Italian singer-songwriter Mick Dimitri prepares to kick-start 2021 with the release of his eclectic debut EP Take My Hand, out now.

The EP features a sonically alluring cocktail of mesmerising vignettes. From the anthemic pop soundscapes on upcoming single End of the Ride and Take My Hand, to the hushed poignant tones of power ballads Oh My Friend and Every Story, this EP takes you on an effervescent journey or colour and charisma throughout. Mick’s rich, warm vocal soars effortlessly over the spellbinding musicality, sounding akin to the likes of Lewis Capaldi and Shawn Mendes as a result. Talking about the EP, Mick elaborates, “the songs deal with loss or the fear of loss, and they all coexist within the same melancholic universe.”

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Mick Dimitri about the latest music, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

1) Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

I’ve always been fascinated by Pop. Often music snobs look down to it, but they don’t understand how hard it is to write with simplicity and elegance at the same time. I also love the anonymity of the word Pop. Anything can be Pop, so you’re not confined by any particular genre or style.

2) What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?

Well, I usually say that I didn’t choose music – it chose me. I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I knew what I wanted to do since I was a kid. And the relationship with the public has always been crucial. No one will ever convince me that a few lines scribbled on a piece of paper, locked away in your drawer, are music. At least, not yet. Music comes to life only when you play it in front of an audience.

3) Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?

My tastes are constantly changing, as there are very few things that give me as much joy as discovering music. Though the things that influence my creativity rarely have to do with music, inspiration often comes from the strangest places!

4) Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

“End of the Ride” was very tricky to write because it combines this upbeat, energetic track with very dark lyrics. So it was hard to get the balance right, but as a songwriter, I love playing with these contradictions.

5) What was the last song you listened to?

“Don’t Give up” by the mighty Peter Gabriel.

6) Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Vinyl, no doubt.

7) How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

Again, Vinyl. There’s something unique about actually holding an album in your hands that you don’t get with streaming.

8) Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?

I guess it’s precisely overcoming the noise. People always say that the internet has made it easier for musicians to find an audience, but I think it’s the opposite. It’s never been more difficult for artists to find room for their art.

9) Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?

Follow me on Instagram and buckle up.

10) Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?

Thank you very much for this interview and stay tuned, this is only the start.