Interview

Glas: First off let me say I love your work, how did Ekimtoria music get started?

Mike: Thank you so much. Ekimtoria started as a way to keep busy while working with others in a band. When you collaborate with other band members on songwriting, you sometimes have to wait for their contributions to materialize. During those periods, I would start creating beats and textures that eventually turned into the music of Ekimtoria.

Glas: In those earlier days as a musician what where some of your initial goals, and do you feel as though you are still on a positive track toward reaching the achievements you set for your self as an artist?

Mike: The initial goal has always been to play the guitar with a high level of expression, control and feel. And all the while, with a unique sound and voice that is truly original. Basically, to play at a high level with my own style. All roads leading to musical freedom are positive for me.

Glas: Well there is no question that Ekimtoria is a very unique and interesting name, does it have a specific meaning?

Mike: I will say it comes from two sources. The first part Ekim is what my closest friends used to call me in school. One dear friend during that time passed away and I suppose it's a way for me to honor that time and those memories. The second part comes from an abbreviation of the name of a musician who had a great impact on my songwriting and emotional connection to music.

Glas: Most successful DJ's and solo artists I know have home based studios, do you create most of your musical masterpieces under that scenario?

Mike: Yes, I love home studios. They provide the platform to create fresh music and express yourself while not being under the pressure of time or budget.

Glas: How would you classify Ekimtoria's music as a genre and whom do you feel your music specifically targets.

Mike: I feel the music is experimental in every sense of the word. I've played on many sessions and with other artists who write in a more traditional way, and as great as that can be, it has it's limitations as well. Experimental music gives me a great sense of freedom...something that can be hard to find in today's music. Speaking of whom my music targets, I believe the strong rhythmic nature of the music is attractive to younger listeners. Hip hop music is so rhythmically driven and that's what I love most about that genre. Listeners who dig cool guitar playing, layered sounds and intricate musical textures should also be able to find something to experience.

Glas: I think your sounds have amazing potential to mesh well with film and would contribute greatly to the creative value of the content. Have you considered writing musical scores for film or is your focus purely on just making your own music at this time.

Mike: Writing for film would be a great means of expression and something I would love to do in the future. Of course, the quality of the film content would be the determining factor as to how enjoyable such a project would be. I still enjoy working with other musicians and doing sessions; as well as teaching many students each week. I established a teaching facility in Los Angeles called California Guitar Academy, where I see a wide range of students with different musical interests. The teaching environment gives me additional opportunities to create new musical ideas.

Glas: Where can fans find out more about you and where to get Ekimtoria music.

Mike: I can be found online at myspace.com/Ekimtoria. I'll probably release a select number of songs on Itunes and also pursue a small label that's interested in unique sounding music played at a high level of expression.

Thanks Mike

Be sure check out the amazing sounds of Ekimtoria in upcoming Glas Film projects as well as in the next new Glas feature film due to be released this fall.