Artist and producer Mike Sabath and his band The Moongirls have released their debut project, Album 1: Being Human. The album marks a new chapter for the renowned songwriter and producer, whose body of work includes credits on albums by Shawn Mendes, Lizzo, Pharrell Williams, and most recently, RAYE. Venturing out on his own, his pop magic is more evident than ever before.
Introspective and self-reflective, Album 1: Being Human explores the dynamic chaos within one’s mind. It is an ode to all the highs and lows of human existence, and how accepting the bad with the good leads to an inner peace. The 14 tracks include three cinematic interludes, which serve as chapter titles. Mike Sabath & The Moongirls take us on an emotional journey, encouraging deep conversations, and sparking questions within ourselves. In a project that effortlessly combines guitar, keys, strings, and powerful vocals, it is expansive and intimate all at once.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Sabath about his inspirations, experiences working with the top talent in pop music, and the new project.
Listen to Album 1: Being Human…
Read the interview…
Who and what influences you to write?
Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, The Beatles, Alice Coltrane, Michael Jackson, Pharrell Williams, Raye, my friends, my family, nature, meditating, living my life…
What first drove you to begin creating?
Since I was a wee little baby I’ve been making lots of noise. I personally believe all humans have the gift of creation, I was just lucky enough to have an environment that encouraged and supported my need to create. It’s love for me.
How did you find your musical identity?
I feel my musical identity will forever be aligned with my personal identity if I’m doing it right. I’m always changing and always growing so I hope my musical identity grows with me as I hope to continue to create from a more and more honest place.
How would you describe the essence of your sound?
Human.
You’ve worked with some of the biggest artists around, how has that been as an experience?
It’s been unbelievable. It’s an honour every single time and I learn so much every single time. Creating with someone is such a sacred act so getting to do that with brilliant people like Pharrell, Lizzo, Raye, Jake Wesley Rogers etc has catapulted me forwards on my journey as a creator and as a human being. I am so so so grateful and I love them very much.
What has working with others taught you about your own artistry?
What always slaps me back into place is witnessing another artist’s commitment to their truth. The truth is the key ingredient to all of this and I am constantly reminded of that by my fellow artists.
Has there been a standout artist that has made a big impact on you, your outlook and the way you write?
I haven’t worked with him yet but Stevie Wonder to me is one of the purest creators of all time and has impacted me from a far to push me to tap into the purist of vibrations possible and be pure with my approach in writing and outlook. Pharrell has done much of the same for me as well and I’ve been lucky enough to work and develop a relationship with him. He helped me write “Magic” on this album.
Your recent single “Sexy” was a favourite of ours! Talk us through the creation of the track and the meaning behind it?
The energy of this record actually came from dancing in Mexico with my cousin and his friends and feeling the magic of the classics that made every human in the club dance and sweat and connect no matter where they were from or who they loved or any of that. I flew back to rehearse with the band the day after that and came with that energy surging through me and I danced and beat boxed a groove to John (drummer of The Moongirls) and then Aus played the bass line and we just poured that magic from the dance floor into the birth of that record and then it was born. “Sexy” is really about everyone embracing their sexiness. Everyone is sexy when you let go. It’s true. This song alongside the video speaks to that.
What has been the process of making your new album, Album 1: Being Human?
It’s been quite the journey… in a sense it’s taken 25 years hahaha. Every day of my life, all of the lessons and growth and everything led me to making this album. But in a more tangible sense hahaha, it started when I set up a studio in my brother’s shed on the east coast mid pandemic when I was in need of some healing. The first song I made there was “Being Human.” It just poured out of me in a cry and unknowingly planted the seed for this album. Along the way, I formed The Moongirls and leaned into the groovier side of myself which gives this album a beautiful duality. The highs and lows of being human. This album is the introduction to what you might be able to expect down the road. Lots of emotions to express.
How do you feel about the project’s release?
The day of the release I was feeling insane. I was feeling a lot of nerves, I was overwhelmed with energy and emotions as I was about to let a huge part of myself go. I didn’t know what to expect when the album actually came out but literally 8 minutes into the album as me and my family and friends jammed to it at midnight I felt such a huge feeling of relief and release. I feel so lovely and happy that it’s out and that people can finally listen to it and we can move forward!! Time for shows, magic with fans, sharing lots of love, all that comes with the album actually being in the world now!!
What can listeners expect to hear on the project?
You guys can expect to hear a range of emotions, from the depths of my heart to the surface of my desires. Sometimes my truth is within the depths of emotion and spirit and sometimes my truth is surface level. I feel that’s the most honest form of being human and so on this album you’ll hear my deep pains, my sexual desires, my perspectives on humanity as a whole, some gentle heart strings and some ripping groovy juicy jams.
What is the overall message and direction of the album?
We are all human. What I mean by that is, we are perfectly imperfect, we all go through the ups and downs no matter who you are, we are all a part of the same family, compassion, accepting all that comes with it. I’ve found myself fighting the waves of my emotions and I’ve also found myself accepting them. In both cases life’s turbulence is there but when I accept the bumps, I can actually see the beauty in those difficult moments and how both the highs and the lows are vital parts of being human.
Where do you want to take your artistry?
Into the heart and souls of as many humans as possible. I believe in the purity of my heart and the beauty of my soul and feel that sharing my he(art) can contribute to the overall human experience and the amount that we love each other.
What’s next for you?
Bumping this album loud in my car with my friends driving around the city. Playing shows for anyone who’d like to feel this live. And then of course, Album II.
