APOLLO MIGHTY is a Chicago-based R&B/Soul singer-songwriter. Apollo just released his latest EP Behavior. The EP features a diverse assortment of soulful contemporary R&B tracks. The lead single Arrival from his EP is the music debut for NBC’s Chicago Fire actress Miranda Rae Mayo. Daniel Kyri (NBC’s Chicago Fire) also stars in and directed the video.
AC: Let’s talk about your new single Arrival. What does this track mean to you?
APOLLO MIGHTY – It was an opportunity to play with new subject matter and be vulnerable around the excitement of a new relationship.It was exciting because I don’t usually talk about that in my music.
AC: What was it like working with Chicago Fire‘s Miranda Rae Mayo?
APOLLO MIGHTY – She’s a ball of energy and light. She always brings something unique, grounding, and honest to what she works on. I loved it and I love her.
AC: Can you re-call any funny moments from on-set filming the music video?
APOLLO MIGHTY – I just remember Daniel was giving directions for us to follow on stage and for some reason I didn’t think he was talking to me so I went and sat down. This was a mistake. I soon caught some glaring looks from him to get back to work. Haha. Funny to me, I’m sure not so funny to him
Also, Chicago Fire‘s Daniel Kyri directed the video. What did Daniel bring to the project? Structure for sure. He made it feel legitimate. He’s very detail-oriented and all the beauty and richness that came from the video is evident.
AC: In the studio, do you have a fear you’d like to conquer?
APOLLO MIGHTY – Yeah. I think there are some genres that I wanna explore. I’m not really afraid as much as I recognize I haven’t had the proper time and budget to do so. I’m just getting started
AC: What about outside of the studio?
APOLLO MIGHTY – Too many to name. Just know that I’m working towards them everyday
AC: Where does the creation of a song begin for you?
APOLLO MIGHTY – It kind of depends. I can create from a few different points but it usually starts with the music. Once something catches my ear I like to play with it until a melody comes, then words. So I guess it starts with the emotion that the music gives me.
AC: Who do you feel inspired by in the music industry?
APOLLO MIGHTY – Right now I’m really vibing with Tobe Nwingwe. He seems like family almost to be real. His music is honest and a little comedic in that he’s telling you exactly what he feels with no filter. Homie sai” Try Jesus, but don’t try me, cuz I throw hands” I mean, my God!
AC: As a music artist, what are you still trying to learn?
APOLLO MIGHTY – How to balance it all, what to delegate and do myself, and how to keep the enthusiasm when sometimes it feels like a song is just a song. I struggle with deciding on what really matters in this game.
AC: What can you tell us about your upcoming EP?
APOLLO MIGHTY – Well, Behavior is out. It was a lot of fun to make and it came at a time when I was lost and needed something to bring me out of the darkness. It helped to harness the power of my pen in a new way. The new music that’s coming is more raw and honest. Almost like singing my diary.
AC: How has Chicago as a city influenced your music?
APOLLO MIGHTY – It definitely inspired the flow and the hustle. Also, Chicagoans don’t give a fuck. It taught me how to not live in fear when it comes to what I create.
AC: How important is social media to you right now?
APOLLO MIGHTY – I have a love-hate relationship with the socials. On one hand, the government uses it to do real harm inciting confusion amongst people. On the other hand, its been great as a way to reach people I wouldn’t be able to otherwise and for them to reach me. I have to remind myself that it’s just a tool and should be used accordingly. I love validation so I have to be careful; not to go there too much seeking that. It’s like post and then close the app.
AC: Ahead of a gig, do you have any pre-show rituals?
APOLLO MIGHTY – I definitely like to freak out for about 20 minutes before I go on stage. I almost quit music every time. Then I walk around by myself until I feel that click in my stomach and I know I’m ready to go. I like to let the nerves get the best of me for just a bit.
AC: What do you want the world to look like in 10 years?
APOLLO MIGHTY – I want the abolishment of most of the systems set in place across the world that govern us. I want black people to have a real chance at a life and not one that has to be fought so hard for. I wanna see a spiritual revolution in the world.
INTERVIEW: ADAM CROOKES
