by Daniel Harris
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| Photo by: Nataly Zigdon |
There are more things in this world that unite us than things that divide us. However, it seems that divisive tools like race, religion and sexual orientation have clouded those beautiful things that we all have in common. For Mikey Pauker, showing those commonalities through his music is a life mission.
Recently, I had a chance to catch up with Mikey via a phone interview. I went into this interview not really knowing too much about Mikey Pauker. I listened to his most recent album, Extraordinary Love, a few times leading up to the interview and it became clear that making music was more than an occupation.
Despite being separated by thousands of miles, (him in Laguna Niguel, CA and me in Baltimore, MD) Mikey's positive energy and calm demeanor were felt as if our meeting was face to face. Perhaps the yoga session he just wrapped up had something to do with that. As we began our conversation, I was curious to find out what one word would he use to best describe his music. "Colorful", he said. "My music connects with all people of all colors. It's rich, full of pop and explosiveness and full of texture." As Mikey explained his answer, his passion for his music, and life in general, began to show more and more.
Throughout our conversation, there was no denying that Mikey is guided by a deep spiritual connection. There was a period in Mikey's life where this connection wasn't as strong as it is today. "I didn't connect to the Jewish faith as a child", he said very candidly. "There was a lot of discontent." However, through his practice of yoga and attending Burning Man, Mikey set out on a path for a deeper spiritual connection. He says that opportunities like teaching Jewish music, leading the Jewish ritual of Shabbat and attending Yeshiva, provided him with a chance to tap into the mystical teachings and the raw beauty of his faith. With this new energy and new life, Mikey set out on his mission to "share is spiritual love and light with the world through music."
Mikey's list of musical influences goes beyond cultural limits and expectations. Listening to him explain why artists like Sublime, Debbie Friedman, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Ray LaMontagne, Shlomo Carlebach and Bob Marley are among his list, was almost like an erie omen to his mission. Each of these artists share an ability to move people to think beyond their present circumstances, they are all considered pioneers and leaders in their respective genres and they all sought to bring all people together through their music.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I wanted to know what he hoped people would take away from his music. I couldn't fathom an album like Extraordinary Love being done with the sole hope of having singles placed in the Top 40's rotation. There must be a deeper reason for creating it. "To spread love and light and for people to feel connected to the Divine Source" he said.
He hopes that his music will help break boundaries and cause people to stop pointing fingers and begin to appreciate the fact that we are all connected.
Get even more familiar with Mikey and check out the video for his single "Top of The World."
If you are in the Orange County area of California, see Mikey perform live February 11th at the OC Music Awards' Best Live Band Showcase at the Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa, CA.
My thanks to Mikey Pauker for a very enlightening interview.
Recently, I had a chance to catch up with Mikey via a phone interview. I went into this interview not really knowing too much about Mikey Pauker. I listened to his most recent album, Extraordinary Love, a few times leading up to the interview and it became clear that making music was more than an occupation.
 |
| Photo by: Nataly Zigdon |
Throughout our conversation, there was no denying that Mikey is guided by a deep spiritual connection. There was a period in Mikey's life where this connection wasn't as strong as it is today. "I didn't connect to the Jewish faith as a child", he said very candidly. "There was a lot of discontent." However, through his practice of yoga and attending Burning Man, Mikey set out on a path for a deeper spiritual connection. He says that opportunities like teaching Jewish music, leading the Jewish ritual of Shabbat and attending Yeshiva, provided him with a chance to tap into the mystical teachings and the raw beauty of his faith. With this new energy and new life, Mikey set out on his mission to "share is spiritual love and light with the world through music."
 |
| Photo by: Nataly Zigdon |
As we wrapped up our conversation, I wanted to know what he hoped people would take away from his music. I couldn't fathom an album like Extraordinary Love being done with the sole hope of having singles placed in the Top 40's rotation. There must be a deeper reason for creating it. "To spread love and light and for people to feel connected to the Divine Source" he said.
He hopes that his music will help break boundaries and cause people to stop pointing fingers and begin to appreciate the fact that we are all connected.
Get even more familiar with Mikey and check out the video for his single "Top of The World."
If you are in the Orange County area of California, see Mikey perform live February 11th at the OC Music Awards' Best Live Band Showcase at the Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa, CA.
My thanks to Mikey Pauker for a very enlightening interview.
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