Rising Music Star Mikki Zip On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry
An Interview With Eden Gold
1 . Closed doors can open new doors.
2 . Never try to be someone else, there’s only one you.
3 . Always go for it and give it all you got.
4 . Let people have their opinions, doesn’t mean they are always right.
5 . Do what makes YOU happy.
As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Mikki Zip.
Mikki Zip is a dynamic singer-songwriter with roots in Syracuse, NY, and a heart firmly planted in Nashville, TN. Her sound is a captivating blend of old-school country, rock-n-roll, and modern music. Known for her high-energy performances and emotional depth, Mikki forges a powerful connection with audiences that keeps them coming back for more.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in Syracuse, NY until I was 14 years old. At that time, I made the move to Nashville just a couple weeks before starting high school. It was wonderful to really learn who I was as a young artist from 9th-12th grade in the Music City area! I played anywhere that would have me whether a coffee shop, fair, restaurant, or bar. You learn a lot just sitting on a stool in the corner of a BBQ Joint hoping folks like what you’re doing and might throw a few dollars in the bucket!
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?
I never remember a time not having music in my life to influence me. My mom, while she can’t carry a tune in a bucket, always sang loud and proud while having a very diverse music taste that ranged from John Denver to Elton John to Gary Allan. Singing along to her CDs of all different genres was a usual thing for us! At the same time, I had the lucky upbringing of being able to watch my Uncle, TJ Sacco, play music around the Central New York area. I remember him playing Garth Brooks, Hank Jr. and even his own tunes while I danced and sang along. He inspired me in a big way and made me realize that country music could be my career and that it was a dream worth chasing.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Something I don’t get to speak on in the country music world is my background in theater! I actually have my BFA in Performing Arts and throughout the years have gotten the chance to play so many fun roles, while learning a lot about stage presence and vocal training. I truly think without this background, I would not feel as at home on a stage as I do now. The first front and center role I got to play was Belle in Beauty and the Beast in the 5th grade. This role and time really stuck with me as a performer because it helped to give 10 year old Mikki a boost of confidence and cemented that love for being under those stage lights! Now, all these years later, I still love a stage whether singing my own music or playing a role.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
There are so many learning moments as you come to understand this industry and music. A big one that I recall is when I was about 11 or 12 years old, I was a part of a show where I just had to sing one song. Right before I went on stage, me and my mom were chatting and her hand knocked into my tuning knobs at the end of the guitar. I was only a year into playing the guitar and still learning to remember to tune my guitar right before I play… well this performance sure cemented it in my head! When I got out there and started playing my guitar was DISASTROUSLY out of tune. I learned at that age when you forget the words or mess up to just keep going… so that’s what I did. When it comes to tuning your guitar, that was not the right choice! Ever since, I tune my guitar right before I play every time, absolutely traumatized by this aggressively off key performance. These are the moments you get through to learn and if I could go back in time I would still hope this same thing happened! A valuable lesson was learned that day.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
There are so many people that I could list on this question that helped to get me where I am. I am so blessed to have a major support system with my family, especially my parents. There is two people that first come to mind for me and that is my grandparents. Through every up and down of this crazy dream, they have supported me. When I was younger and still living in Syracuse, my Gramma and Papa lived just a few doors down from me. I would call them over multiple times a week to invite them to my “show”. I’d make them pay at the door and everything! They’d sit there for well over an hour watching me pop out from behind my Fisher Price curtain and sing along to my karaoke machine. Whether it was Grease or Beauty and the Beast, they were all ears. They watched this all begin for me and I can’t thank them enough. If it wasn’t for those silly little shows, I don’t know if I’d be doing this today. I call my Gramma every day and tell her all the details of my shows and music, she’s one of my best friends. I know my Papa, who isn’t with us anymore, still has a front row seat to every show and I hope he’s proud of how the stages have grown from my living room in Syracuse, NY.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
I am very excited for my brand new EP to drop on October 18th! This new single that just released, “Somethin’ to Write About”, is the title track to the project. Making these 4 songs was such an incredible experience and the first where I felt like I was truly able to let my personality and sound show through my music! Chris Justice took the reins on the whole thing, Producing, Mixing and Mastering. I truly have him, and Spellbound Recorders in Lebanon, TN, to thank for the wonderful experience of recording and making these tracks what they are today.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
I think music, film and TV should represent what the world looks like today!
As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career?
Being an independent artist, motivation truly has to come from myself. Nobody is there to push you along the way, to tell you to clock in on time or get something done. I tell myself to do at least 2 things a day that help advance my career, big or small. I also try to stay active, whether running or going to the gym, as this keeps your mind healthy not just your body. So many obstacles come and go in this career, I just stay prepared for any outcome. I ride the wave of these ups and downs, but try not to let the highs be too high or the lows be too low. It’s important to celebrate a win as that does give motivation, but it’s also important to stay level headed and on the right track!
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1 . Closed doors can open new doors.
2 . Never try to be someone else, there’s only one you.
3 . Always go for it and give it all you got.
4 . Let people have their opinions, doesn’t mean they are always right.
5 . Do what makes YOU happy.
Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?
Songwriting is the biggest form of therapy to me. I could be co-writing with someone for the first time and leave that room knowing so much about them and their heart. I like to co-write with folks that bring a positive and excited attitude into the room, so I try to bring that energy into every write! You might have heard that in this industry, you need to be a good “hang”, and I totally agree with that. People want to write/make music with their friends! Or at least people they enjoy being around. I am constantly writing down thoughts in my notes on my phone for titles or ideas. I’ll bring those into a write a lot of the time or something can just be said in the room that day and boom… there’s your idea. Each song is different to me and nothing is a science when it comes to the process. I let it flow and see what happens!
Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?
While country music based, I believe a lot of my music has a rock edge to it that makes it a little different than what you might hear on the radio today. Like I shared previously, I grew up listening to many different genres and when recording/writing, all those music styles start mixing together! You might hear a little Linda Ronstadt or Janis Joplin, but also a little Loretta Lynn or Tammy Wynette! It’s all boiling together in one pot in my music and I love having it that way. The biggest compliment I get at shows is when someone says- “You’re unique”. I truly don’t want to be anyone else or conform to what someone wants to hear, I want to be Mikki Zip through and through.
How do you connect with your audience?
My favorite way to connect with anyone who might be a new fan of my music is at live shows. There is nothing more impactful than playing live in front of folks! It is truly the most memorable way to have them hear your music for the first time. Last year I played 150+ shows and I’m excited to keep that train rolling!
With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry?
I realized that making time for me is very important. When I don’t, I get too run down to do these big performances or writes that I need to have my A game for! I make sure, like I shared before, to stay active because that always helps to calm you down and have some time for yourself. I also make sure to have a day off once and a while to relax or just do something fun that doesn’t involve music! While I love the music world, it’s important to take a breath sometimes.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :)
I think this world needs a movement of POSITIVITY! A simple smile to others, even if you’re just faking it, can change someone’s whole day around. Sometimes that fake smile might even help to bring some positive thoughts to your own mind!
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)
DOLLY. PARTON. The influence this woman has had on me and the whole world is absolutely incredible. The stories and advice she would probably have to share would be truly life changing. As a female in the country music industry, I’d love to pick her brain and see how she truly built her own empire!
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
Instagram (@mikkizip_official), Tiktok (@mikkizip) and Facebook are where I stay most active! You can also find my website at MikkiZip.com
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold.
