After his journey through the sideman gig hustle, a few relocations, and music school, Mike Cykoski decided it was time for something a little different. Netting an audition with pop-rocker Gavin DeGraw, Mike’s decision to go solo was simple.
“That was the trigger on the path to becoming a solo artist,” Mike reveals. “I was in his apartment and he played many songs on the piano; they were all so good and he impressed me. It was right before he flew to LA to do the showcase that got him a record deal.”
Studying music technology through NYU’s master’s degree program, Mike went on to study at Julliard as well as completing certificates at Harvest Works and Dubspot. This allowed him to dive deep into his explorations of electronic music.
Setting himself some goals, Cykoski was able to find the funding, the right producer, and the motivation that led him to creating two 5 song EPs as A Is For Atom.
Speaking on the title track of his Song For You EP, Mike states,
“”Song for You” was the last thing that my ex said to me, that “you never wrote a song for me”…it just seems to be the theme. The break up theme.”
Despite the loneliness and love lost, Song For You is a relatively happy sounding record.
Mike’s composition and writing skills reflect those of the top names in this business. The production quality is nothing short of excellent which sets the tone for Cykoski’s emotionally driven lyrics. With plenty of nuances, literary references, and nods to the ’90s Seattle rock scene; A Is For Atom needs to join your collection of awesome indie music.
If you’re looking for interesting and refreshing ways to stimulate your songwriting, take a note or two from Mike,
“I listen to classical music, how operas are written like stories, and my lyric structures appropriate this compositional style where the chorus is an aria and the verse is a recitative,” he explains.
A Is For Atom is a unique mix of elements that falls somewhere on the spectrum between Elvis Costello and Radiohead…but with a Flaming Lips flair.
Grab your copy of Song For You then connect with A Is For Atom on FB or Twitter.
