Exclusive Conversation with MAL€K

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Artist Spotlight: MAL€K

An artist whose music is deeply rooted in personal experience, creativity, and emotional authenticity. With a unique blend of influences and a synesthetic perspective, Mal€k shares insights into his journey, creative process, and vision for the future. In this candid interview, he opens up about what drives him, the stories behind his songs, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the ever-evolving music industry.

Join us as we explore the inspiring world of Mal€k and discover the passion that fuels his artistry.

MusicsWeek: What inspired you to pursue a career in music and how did you get started?

MAL€K: What truly inspired me to pursue music was a blend of family, close friends, and something I call my “beautiful disease”—synesthesia. It’s a condition where I see sounds as colors and feel music in a multi-sensory way, which turned every beat, lyric, and melody into something deeply personal and visual. Growing up, music was always around me—whether it was someone freestyling at a party, playing the guitar at a family gathering, or just sharing songs in a car ride. That energy pulled me in early, and once I started creating on my own, I knew it wasn’t just a hobby—it was the only thing that made sense.

MusicsWeek: Can you tell us about the creative process behind your single “Toast To That”?

MAL€K: “Toast To That” was born out of a very specific feeling I had during a winter trip to Denver. I met someone who left a lasting impression on me—what started as a random connection turned into this vivid, fleeting love story. The cold air, the warmth of that bond, the fire of emotion despite the snow outside—all of that played into the creation of the track. I didn’t want it to be a typical love song—it’s more like a snapshot of a moment in time. I let the vibe guide me. I visualized the entire scene and tried to translate that emotion into the melody, production, and lyrics.

MusicsWeek: Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?

MAL€K: I’d say Yelawolf, Michael Jackson, and Atmosphere have had the most impact on me—each for different reasons.
    •    Yelawolf inspired me with his raw, genre-blending style and storytelling. He’s unapologetically himself and constantly evolving.
    •    Michael Jackson, of course, is the blueprint in so many ways. His attention to detail, performance energy, and emotional delivery are second to none.
    •    Atmosphere taught me how powerful vulnerability is in music. They showed me it’s okay to speak from scars, to be poetic, and to let pain be art.
They’ve all shaped my sound by pushing me to blend genres, stay authentic, and lead with feeling before formula.

MusicsWeek: How do you handle writer’s block or creative challenges?

MAL€K: Writer’s block happens, but I’ve learned not to fear it. When I hit a wall creatively, I step away. I live life, soak in real experiences, and let time breathe new inspiration into me. Sometimes I journal instead of write music. Sometimes I dive into other art forms—film, painting, or just walking outside. Other times, I’ll listen to songs I love, not to copy them, but to reconnect with why I started. And honestly, having synesthesia helps. Colors, environments, and moods can trigger melodies or lyrics out of nowhere—I’ve just learned to trust the process and not force it.

MusicsWeek: What message or emotion do you hope your music conveys to your listeners?

MAL€K: I want my music to make people feel something real. Whether it’s heartbreak, healing, nostalgia, love, or even that feeling of just driving with the windows down at night—not thinking, just being. I write about my life because I know I’m not the only one going through it. I hope listeners hear their own stories in mine, and that it helps them process, reflect, or even escape for a moment. I want the music to be a mirror and a sanctuary.

MusicsWeek: Can you share a memorable experience from your live performances?

MAL€K: Absolutely—one of my most unforgettable moments was performing in front of 10,000 people at Angel Stadium in California. It was short, just one song, but the energy in that place? Unreal. The lights, the crowd, the noise… but also the stillness within me in that moment. Everything else disappeared. It wasn’t even about the number of people—it was about realizing how powerful music is in connecting strangers. That memory still fuels me.

MusicsWeek: How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?

MAL€K: I see myself experimenting more—blending genres, working with live instrumentation, and diving into more cinematic storytelling. I want to create projects that feel like films—full arcs, immersive visuals, and layered meaning. I’m also interested in fusing more of my cultural roots and real-life experiences into the music. Growth to me means being fearless with sound. I don’t want to be put in a box—I want my evolution to feel natural, but unexpected.

MusicsWeek: What role does collaboration play in your artistic journey?

MAL€K: Collaboration is everything. Working with other artists not only brings new ideas and energy into the room—it inspires me and keeps me creatively alive. Everyone has a different story, a different sound, a different lens—and when you blend that with your own, magic can happen. Whether it’s co-writing, producing together, or featuring each other on tracks, collaboration opens doors I could never walk through alone.

MusicsWeek: How do you stay motivated and connected to your fans?

MAL€K: I stay connected by sharing my process and being transparent. Social media gives me a platform not just to promote, but to show the real—studio moments, personal struggles, behind-the-scenes, all of it. I try to be consistent in posting content that brings people into my world. Messages from fans keep me going too. When someone tells me a song helped them through something? That’s the biggest motivator there is.

MusicsWeek: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians trying to break into the industry?

MAL€K: My biggest advice is: keep going. It’s easy to get discouraged. It’s easy to feel like you’re not being seen. But music is a marathon, not a race. Don’t chase trends—create from truth. Stay consistent. Learn the business. Find your tribe. And most importantly—don’t wait for validation to start moving. Make music like the world’s already listening—even if it’s just you and your headphones.