire me to be better and allow me to be my authentic self. Special shoutout to Kiarah Davis for being a day one and being by my side throughout my musical journey. Shoutout to my homie and collaborator Ryan KJ for inspiring me to start my musical journey and for understanding me and being a dope friend. Shoutout to Stage Right Conservatory Theater in Antioch, CA for giving me a safe space to express myself in my early years. And I want to give a very special shout out to my grandma. She was my number one supporter in my life, and she always loved to see me shine and pushed me to let the world see it. And although she is no longer on this Earth, I feel her with me every step of the way.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/govan.mh

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088481724079

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@govan2300

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2tk25RPBLirImQApoGnNzp https://music.apple.com/us/artist/govan/1531943457

Image Credits
Ashton Lommel – Photographer