Embodying Prince's Guitar: Eric Clapton's sense of Deja-Vu in Mk.gee
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Mk.gee, an experimental indie musician, has been making serious waves in the music industry since 2017 - having written and produced for artists like Omar Apollo, Role Model, and Kali Uchis.
Mk.gee’s playing style has stirred a sense of déjà vu in the legendary Eric Clapton, reminiscent of the first time he heard Prince.
Discussing contemporary guitarists with the YouTuber The Real Music Observer, Clapton said “It’s unique. He has found things to do on the guitar that are like nobody else.”
Clapton likened discovering Mk.gee’s innovative style to when Prince first emerged, saying, “The same when I first saw Prince, it was like we’re safe. Just to know it’s there is enough.”
After attending the Thornton School of Music, Mk.gee eventually found other music students to create a band. However, he felt a bit boxed in by being part of a band and decided to pursue his own vision.
“It wasn’t coming from a selfish place. It was just me trying to satisfy these visions that I had for songs.” Mk.gee told Complex in 2018. “I have so much leeway to make weird noises… The way I attack singing can be weird, but no one can tell me, ‘You’re doing that wrong.’”
When it comes to his sound production, Mk.gee gives props to his musical influences like The Black Keys and Sly Stone. He says that The Black Keys’ early albums, like ‘Thickfreakness’ and ‘Rubber Factory,’ showed him that attitude isn’t just about performing, but also about engineering. It made him realize that imperfections can add to a song’s storytelling.
Mk.gee also found inspiration in Sly Stone’s raw and unapologetic style. He saw the rough edges and messy elements in Stone’s music as a way to express personality and authenticity.
He’s so committed to this idea that if any part of his music doesn’t have its own distinct personality, he cuts it out. And on top of all that, Mk.gee can’t get enough of Larry Graham, one of his all-time favourite bass players. It shows how important individuality is in his music.
Mk.gee’s playing style has stirred a sense of déjà vu in the legendary Eric Clapton, reminiscent of the first time he heard Prince.
Discussing contemporary guitarists with the YouTuber The Real Music Observer, Clapton said “It’s unique. He has found things to do on the guitar that are like nobody else.”
Clapton likened discovering Mk.gee’s innovative style to when Prince first emerged, saying, “The same when I first saw Prince, it was like we’re safe. Just to know it’s there is enough.”
After attending the Thornton School of Music, Mk.gee eventually found other music students to create a band. However, he felt a bit boxed in by being part of a band and decided to pursue his own vision.
“It wasn’t coming from a selfish place. It was just me trying to satisfy these visions that I had for songs.” Mk.gee told Complex in 2018. “I have so much leeway to make weird noises… The way I attack singing can be weird, but no one can tell me, ‘You’re doing that wrong.’”
When it comes to his sound production, Mk.gee gives props to his musical influences like The Black Keys and Sly Stone. He says that The Black Keys’ early albums, like ‘Thickfreakness’ and ‘Rubber Factory,’ showed him that attitude isn’t just about performing, but also about engineering. It made him realize that imperfections can add to a song’s storytelling.
Mk.gee also found inspiration in Sly Stone’s raw and unapologetic style. He saw the rough edges and messy elements in Stone’s music as a way to express personality and authenticity.
He’s so committed to this idea that if any part of his music doesn’t have its own distinct personality, he cuts it out. And on top of all that, Mk.gee can’t get enough of Larry Graham, one of his all-time favourite bass players. It shows how important individuality is in his music.
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