MillionYoung at The Atlantic

Friday, 26 February 2010 17:11

Mike Diaz, a.k.a. MillionYoung, released his first EP SunnDreamm in September, and within a five-month time frame he's already 1) Released a second EP Be So True. 2) Set up an East Coast tour, including booking The Mercury Lounge in NYC. 3) Been accepted to play at South by Southwest. And 4) Got reviewed and rated a 7 out of 10 on Pitchfork.com .

By Stephanie Granada; Photo by Helen Valleau

These aren't feats often mastered by independent artist, much less in such a short time frame, but when you first hear MillionYoung, you get why this solo act, wonder boy was the one. His swaying electro beats and slightly off-kilter, soothing voice combine to make the kind of "not-a-care-in the-world" often reserved for classic surf music like The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" and "Wouldn't it Be Nice." If this cold weather's got you jonesin for some sunshine, with song titles like "SunnDreamm," "Hammock" and "Chlorophyll," what you're looking for is at the Atlantic tonight. Mike shares with us his influences, thoughts on the electro music scene and plans for the future.

How did you come up with the name MillionYoung?
It's a song by a band called American Analog Set. It seemed to fit what I was doing. It's definitely my favorite song.

How would you describe your music?
It's heavy on electro, but I add natural sounds.

How did your sound develop?
I was listening to a variety of things: The Radio Dept., New order and things like that. Panda Bear, The Beach Boys - airy stuff like that.

What have you found to be the hardest part of making a career out of being an independent artist?
Just kind of being able to get music out there and having everyone hear it. There's a lot of competition out there, but everyone I work with has been really supportive. We all just help each other out.

Tell me about how you felt seeing yourself reviewed on Pitchfork.
It was a little surreal. I didn't really know they were going to do that. Beth Martinez of Danger Village promotions e mailed me, and she wanted to send it out to a bunch of people because she really liked it.

Do you plan on putting out a full-length?
I definitely want to do a full length. I am waiting until after the tour. A couple people offered to put it out.

What do you think of the electronic music scene?
It's not too new. People think it came out of nowhere, but everything is based on stuff that came before. Some people think it will come and go quick, but i still listen to stuff that isn't popular now. Like new wave kind of stuff that's not in the mainstream, nobody is talking about it.

Have you been to Gainesville before?
Not in a few years, but I used to go up there a lot to visit friends. The Atlantic is actually where we hung out, so its funny that's where I booked a show.

What can people expect from your show tonight?
A lot of dancing.