A Chat with The World of Mick (15.07.2020)
Following his extensive and international career as a session musician, Mickey Wynne has released his debut studio album MICK I. Under the name The World of Mick, he draws on his talents, life experiences and collaborations to explore the character and essence of love. We sat down with Mickey Wynne (MK) to talk about his album, his music and much more!
OSR: What made you shift into a solo career from being a session musician?
MW: I was writing songs all the time I was working as a session guitarist and then producer. I started getting booked for live shows as a solo artist playing my own songs as well as playing live as a sideman with other artists like Tim Rose and John Entwistle. Eventually, I went into the studio and made my debut solo album MICK I and here we are.
OSR: Who was your favourite musician to work with?
MW: There were many favourites, many good moments. I loved working with Ron Magness (RIP) who won a Grammy for his work on Flashdance. We had so many adventures together including music projects in Karachi and recording in Abbey Road for the first time.
OSR: Was the recording of MICK I a fairly smooth process or where there bumps in the road?
MW: Pretty smooth actually. The bumps in the road were around what songs to leave off MICK I and one of my guitars which wouldn’t stay in tune!
OSR: Do you write all your own music?
MW: Yes. I also enjoy co-writes and two of them, La Troc with Phil Saatchi and French Blooze with Patrick Bergin, are on MICK I.
OSR: What is the story behind the songs on MICK I?
MW: Love stories: looking for it, finding it , being in love. And falling out of it, a couple of break up songs on there.
OSR: Which musician would you most like to collaborate with as a solo artist?
MW: I’d love to sing a duet with Adele. I‘ve got a duet on MICK I with Sarah Passmore, ‘Ballad of the Twin Flames’, and loved that moment.
OSR: What is your favourite and least favourite song on the album?
MW: Can’t answer that one, that’s like asking who my favourite or least favourite child is. My songs are like my children. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, ups and downs (don’t we all?).
OSR: If you were able to fly (without a plane), where would you go?
MW: With the wings of an angel? Wherever the angels go: past, present and future. Imagination is a wonderful thing! When I was writing the songs for MICK I, I went to some wonderful places, some very beautiful and some very sad. All very powerful.
OSR: What is your average day like?
MW: There is no average day in the world of Mick! Every day is different, that’s why I love this world I live in. I’m grateful for it!
OSR: If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
MW: Stick at it. Eric Clapton said that on TV in answer to the same question, when I was a teenager, a woodshedding guitarist. It stuck with me. Stick to the things you believe in, are passionate about and hold dear. I discovered lows as well as highs, downs as well as ups. Keep the faith, because if you give up, you’ll be on a different journey.
Thanks to Mickey Wynne for chatting with us! You can find more about The World of Mick on his website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
