I understand that, because there are so many musicians, you have to make artists into brands, but I sometimes feel like I have to be some kind of non-human icon in order for people to listen to my music.
MITSKII understand that, because there are so many musicians, you have to make artists into brands, but I sometimes feel like I have to be some kind of non-human icon in order for people to listen to my music.
MITSKII don’t really listen to pop-country, but I like really, really old country that’s closer to folk. Like Johnny Cash, who is considered country.
MITSKII discovered I was an Asian American when I arrived in the U.S. I didn’t identify as that before I came here.
MITSKIIn my first few years of being in New York, I had a major identity crisis because I’d never stayed in one place for so long.
MITSKIOften I’ve had problems automatically bending to a lover’s will, becoming what I know they want me to be. Immediately, I learn all the music they love, listen to it, study it, instead of being like, ‘This is what I love!’
MITSKII tend to not want to do that anymore. It’s not even that I don’t like it anymore: it’s that I keep trying to find ways for people to dislike me.
MITSKII didn’t fit in anywhere when I grew up, but I was always American, so to survive,
MITSKIWhen someone is a musician – trying to make a living off being a public figure – it’s really easy for people to see me as a face on a screen that doesn’t have a personal life.
MITSKII think music is supposed to be shared.
MITSKII really like The Cars. They’re just so over the top and super pop, but I don’t feel guilty. I’m proud of all the music I listen to.
MITSKII actually love the summer. When I went to Miami on tour, I was actually like, ‘I love this place.’
MITSKIIt’s nice to know there’s a big world with many perspectives. I tend to get so stuck in my own small world easily, and going out into the world reminds me that I’m not the center of the world – in a good way.
MITSKII don’t want to be elitist.
MITSKII don’t think I’m alone in this: I’m obsessed with trying to not only be happy but maintain happiness, but my definition of happiness is skewed more towards ecstasy rather than contentment.
MITSKIWhen I record, it’s this very precious and insular thing.
MITSKIMy father was obsessed with folk music from around the world, and I think the countless artists who performed them are my biggest influences.
MITSKI