Boston-based MkX premieres his latest track on CelebMix. It’s called “Highlights,” and takes the dynamic sounds he generated on his previous singles, “The Look” and “Ghost,” to the next level. “Highlights” was written and produced by MkX.
MkX explains the contagious aura of his songs, “I want to write songs that reflect what I am going through and that I know everyone who listens has gone through at one point or another. I’m really into creating records that have a unique level of detail and cleverness in the wordplay, but keep them a bit vague so that everyone can connect with them on a personal level.”
Presently studying electronic production and sound design at Berklee College of Music, MkX was born with music in his soul, writing songs at the age of 3, followed by picking up a guitar and feeling at home. He began performing when he was 9-years-old, later touring with Ariana Grande, Christina Perri, and the pop/rock band Rixton.
When he went solo, the effect was galvanizing, as “The Look” and “Ghost” together amassed 2 million streams on Spotify, resulting in MkX’s showcase performance at Fashion Show Mall’s live show in Las Vegas, as well as playing the Whisky A Go Go, Mandalay Bay, The Roxy, CMJ Music Festival, El Rey Theatre, Times Square, Lincoln Center, and House of Blues.
Along with his solo projects, MkX’s talent for writing and producing is in high-demand. With Kim Petras, he co-wrote “Young & Wild” for K-Pop’s wildly popular girl group TWICE. “Young & Wild” was one of the songs on the group’s platinum EP, YES or YES, rocketing to the number one spot in South Korea and Japan.
Vis-à-vis the name MkX, the artist says, “The ‘X’ in my name represents confidence and self-expression through art. I used to be very self-conscious of what people thought of me. It affected how I acted, wrote music, and lived my life. I decided to create a character that embodied everything I wanted to be as a person. From auditory/visual art and fashion to attitude and confidence, I developed a persona that represented the best version of myself.”
“Highlights” opens on hefty granular textures emanating from oscillating synths riding a fat bass line and tight crisp percussion. The infectious melody blends pop, trap-lite and soul-infused R&B flavors into captivating surging colors seething with energy.
MkX’s voice, velvety with wicked sensual timbres, discharges palpable electrifying tones laced with lush surfaces hues.
“I just want the highlights / I‘m not tryna hi-ide the light / I just want the highlights / Uh huh uh huh uh huh uh huh uh huh.”
“Highlights” lights it up! This song is on fire, full of stylish throbbing colors and seductive harmonic layers, along with the deluxe voice of MkX.