Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Mike Pennino
Mike is a New Jersey native living in North Carolina who loves Jesus, people, and hip-hop. Before heading to college he stumbled upon Christian Hip-hop, which led to reading the New Testament for the first time. This eventually led Mike to understanding why Jesus came to earth, died on the cross, and rose from the dead. Jesus did all of it in order to free us from our sins, heal us, and reconcile us back to God. When it finally clicked for Mike, he was all in and placed his faith in Jesus. Long story short… God won his heart and saved him. Since then he has graduated from UNCP and is currently one of the pastors on staff at Vertical Church in NC. So far Mike has released a mixtape, an album, and a few singles (and he has more music on the way). He raps about topics such as God, faith, mental health issues, suicide, temptations, the world around us, etc. Mike pulls no punches when it comes to sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly in life. He wants his music to help people. To help people have a relationship with the LORD, help people overcome their struggles, help people heal, and help people become who they were made to truly be. His goal is to help people experience the glory of Jesus.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I would say one of my earliest memories connected with music was stumbling upon Linkin Park’s first album Hybrid Theory. My dad was big on rock n roll, so he had a whole bunch of CDs. Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory album was the first album of music that I genuinely listened to and connected with. I would take the cd with me and play it in my Walkman to and from school growing up. It is still an album I can go back to and enjoy to this day.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
From Linkin Park, I would start listening to more and more music. I don’t remember why, but one day in High School I thought I’d start writing song lyrics. They were terrible in retrospect, but they were crucial for me to vent and grow in writing. When I stumbled upon hip-hop music, I realized I could vent and convey more in rap lyrics. Then when I gave my life to the Lord, my lyrics started to reflect the changes in my life. Realizing how God used music in my life to impact me, I wanted to make music that would point people to Jesus and bless them.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My newest song “Get Up And Go” featuring Xay Hill and Godfearin was fun creating. Xay and I have been working together musically for a couple years now. He picked the beat and wrote the chorus to the song. When I heard the hook, I was excited to write. The song is intended to convey how no matter what we have experienced in life, that we are able to see how God kept us and we are still able to move forward. To get up and go. After I wrote and recorded my verse, Xay reached out to Godfearin for the second verse and it was a wrap.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Honestly, I’d say uniquely inspirational, hype, and authentic.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
There’s been a few things actually, since just like I am growing as a person, so is my music. But if I had to pick one thing, I’d say stop overthinking it and make music that feels good. In no way does that mean I compromise my message or convictions with the lyrics, but remember that music is art. Art is meant to be enjoyed. Not just by others, but by me as well.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I’ve found FruityLoops studio software very helpful. Also, a friend of mine put me on M-Audio’s Uber Mics. I bought one and it has been a game changer for me with recording (especially with FL Studio).
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Oh that’s difficult. There are so many. One particular artist I’ll single out is Sanctified Flow. He is a great artist, rapper, and producer. One of his songs that sticks out to me is his song called “when silence hits.”
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
They are extremely important. My personal experiences and faith are the bedrock to my music and vision as an artist. I make music for everyone, but with the hopes of blessing people and pointing them to the Lord. Usually I write my music based on a few factors. One is how the Lord is leading me, what I have been going through, and what I think people need. At the core, I want to love God and people the best I can (even through my music).
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
It can vary with each song, but overall I’d say a couple things. The first is the good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead. And if we trust in Him, we’ll be saved and He’ll begin restoring us from the inside out. The second (which is tied to the first) is that despite whatever, God truly wants you and loves you. The third is that we are human. No one is perfect, especially me. We have flaws and we all need God. We all need healing. We all need love. I hope people can take away from me and my work that it’s ok to not be ok, it’s ok to be real and transparent, and it’s ok to accept help. Whether that help is from God, other people, or resources God has made available in life. You matter and are called to so much more.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Life is so complex and yet simple. Through it all (whether good, bad, or blah), it’s beautiful. It’s a gift.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I don’t actually have one. I’m down to perform at any venue or any festival. Wherever people are at because I want to impact and bless people.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would be humbled to collaborate with either Lecrae or Eminem. Those two artists have made such a positive impact in my life. The first Christian rap CD I bought was Lecrae’s Rehab, which God used greatly in my life. Eminem’s song Lose Yourself was the song that got me into hip-hop. Eminem is the best rap artist of all time in my opinion and Lecrae is such a pioneer when it comes to rap as well.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
Listeners can follow and support me at https://bio.site/mikepennino. Or…
Spotify:
Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mike-pennino/1549262620?ls
Youtube:
https://youtube.com/@mikepennino
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mikepennino
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I’ve learned to be thankful wherever God allows me to go musically. However, my dream and goal for the next chapter would be to continue to reach even more people with the good news of Jesus and my music.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
Man… That I’m human too. That I’m still learning to trust God more and still striving to be who He has called me to be. I’m on a journey too. I’m just another guy who God loves.
