Getting Fluid.
Michael Medrano taps into the LA nightlife for new single 'Fluids'
Michael Medrano is on a roll. With each single released the young LA artist ticks higher and higher up the list of emerging talents cracking through the noise of internet and showing that he means business and that he's here to stay. No he's released 'Fluids', easily his most infectious single to date, and that's on the heels of his incredibly popular previous track 'No More Tequila'. 'Fluids' takes Medrano into a whole new world of style and production. Playful disco licks combined with a strongly crafted lyric run and melody have elevated Medrano's craft to another level. And it sits really well on him.
We wanted to give some perspective to the song and where it grew out of so we chatted with him to take a dip into his 'Fluids' pool.
Hey Michael! It's great to catch up with you. It's been so exciting to follow your success over the past months. It's been a busy summer for you, and you're finishing it with the release of brand new single 'Fluids'. The song is super funky and upbeat and seems to have a double meaning to it. What's the story behind 'Fluids' and what's it all about?
'Fluids' was the drunken result of my time at this years LA Pride. I kissed a couple girls, kissed a couple boys, then blacked out. I'm a messy drunk and proud of it.
You wen't from 'No More Tequila' to 'Fluids'. How much of an influence does the LA nightlife and WeHo scene play in your music creation and inspiration?
It's probably the biggest influence in my writing right now, actually. I got tired of writing about my deepest feelings and wanted to change things up. I love all my past releases, but there's a lot of pain that I have to relive when I listen to or perform them. I just wanna feel good and I want everyone listening to feel good too.
Was 'Fluids' self produced or did you bring anyone in to assist?
'Fluids' was initially written and produced all by me, but the finished product out today was produced by an extremely talented guy named Zak Leever. My main producer Shiftee (shout out to Vardaan Arora for linking us!) heard my demo version and linked me with Zak. My version was more of a rock/pop vibe; Zak took it and turned it into this AMAZING disco-pop masterpiece. I definitely want to work with him again!
How long had you been working on it? Was it written fairly recently or did you have the idea for it for awhile?
The night after pride I literally woke up with a massive hangover and the song playing in my head over and over again. I sat at my piano, pulled out my voice note app, and played it all in one shot. I knew it needed to have a messy, spoken-word chorus, so I put the pitch bending effect on my vocal once I hit the studio and it was perfect. I've never loved a song of mine more!
What is your creative process like? What's the typical starting point and what paths do you take to get to the final end result?
Usually, songs flow out of me really fast. When a song gets stuck in my head for days on end, I know it's the next song I want to work on. I'll typically write the first draft of a song within 10 - 15 minutes; I feel that I really know what I want to say to the world at this point in my life. Then I take it to my home studio and make the best demo version I possibly can. From there, I send it to my producer and let him take the creative reigns. I love this process because it requires collaboration and really challenges me to think outside of the box.
It's a song that I think would be really fun to perform live. Do you have a date yet for when you'll be able to play it live?
It's SO much fun to perform. I played it before it was out at The Peppermint Club in Beverly Hills a few weeks ago. The audience knew every word by the last chorus and there wasn't a single person in the room NOT dancing. Pure magic, I'm telling you -- there's nothing like it. I'm in talks with a few different planners on my next show. Hopefully within the next month or so! Shooting for an 18+ venue, a lot of my followers told me they couldn't make my last show because of the 21+ restriction.
We wanted to give some perspective to the song and where it grew out of so we chatted with him to take a dip into his 'Fluids' pool.
Hey Michael! It's great to catch up with you. It's been so exciting to follow your success over the past months. It's been a busy summer for you, and you're finishing it with the release of brand new single 'Fluids'. The song is super funky and upbeat and seems to have a double meaning to it. What's the story behind 'Fluids' and what's it all about?
'Fluids' was the drunken result of my time at this years LA Pride. I kissed a couple girls, kissed a couple boys, then blacked out. I'm a messy drunk and proud of it.
You wen't from 'No More Tequila' to 'Fluids'. How much of an influence does the LA nightlife and WeHo scene play in your music creation and inspiration?
It's probably the biggest influence in my writing right now, actually. I got tired of writing about my deepest feelings and wanted to change things up. I love all my past releases, but there's a lot of pain that I have to relive when I listen to or perform them. I just wanna feel good and I want everyone listening to feel good too.
Was 'Fluids' self produced or did you bring anyone in to assist?
'Fluids' was initially written and produced all by me, but the finished product out today was produced by an extremely talented guy named Zak Leever. My main producer Shiftee (shout out to Vardaan Arora for linking us!) heard my demo version and linked me with Zak. My version was more of a rock/pop vibe; Zak took it and turned it into this AMAZING disco-pop masterpiece. I definitely want to work with him again!
How long had you been working on it? Was it written fairly recently or did you have the idea for it for awhile?
The night after pride I literally woke up with a massive hangover and the song playing in my head over and over again. I sat at my piano, pulled out my voice note app, and played it all in one shot. I knew it needed to have a messy, spoken-word chorus, so I put the pitch bending effect on my vocal once I hit the studio and it was perfect. I've never loved a song of mine more!
What is your creative process like? What's the typical starting point and what paths do you take to get to the final end result?
Usually, songs flow out of me really fast. When a song gets stuck in my head for days on end, I know it's the next song I want to work on. I'll typically write the first draft of a song within 10 - 15 minutes; I feel that I really know what I want to say to the world at this point in my life. Then I take it to my home studio and make the best demo version I possibly can. From there, I send it to my producer and let him take the creative reigns. I love this process because it requires collaboration and really challenges me to think outside of the box.
It's a song that I think would be really fun to perform live. Do you have a date yet for when you'll be able to play it live?
It's SO much fun to perform. I played it before it was out at The Peppermint Club in Beverly Hills a few weeks ago. The audience knew every word by the last chorus and there wasn't a single person in the room NOT dancing. Pure magic, I'm telling you -- there's nothing like it. I'm in talks with a few different planners on my next show. Hopefully within the next month or so! Shooting for an 18+ venue, a lot of my followers told me they couldn't make my last show because of the 21+ restriction.
You're part of what I like to consider the "LA Q Crew", one part music posse, one part support group. Do you try out the new music for each other before you release or take tips and suggestions?
I love that you have a name for us! I'm friends with everyone, but still feel very on the outside just because I'm tucked away in the South Bay and only get to see the other queer artists at events (Davy Boi being an exception, whom I'm pretty close with and text daily). I love them all so dearly, all so talented! I shopped this song to a few of my artist friends, but I don't often get the chance to sit down and play my music with them in person.
Has there been collaboration talks? Perhaps a duet or group single?
I'm working on a track with a new artist and personal friend "Jame", who just put out his single "Side Piece". So so good, it's a bedroom pop ear worm. Have also been talking to a few other queer artists about collaboration, but nothing is set in stone yet!
Is there one person for you who has to hear it before it's ready for release? A musical confidant?
Definitely my partner in crime Isaac Luna. Closest person in my life who also doubles as my creative director. I also like to send my personal friend group demos before they come out. They're my biggest stans and I love them so much.
What LGBTQ artists are you listening to right now? Who's releases have excited you?
I listen to Bronze Avery on repeat. Ieuan, Slayyyter, and Tove Lo (I am STOKED for Sunshine Kitty) are my current queer obsessions right now too. Honest to God though, I blast all my queer babes on the regular; they're the fucking best.
You've had a number of releases this year. Will there be more in 2019?
I'm shooting for 2 or 3 more releases before the end of the year. I'm on such a creative high and I just wanna keep my angels FED!
How are you finishing the rest of the year and what should we expect heading into 2020?
I want to do at least one or two more shows and release more songs as I go. 2019 has been so good to me and I won't let it slow down in 2020. You're gonna hear more and more from me, I promise.
Finish this sentence: 'Fluids' will _______________.
change my life.' I'm manifesting that energy. This song is a smash.
I love that you have a name for us! I'm friends with everyone, but still feel very on the outside just because I'm tucked away in the South Bay and only get to see the other queer artists at events (Davy Boi being an exception, whom I'm pretty close with and text daily). I love them all so dearly, all so talented! I shopped this song to a few of my artist friends, but I don't often get the chance to sit down and play my music with them in person.
Has there been collaboration talks? Perhaps a duet or group single?
I'm working on a track with a new artist and personal friend "Jame", who just put out his single "Side Piece". So so good, it's a bedroom pop ear worm. Have also been talking to a few other queer artists about collaboration, but nothing is set in stone yet!
Is there one person for you who has to hear it before it's ready for release? A musical confidant?
Definitely my partner in crime Isaac Luna. Closest person in my life who also doubles as my creative director. I also like to send my personal friend group demos before they come out. They're my biggest stans and I love them so much.
What LGBTQ artists are you listening to right now? Who's releases have excited you?
I listen to Bronze Avery on repeat. Ieuan, Slayyyter, and Tove Lo (I am STOKED for Sunshine Kitty) are my current queer obsessions right now too. Honest to God though, I blast all my queer babes on the regular; they're the fucking best.
You've had a number of releases this year. Will there be more in 2019?
I'm shooting for 2 or 3 more releases before the end of the year. I'm on such a creative high and I just wanna keep my angels FED!
How are you finishing the rest of the year and what should we expect heading into 2020?
I want to do at least one or two more shows and release more songs as I go. 2019 has been so good to me and I won't let it slow down in 2020. You're gonna hear more and more from me, I promise.
Finish this sentence: 'Fluids' will _______________.
change my life.' I'm manifesting that energy. This song is a smash.