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Hi Mike, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
Thanks for having me! I’ve been alright, stuck inside for the most part. I’ve attended a few protests and am working on music!
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Tunnel Vision”?
Tunnel Vision came quickly compared to other songs. Some take a while to develop and produce but Tunnel Vision was one of those moments where it all came out at once, which is a really great feeling as a writer to be able to tap into that.
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
It was inspired by the production actually! I was working on a track and was captivated by the phrase “Tunnel Vision” in general. I was trying to find the right sounds that would fit something emotive like that and got to this soft, lush synth that I thought really gave what I was trying to say, and it all came out after that!
Any plans to release any sort of video for the track?
Yes! I have an acoustic video with a release date TBA as well as working on a music video once things begin to open up.
How was the recording and writing process?
It was relatively simple, as I record and produce my songs myself so it wasn’t anything so out-of-the-ordinary. I’ve realized more and more of how connected everything is – the songwriting and the production and the mix all have this relationship with each other that is so important, like finding the right puzzle pieces to fit together.
What role does NYC play in your music?
It definitely gives an energy that is captivating. I live there now and growing up was in and out often. I love seeing jazz as well as the museums but more generally, it is easier to feel inspired to create just from feeling everything going on around you.
How has Charlie Puth and John Mayer influenced your writing?
My biggest influence overall is D’Angelo, even though my music might not necessarily sound like his. It changed how I perceive music and fee and so much more. The way Charlie Puth writes and produces really inspires me. Everything is so balanced and connected to each other in a way that I admire so much. And John Mayer of course in terms of playing guitar as well as a songwriter. Idolizing him seems to be a right of passage but I really think that even if he didn’t have that ability, his songs would still do very well because of his writing ability.
Does the new single mean we can expect a new material – how’s that coming along?
Yes! I have a couple of new songs done and am actually flirting with the idea of a project of some sort. This would be my first project to come out, and have a ton of songs I really think have something to them so I’m just narrowing down which songs are going to be on it.
Any tentative release date or title in mind?
Sometime in the Summer of 2020!!
Any plans to hit the road?
I would love to be doing live shows but sadly, probably not until 2021. I can’t wait to play but have to take into account safety measures and want to be as conscious as possible and not do anything until its declared safe.
What else is happening next in Mike Baretz’s world?
I just finished scoring one of my friend Devan Prabhakar’s films. He a close friend and has done some of my visuals as well as directing the video for my song “Any Other Way” and is a very talented writer and director which I’m happy to frequently collaborate with. Also producing some tracks for another friend, Hargon as well as making beats for myself and others.
