We caught up with MicKartel to talk about his music. Here at Indiy we champion musicians. So let's get to it...

What do you enjoy most about being an independent musician?

Having complete creative control over all the music I create.

If we were to peek over your shoulder, what does your studio look like? What gear do you typically use?

Pro Tools, Safire Pro 40 interface, Presonus studio channel, JBL speakers, and an MXL 550 with a Kaotica eyeball pop filter.

How would you want people to describe your latest project in a tweet?

Straight Crank!!

What makes a good song in your opinion?

Catchy Melody and catchy lyrics and great tones!

How do you know that you want to work with an artist or a group or band?

From the way their music sounds and how they deliver each bar.

Also how their music made me feel

Do you plan your music releases, or do you just finish a song and release it?

Little bit of both to be honest.

What can we expect from you within the next 6 months? Any releases planned? Future gigs?

Yes...A compilation album with multiple maryland artists of different genres.

And also my own project as an artist.

Are there any collaborations, past or future, that you are excited about?

The compilation album I mentioned in the previous question.

I am excited about it because it showcases different Maryland artists and their sounds over my beats

What inspires your creative process?

A made up loop in my head or a loop I heard on splice!

What are your top three favorite albums of all time and why those albums?

Frank Ocean - channel ORANGE
I loved this album because it really introduced the ranges, melodies, and creativity outside of the box, the unorthodox construction of music by Frank Ocean, and his beat selection bringing in John Mayer for production.

Drake - More Life
I like this album not only because Drake is my favorite artist but he just knows music. He knows how to deliver on every genre he attacks and the beat selection is always fire in my opinion.

And Nav - Emergency Tsunami
This is another one of my top 3 favorite albums based on Nav’s song and rap melodies, and his beat selection teamed up wit' Wheezy on the beats. Not to mention the fire features from our new age artists like Lil Baby and Gunna.

Where can we find you on social media?

FB: Mic Kartel
IG: @mickartel
Twitter: @Mic_Kartel