Start Listening To: Mickey Callisto
From music to nightclubs, restaurants to space exploration, the future holds endless possibilities for this enigmatic artist.
Today, we are granted the privilege of peering into the creative universe of Mickey Callisto. He unveils the essence of his upcoming debut EP Homospace a collection of songs destined to ignite our spirits and awaken a sense of purpose. At the heart of his musical canvas lies the sultry glam-ballad ‘Lost In Space' a grand finale that finds its roots in the essence of self-discovery and the importance of those who guide us along our unique paths. Callisto's music exudes sentiments of positivity and sexual self-empowerment, promising an experience that transcends the realm of music.
For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?
I’m Mickey Callisto. I currently live in Liverpool but originally from Sunderland. The music I make takes you on a journey through the song providing pure escapism through themes of positivity and self empowerment.
Your upcoming debut EP Homospace is set to release on November 17th. Can you give us some insight into the themes and emotions that inspired this collection of songs?
The main theme of Homospace is about unity and freedom of being yourself. It's about finally finding your purpose in life and sharing it with the World unapologetically and also having a good time along the way.
Your single ‘Lost In Space’ is described as a sultry glam-ballad. Could you share more about the creative process behind this track and what it means to you personally?
I needed a track to be the grand finale of the EP and is ultimately about becoming at one with yourself and needing people around you to keep you on the right path however that may be.
‘Lost In Space’ is said to bring sentiments of positivity and sexual self-empowerment to celestial proportions. How do you aim to convey these themes through your music?
Through making other people feel as empowered as I do. Spreading the message of it through positivity and fun.
Your concept of 'Homospace' as a gay club on the moon sounds intriguing. What inspired this concept?
The theme was inspired by Tranquillity Base Hotel and Casino which is a phenomenal album. Even though the message of Homospace is about unity , I think it would be great to have a nightclub on the moon. Imagine the moves you can make in less gravity. One day I will hopefully open the actual nightclub.
Can you tell us about your journey from growing up in a working-class council estate in Sunderland to becoming Mickey Callisto, the Queer Pop artist based in Liverpool?
From when I was young music always interested me, I was exposed to great music from an early age by my dad. I grew up liking classical music and have sang since I was 7. I was offered a place at the Durham Cathedral chorister school but the fees were too expensive. I taught myself singing by watching YouTube videos. I was always interested in sports - loving football - which is why I wear the sporty outfits.
After my voice broke I couldn’t sing opera as well, and at 14 my school wwas putting on a play We Will Rock You. My Teacher asked me if I wanted to audition in which I replied “rock”! From being the classical music lover, I decided to check out Queen and that’s when I fell in love with Freddie Mercury. He was the gateway to some brilliant artists I started listening to. After I went to uni in Manchester I joined a psych rock band as the keyboardist for a band called the Indica gallery. The band was great but I had aspirations to be a solo artist. I struggled to find my own sound. Then one night I went to my first rave in 2019 at the white hotel. I needed an outfit and decided to choose a ski suit ( terrible choice for a rave ) The night was italo-disco and I remember hearing the music around me and decided that’s what I want my music to be and also make people the way I felt at the rave. I then through lockdown wrote some songs and practised with my production skills. I then self recorded and produced the 6 songs on the EP and have been gigging around the country for a couple of years.
You mentioned that your music is about positivity and bringing people together beyond labels. How do you envision your music resonating with your audience, especially those who may feel like misfits?
Regardless of what you identify - as it shouldn’t matter - as a queer artist I feel that we find more labels to divide ourselves when it shouldn’t matter . The music is all about being all accepting and celebrating everyone’s differences without the need to label. We are becoming more United in our own divides. For people who feel like misfits the way I want it to resonate is that they can feel confident that they can be a part of any group they want and not have anxiety of going out and worrying what people will think of them
Your upcoming headline tour and festival appearances are exciting. What can fans expect from your live performances, and how do you prepare for these shows?
My live performance will be flamboyant, energetic and real. It’s about performing with the audience and not to them and giving them a moment of escapism to feel empowered.. My bedroom has always been the place to practice my moves and routines to bring to the stage.
Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?
Abbey Road - The Beatles. It’s timeless and it’s important to me because the songs take you on a journey. I also take inspiration from McCartney for my songwriting. I love how they were a versatile band and could capture so many emotions with different styles of music.
What do you love right now?
Having the freedom to live my life on my own terms and the way I want it.
What do you hate right now?
AI - but let’s see what it will bring.
Looking ahead, beyond the EP release and tour, what are your future aspirations and creative endeavours as Mickey Callisto, and what can we expect from you in the coming months or years?
I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to be playing Wembley Stadium. But ultimately for me I can’t imagine a life without creating music and being able to make people feel good by singing. It’s all I know and all I ever need to… I am Constantly writing music and I will have no limitations in what I want to create. I’d love to open my own nightclub , have my own restaurant and go to space. Big dreams, I know.
