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Mikeyy is a 22-year-old electronic music artist who has swiftly made a name for himself with his unique sound and electrifying stage presence. Known for his collaborations with New Zealand heavyweights Lee Matthews and rising star Repair, Mikeyy has already shared the stage with major acts, including opening for Chase and Status at Auckland’s Trust Arena. His next chapter unfolds with the release of his self-produced single Breathe, the first track from an upcoming 4-track EP through the Los Angeles-based label Nightmode, home to artists like Knock2 and Isoxo. 

This new sound blends emotional songwriting with high-octane electronic energy, showcasing Mikeyy’s ability to craft raw, vulnerable music alongside explosive drops. A fixture in New Zealand’s club scene and at major festivals like Rhythm and Vines and Rolling Meadows, Mikeyy’s dynamic sets and live performances are gaining attention both locally and internationally, positioning him as a rising force in the global electronic music scene.

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Ones to Watch: Tell us who you are and how you came about.

Mikeyy: Hey guys! My name is Mikey. I’m an electronic artist who sings, produces, and DJs. I actually started my career as a rapper, so you may have seen me in that realm. But over the past couple of years, I’ve really found my sweet spot and my sound in electronic music. My music spans across a whole bunch of influences, but every song is written from my heart, with a lot of energy. I hope you enjoy them.

When did you realise you wanted to pursue music?

So, when I was 15, I played a cover set at a local gig called Apollo. There were about 20 people in the crowd. The second I got off stage, I posted on my story that I was a musician—and I never looked back. That’s the true story.

How would you describe your music?

I would describe my music as honest and vulnerable. That’s really the only thing that ties it all together. It goes across a lot of different genres and sounds, but at the core, it always comes from me and what I’m experiencing and how I feel.

Do you find that your music has changed since you started?

100%. My music has really taken a turn in the past two years. Just finding electronic music and diving into production styles of some of the artists I love. It’s definitely become bigger. Bigger in sound, bigger in feeling. It’s stuff that really makes you feel something, and it’s hard to turn off.

Who or what has influenced your music career?

Early influences in my career were hip hop icons like Drake, Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar. I love the storytelling of hip hop and the energy behind it. But production-wise, over the last couple of years, it’s been people like Skrillex, Freddie, and Montel 29/9. Their approach to soundscapes—creating larger-than-life sonic moments—has really elevated my production style.

Who do you make music for and what do you hope people get out of your music?

I’d say I make music primarily for myself—it’s always been my form of therapy. But because of that, it’s also for the people. Everything I communicate is something human, because I’ve experienced it and I know you have too. Whether it’s heartbreak, joy, or just dancing, it’s about those human emotions. So it’s for you, the listeners. I’m sharing that experience with you because I know you’ve felt these things too.

What are some career highlights for you so far?

One career highlight was definitely playing at Trust Arena. Opening for Chase and Status—who are two huge icons for me—was another one. Also, MC-ing for Repair, who I’ve become a bit of a duo with recently, was another highlight. And playing at R&B Vines—everyone talks about that when you’re a kid, so being able to tell people in high school that I played there was pretty cool.

Have you faced any challenges along the way?

Yes. So many. I don’t use bad language, but trying to become an artist is tough. You have to take a lot of hits, and you have to learn to love the grind. It’s not easy—like playing shows with no money, people doing you dirty behind the scenes—stuff you might see on Netflix shows in a small element. But in the end, it’s all worth it. You just have to stick it out.

What are your goals now?

Short term, my goal is to establish my new sound and bring out these records. I want to find people who resonate with it and want to dance with me. It’s a very new phase for me. Long term, I want to play overseas. I’m playing my first tour in America soon, which I’m super excited about. That’s hopefully going to be the start of taking everything to a new level. I love New Zealand, and I want to put New Zealand on the map—not that it hasn’t been done before, but that’s the plan.

If you wanted someone to take away one thing from your music, what would it be?

The one thing I’d want people to feel after listening to my music is that whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel the way you feel. Sometimes you just have to sit in those emotions. My music is about sitting in it together for a bit, and then letting it out—whether that means dancing or crying or just feeling it. Whatever emotion I felt when I wrote the song, I want to give that to you, and we can share the load. It makes it easier.