Since his smash hit debut single ‘Cooler Than Me‘ back in 2010, Mike Posner has worked with some of the world’s biggest and freshest stars – including Justin Bieber and Cher Lloyd.
Digital Spy caught up with the singer-songwriter to chat about his new Reebok RealFlex project, what Justin Bieber is really like in the studio, and whether Cher Lloyd can crack the States.
Tell us about what you’re doing with Reebok.
“Well, one of the special things about the Reebok campaign is that instead of exploiting the artist to tell a story, they really used their product as a means for the artist to tell their story. If you look at the TV spots or the print ad, they all really revolve around my journey or my music which is ongoing, and that was really important to me.”
You’re currently working on your second album; is it still due out later this year?
“I don’t have a date for you exactly. I’m still working on it, and I’ve been working on producing a lot of other people’s stuff lately. I co-produced ‘Boyfriend‘ by Justin Bieber and worked on Labrinth’s album, so I’ve been keeping busy. It’s hard, but for my record I don’t have a date.”
How is it going to differ from your first record?
“Oh, I can see improvement already for sure. You know, when I recorded ‘Cooler Than Me‘, I had been singing for like, three months at the most. I was just a producer experimenting with my voice on tracks, and now I’m like a really good singer in a legit way. [Laughs]. So that’s one of the good things I can look back on and see how much better I’ve gotten as a vocalist, and I can say the same thing about my songwriting and producing. This record is a lot better to me than the last one. I’ve been in the studio with Pharrell Williams. We’ve done some really exciting stuff that doesn’t sound like anything else out there.”
What was it like working with Justin Bieber on ‘Boyfriend’?
“He’s a really talented kid, you know? Young adult now. I was really honored to be a part of that project. I think it’s a testament to him as an artist that he’s willing to take the leap that he’s willing to take and not sound like other records out now. I think he could have really easily made it a fall-on-the-floor dance record and have success, but it wouldn’t have necessarily been the right kind of success. He’s an incredibly talented artist.”
Were you ever apprehensive getting involved because he’s still quite young?
“Yeah he is quite young. I didn’t know what to expect at first. We all know a great vocalist and great performer, but I think people are extra-apprehensive to call him a great songwriter. I’m not because I worked with him. People might see because I’m involved in the song he didn’t do anything, but that’s not the case. He’s a really talented writer as well as a vocalist and performer. He’s such an energy, you know. I would leave the room and go to the bathroom and he’s taking over my station making beats with my equipment. He’s a really fun guy to work with.”
As you said, ‘Boyfriend’ is very different from what’s going on at the moment. Is that what we can expect from your work this year or is that quite different again?
“My work definitely has the same kind of hip-hop influence. I grew up a hip-hop kid doing mix-tapes. I think my music is maybe a bit older than Justin’s. I can talk about things that he doesn’t, he can’t. To put it in more concrete terms, like, my music contains sex, drugs and sometimes rock ‘n’ roll, and his doesn’t.”
You worked with Cher Lloyd in the UK last year and had a big hit with ‘With Ur Love’; will that ever get a release in the States?
“I’m not sure about that.”
It was such a popular hit for Cher.
“It was a great record. I think if it does get released, I think it could have the same kind of success. Max Martin and Cher did a really strong song, but I can’t give you the official answer.”
Do you think she has what it takes to crack the US market?
“It’s always hard for an artist from the UK to break into the United States. It’s especially harder for a rapper because hip-hop is such an American art form. So it’s especially hard for rappers and a little bit easier for a vocalist. During my time with Cher I worked with an incredible singer, and I don’t think she gets enough credit for her singing ability as she deserves. There’s no autotune on there. It’s just really, really great, but I think people forget about that because she can rap so well also. I don’t see why she couldn’t compete in the US. She’s a great artist.”
What have you got planned for the rest of 2012?
“I’m working on a bunch of other people’s projects and I can’t really reveal them. Apologies, but I will definitely be producing and writing for some big-name artists this summer and hopefully finishing up my new album Sky High.”
Mike Posner is the official Reebok Classic RealFlex ambassador. The trainers are available exclusively at Foot Locker stores nationwide. Visit FootLocker.eu for more information.
Watch Mike Posner in his Reebok Classics RealFlex advert below:
