Mikey Votano – Shut Up And Dance (2020)
You know how there are some songs that stick in your head even though you don’t know any of the lyrics. Beyond that, you don’t know who sings it and aren’t sure if they have any other songs. Walk The Moon’s ‘Shut Up And Dance’ is my elusive song. I love the bounce and cheekiness, but don’t ask me to sing it or talk about Walk The Moon. I assume they’re good if ‘Shut Up And Dance’ is anything to go by.
We’re not here to discuss pop-rock band Walk The Moon, but we are here to discuss ‘Shut Up And Dance’ (or at least a cover of it). In December 2019, Australian musician and performer Mikey Votano recorded his version of ‘Shut Up And Dance’. In May 2020, he released the track marking his first UK single. He even has an accompanying video showing stranded workers dancing along to the tune.
Born in Sydney to an Italian-American family, Votano has all the charisma and charm associated with his Latin background. Based on his enthusiasm for music, you might assume Votano had an easy musical upbringing – it is actually the contrary. An over-critical upbringing and difficult school life placed Votano in that category of lazy and disruptive students. It was only in his final months of high school that he was diagnosed and treated for ADHD. The amusing twist to the story is that Votano became a primary school teacher despite being expelled in his student days.
Along with a Chuck Berry swag, bold vocals, and dirty sax, Votano is a throwback to the 60s with his rock and roll bad-ass-ness. A cleverly arranged single, it is difficult to identify the Walk The Moon track. The only reason I knew the song is because it said so on the label.
Brazen, captivating, and entirely vivacious, it is clear that Votano has a true passion for vintage grooves from yesteryear. I doubt I will ever see him perform, but his energy comes blasting from the stereo leaving me without a doubt of the passion at his shows. If I ever make it to Australia, I know who I’ll be aching to see on my Friday night out. Seriously, if every primary school teacher was this cool kids would be more excited to go to school.
For more from Mikey Votano, check out his official website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
