Interview: Michael Milosh of Rhye

LA-based Rhye is known for their smooth, sensuous and intimate songs. We speak to the main man Michael Milosh prior to their gig in Tokyo

Written by

Kunihiro Miki

Tuesday 8 May 2018

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When Rhye first came into the scene in 2013 with their debut album ‘Woman’, there was an air of mystery surrounding them. Not much was known about the group members, save for the tracks’ falsetto vocals which many believed to be female. Alas, Rhye – more of a music project than an actual band – was revealed to be a collaboration between Canadian electronic musician Michael Milosh and Danish instrumentalist Robin Hannibal. And that vocal is actually Michael Milosh.

Since then, Hannibal has left while Rhye continued on under the sole direction of Milosh. A sophomore album, ‘Blood’, was released earlier this year to much critical acclaim. We speak to Milosh prior to Rhye’s return to Tokyo for a live show on May 18.

How did you get into music?
I’ve been playing music my whole life: started cello when I was three, and orchestra when I was 11. But I started producing music when I was 26; that’s when I started recording music with proper equipment. Before that, I was just playing music, and I was acting, taking photos and doing a lot of things at my own pace. If I think about who I am as a person, music is a big part of that.

When did you start your career as a singer?
I was about 27, when I got my first record deal in 2004. That’s kinda when I started; 2014 was the first time anyone knew who I was. I started producing and songwriting at first, and then thought something was missing in those songs and so I added some vocals.

That was all your own vocals on Rhye’s debut album ‘Woman’
Yeah, and I produced the whole album myself. I played all the instruments as well. It was much later that I started bringing other people to play music with. Originally I was doing everything myself.

Which album you’ve listened to the most so far?
In my whole life? ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ by Pink Floyd. I just love the record. I think it’s so creative, the production is unbelievable, and I love the songs.

Your music under your name Milosh, such us ‘Jet Lag’, is more beat-oriented. How are you influenced by club music?
Yeah, Milosh is more electronic. Actually I love techno and house music; I like a lot of electronic music. One of my favourite band is Autechre, and I used to love Boards of Canada and I love Clark. He’s an amazing electronic artist. He did a remix one of my Milosh songs actually. I like Arca, too.

Your performance as Rhye at Fuji Rock last year was very dynamic and we enjoyed the jam elements and ensemble. At the same time, it was also very modern and sensitive. Is Rhye the project where you express Michael Milosh’s ideals through music?
Kind of. It’s my project and I put everything together. And I make sure I’m leading everything.

Do you provide directions to the ensemble as a bandmaster?
Pretty much. And I have moments where I want them to do what they want to do as well. I’m not like a dictator, but because this is my project, I know what I’m looking for.

There was a lot of mystery surrounding Rhye when your debut album ‘Woman’ was released. But ‘Blood’ was made for performing live; the record was more physical and breathy. What does performing live mean to you?
It’s really beautiful and a lot of fun. I love traveling so concerts allow me to travel as well and I can experience the world. I love the feeling of being on stage because I love the energy I can feel from everyone. I can’t get that in a studio. It’s a really unique thing.

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What propelled you want to make ‘Blood’, your second album, with other musicians and producers?
Well, every song is different. So for example, Thomas Bartlett, I met him a couple years before, and I’ve always wanted to try to do something with him. We really get along well. So the collaboration happened. King Henry, we met at Coachella, I really liked his work, and we started talking about working together. So we tried it and it worked really well. We’ve worked for two songs; one is on my album and the other is on his. I just love it. I love the community around me. It’s a natural progress.

You’re known as a natural-born singer to many people, but which speaks more to your identity – singing or songwriting?
To me, I make music. I sing on my songs because I like singing, but the big thing I love is making music. It’s not one or the other. It’s all the same thing to me.

There was some misconception that Rhye was a duo between you and Robin Hannibal. But he’s not involved in the latest record. What did he bring to your debut album?
In a lot of ways, it was really nice to have freedom and share ideas with one another. It was the first time I decided to work with someone else as well. I didn’t have to do everything myself, so I got to have some freedom. That was actually very nice.

The photos for your album covers are really eye-catching – not just with Rhye, but your other project has images of female body a well. What was the concept behind this?
All the artworks for ‘Blood’, my girlfriend and I shot all of them together over a year. We just had so much photography to look through, and we realised that certain images really fit. Weirdly, those pictures fit the music as well. They just felt right.

This will be your third time performing in Japan. What are you looking forward to?
First of all, I’ve never been to Osaka. So I’m just excited to see the city. I’ve only been to Tokyo and Fuji Rock. So I want to see more of the country. This time, I want to go there early and I want to explore the countryside a little bit if I have time. I’ve been to Tokyo four times and I loved it.

You’re traveling to Taiwan, Korea and Thailand as well for your Asian tour. What’s the reaction from people in Asia like?
It’s been good actually. This will be my third time in Taiwan, second time in Thailand, and third in Korea. Every time I play in Asia, I have a good time. The audience here are a bit different from North American audience; they’re more polite but excited as well. It’s very special. I feel honored to play in Asia.

Is there any Asian music, artist or songwriter that you like?
Cornelius. I think he’s really good. He’s amazing actually. And I used to listen to K-pop; I thought it was fun. And there’s this psychedelic band in Thailand – I forgot the name but I thought they were really cool. Asian culture is cool. I like it.

Rhye is performing at Zepp DiverCity on Friday May 18. More info here.