Myke Towers on His First-Ever Studio Session, Learning from Reggaeton Icons | Growing Up | Billboard

Summary

In this interview, Myke Towers reflects on his upbringing in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, and how it influenced his music career. He shares his early passion for music, inspired by artists like Biggie Smalls, Tego Calderón, and Daddy Yankee, as well as his grandmother’s influence on his songwriting. Myke describes his first professional recording experience and the challenges of establishing himself in the industry. He talks about his journey through self-discovery, the impact of Hurricane María, and how his music serves as a voice for the youth. Myke also acknowledges the support of mentors and expresses gratitude for his family and fans.

Takeaways

• 😀 Growing up in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, was a significant influence on the speaker's upbringing and character development, with a vibrant cultural environment centered around music, celebration, and family.
• 😀 The speaker reflects on how they were an easy student, passing classes without much effort, but they could excel when interested in something.
• 😀 Music was a key escape for the speaker, and they had to prove their dedication before pursuing it professionally, especially to their mother.
• 😀 The speaker’s first experience in a recording studio was intimidating and unplanned, but it marked the beginning of their journey into music, specifically reggaeton.
• 😀 Biggie Smalls, Tego Calderón, Daddy Yankee, and other Puerto Rican artists were major inspirations for the speaker, shaping their approach to music and rhythm.
• 😀 The speaker's grandmother played an important role in their music career, teaching them how to write songs and nurturing their early passion for singing.
• 😀 The speaker’s first reggaeton song helped boost their confidence and set them on the path to making music professionally.
• 😀 After Hurricane María, the speaker moved to Orlando and began collaborating with artists like Alex Rose, which helped them embrace reggaeton and trust their instincts.
• 😀 The speaker learned that they couldn’t please everyone with their music, but they had developed a good sense of their audience’s reactions when trying new things.
• 😀 The speaker dedicates their success and awards to their family, especially their mother, son, and people in Puerto Rico, as well as to the new generation keeping the genre alive.
• 😀 The speaker feels they represent the voice of the youth, with advice and support from fellow artists like Farruko, Ñengo Flow, Arcángel, and De La Ghetto helping guide their career.

Q & A

What role did the speaker's upbringing in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico play in shaping their musical career?

The speaker's upbringing in Río Piedras was crucial in shaping their musical career. Growing up in a lively environment filled with celebrations, music, and cultural festivities, they were exposed to the vibrant Puerto Rican culture, which greatly influenced their musical identity. The constant presence of music in everyday life, such as playing in the background while cleaning or working, became an integral part of their upbringing.

How did the speaker's grandmother influence their musical journey?

The speaker's grandmother had a significant impact on their musical journey. She was always practicing songs and had a home studio with a karaoke setup, where the speaker learned the basics of music and songwriting. Her influence inspired the speaker to pursue music and helped foster their early love for singing and creating.

What was the speaker's experience like in school, and how did it relate to their music career?

In school, the speaker was naturally talented but lacked motivation. They would often pass classes without putting in extra effort, which led teachers to recognize their potential. The speaker's lack of focus on academics shifted toward their music interests, where they found their true passion and motivation to succeed.

Which musical genres and artists influenced the speaker during their early years?

The speaker was heavily influenced by the music of Biggie Smalls, Tego Calderón, and Daddy Yankee, who were iconic figures in reggaeton and rap. These artists shaped their understanding of music, culture, and rhythm, which led them to appreciate both the sounds and the broader lifestyle surrounding music.

What was the speaker's first experience in a recording studio like?

The speaker's first experience in a recording studio was nerve-wracking yet exciting. They had never heard their voice through a microphone before, and the recording was done in a house rather than a professional studio. Despite having no written lyrics, they recorded a simple reggaeton track and began developing their style from there.

How did the speaker's music evolve after recording their first major song, 'Darte'?

After recording 'Darte' with Alex Rose, the speaker began to gain more confidence in their music. This was the turning point where they learned to trust their instincts and let their inner voice guide their creative process. From this point, they shifted away from freestyle rapping to more structured songwriting.

How did Hurricane María impact the speaker's career and relocation?

Hurricane María had a profound impact on the speaker's life, forcing them to leave Puerto Rico and relocate to Orlando. This move marked a significant change in their career, as they recorded 'Darte' and began to focus more seriously on their music, including stepping into reggaeton for the first time.

What lesson did the speaker learn from working with established Puerto Rican artists like Farruko and Ñengo Flow?

Working with established artists like Farruko and Ñengo Flow, and receiving their advice, helped the speaker refine their approach to music. They learned that not everything has to be rushed, and that careful preparation and trust in one's own creative process are essential to producing meaningful music.

What is the speaker’s perspective on balancing artistic integrity and industry expectations?

The speaker recognizes that it is impossible to please everyone, especially in the music industry. However, they have learned to gauge their audience's reactions and tailor their music to their fans, while still staying true to their artistic instincts. They believe it’s important to take risks and stay authentic to their own vision.

What does the speaker aim to achieve with their music, and who do they dedicate their success to?

The speaker aims to help their family, especially their mother and grandmother, and take responsibility for their community. They dedicate their success to their family, their fans in Puerto Rico, and the next generation, emphasizing their responsibility to help maintain the relevance of reggaeton and its cultural significance.