MIKNNA and Daft Punk

Today I have some music from the ever exciting and moving city, Los Angeles. This duo likes to go by the name MIKNNA, and they are shaking up the underground music scene one track at a time. Fusing retro sounds with hip-hop and some electronic work, MIKKNA gives us music to bounce to.

MIKNNA is made up of two very important components - a producer and a vocalist. One member brings the instrumental and musical skills to the table. In fact, the producer, Ken Nana is a talented musician and plays multiple instruments. The vocalist, Mike B, also serves as the rapper of the duo and brings words to the song. The two of them together are able to breathe life into tracks like this, giving the song body and filling it with sensation.

MIKKNA's sound could be described as "electro-soul," a gorgeous blend of an older style with a newer one. This song is definitely on the slower side, but that doesn't mean the song lacks funk or groove. This song can hold its own when it comes to getting people to bop to the music. I find myself easily getting into the groove of the song, the beat oddly infectious despite the fact that it doesn't move as fast as other funk-infused tracks. MIKKNA has a very unique sound. Not only is their soundscape different from a lot of other artists, but the entire atmosphere and ambience of their music allow the duo to stand among a playlist. There is something captivating about how MIKKNA is able to reach into musical strands of more futuristic sounds while also grabbing onto something contemporary and staying grounded in 80s and 90s hip-hop. In their quest to create a sound that is for the future, MIKKNA has stayed true to creating a sort of nostalgic sound for themselves. Each song is reminiscent of a stylistic element which belongs to the ages of early hip-hop and funk.  It is easy to hear the inspiration which was drawn from Daft Punk in MIKNNA's music. This song is a groovy trip down memory lane, with all the memories coming forth in Mike B's rhymes. Even the lyrics speak of a classic message. This song is all about navigating through success and understanding that relationships are even more important, a priority, as the fame starts to follow you around. MIKKNA creates a feel-good record to follow through to the end of summer, while also making a record which feels familiar and old school.

One of the things that I find the most compelling about this song, is the history behind the two members who created the track. Both artists are Asian Americans, hailing from different backgrounds. But I always love to see when the musical barriers start to come down, allowing people of all backgrounds to join in the ecstasy of experiencing the musical process. I think that is something which adds some sweetness to the song and makes it even better to listen. to. MIKNNA is a duo that brings a laid-back groove to any room. I for one will be going back to listen to more of their stuff!

Today's instrumental song has to be from the legends themselves, Daft Punk. Drawing a comparison between the two kinds of sounds produced by the artists of today, we can hear where Daft Punk entered into experimental territory. That experimental sound fuels what MIKNNA writes and produces today, though, they do tend to stay more rooted in hip-hop rather than electronic. I would love to know what you all think about these two artists! I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment with your thoughts!




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