Today, we sit down with Mikoo to discuss FREEZIN’, a genre-blurring project that brings together reggae, R&B, trap, and afrobeat with striking emotional depth. Known for his background as a bassist and his experience working across multiple musical worlds, Mikoo has steadily built a sound that reflects both technical precision and instinctive creativity. In this interview, he speaks about the origins of the project, the collaborators who helped bring it to life, and the moments throughout his career that have shaped his artistic direction. From international stages to studio discoveries, Mikoo offers a thoughtful look into his process, his influences, and what continues to drive his evolution as an artist.
Q: What inspired you to mix reggae, R&B, trap, and afrobeat in FREEZIN’?
I’ve always been passionate about these styles. I made a trap, hip-hop EP, High on My Own, back in 2017 with multi-platinum LA-based artist Mickey Shiloh, who worked as a songwriter, among others, with Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, LL Cool J, and producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. I also played reggae music with my ex-band Irie Maffia, where I was the bass player (bass guitar is my main instrument), and the band’s style was a fusion of reggae, hip-hop, rock, and funk music, so my musical background has determined my taste as well.
This song was just coming out of nowhere: I made a beat a couple of years ago and found it on my phone, so I started to work on it and search for collaborators. I found Sheddi Bankz on a social media platform, and I knew immediately that we had to work on this song together. His contribution as a songwriter and as a singer also gave the song an afrobeat, reggae vibe beside R&B.
Q: How did collaborating with Sheddi Bankz and Anita shape the EP?
I found these two amazing artists on social media and connected with them. When I produce a track, I always hear a song in my head and not only the beat, and I have a specific vision about the vocals which would fit the given song. So I made an online research, and when I found Sheddi Bankz—an amazing artist with a soulful, stellar voice—I knew immediately that he was the right one. So did Anita Ochiba, who is a prolific talent and an amazing artist with a beautiful voice. I’m really blessed to work with such amazing singers.
Q: How did you balance the melancholic vibe with rhythmic energy in the track?
This just came out like that. I love crazy rhythms, and melodies are very important for me. When these two meet, that’s where magic happens, and the result is generally a nice song. Melancholic vibes and soulful melodies are always present hand in hand.
Q: Out of the four versions of FREEZIN’, which one is your favorite and why?
I love all of them, but maybe the original mix is my favourite. I also like the acoustic R&B version. I’m planning to make some live gigs next year where I would perform the song in that version.
Q: What do you hope listeners feel when they hear FREEZIN’?
I hope that they will understand the message of the song, which is universal: the importance of love and real emotions in our relationships.
Q: Looking back, what’s been the most defining moment in your career so far?
As a musician, the most defining moment was when I played on the Main Stage at Sziget Festival in Budapest, and I met Guru backstage after the gig. Guru just came over to me and gave me five and said my bass playing was dope. It was one of the biggest acknowledgements in my career. Also, in 2005 we won 2nd prize with Irie Maffia at the Rototom Sunsplash International Reggae Contest.
Q: How has living in Paris influenced your music and production style?
I lived in Paris for a year in 2024, and I really loved the atmosphere and vibe of the city, which gave me tons of inspiration. However, French pop culture and the urban music scene are very different from American music. The afro elements are much more present in urban music, and there’s also a certain French touch in every song which refers to French variety music. I tried to implement these elements in my music back then and produced Beatz Diary Paris Vol. 1 entirely in Paris. This was my sonic diary of that year, and most of the songs were in the French language.
Q: What can fans expect from you in 2026—new projects, collaborations, or sounds?
I will continue working with my amazing partners from all over the world, like Kim Maureen, Ghana Music Awards-winning dancehall queen from Ghana, or the Paris-based K-Pop star Ah Moon. I also plan to release music in Hungary and to produce a new EP in the Hungarian language with an amazing Budapest-based artist called Palmira. I also work on a remix project where we remake classic Hungarian hit songs.
Q: How do you stay inspired and keep your music fresh across different genres?
As we moved back to Budapest with my family, the vibe of the city is much different now. I have to rely much more on my imagination music-wise. But I travel a lot—I went to New York this year, which was very inspiring and influenced my recent EP and other productions as well.
Q: Outside music, what experiences or passions influence your songwriting?
I love mountain biking, and I walk a lot with my little dog in the forest and try to keep my mindset fresh and clear. I also love travelling with my loving family.
As our conversation comes to a close, it’s clear that Mikoo’s work is guided by more than trends or formulas. His reflections on FREEZIN’, his career milestones, and his plans for the future reveal an artist who values emotion, collaboration, and authenticity above all.
With new projects, global partnerships, and fresh creative directions on the horizon, Mikoo continues to expand his musical language while staying rooted in genuine expression. We thank him for taking the time to share his journey and look forward to what he brings next.
Connect With Mikoo
- Linktree: @mikoomusic
- YouTube: @mikoomusicofficial
- Instagram: @mikoomusicofficial
- TikTok: @mikoo8143
- Facebook: @mikoomusic
- SoundCloud: @mikoomusicofficial
