Photo Courtesy of Mike Maimone
ISOLATION AND INSPIRATION
An Interview with Gay Singer/Songwriter Mike Maimone
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By Gregg Shapiro
ince the COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold in early 2020, creative people have found a variety of ways to respond to the devastation. Gay singer/songwriter Mike Maimone recorded two solo albums; isolation: 001 and Borrowed Tunes, vol. 1 (both at www. MikeMaimone.com). isolation: 001 features nine songs that highlight Maimone’s distinctive vocals and exceptional songwriting skills. Borrowed Tunes, vol. 1 lives up to its title, presenting Maimone’s unique interpretations of songs by Angel Olsen, Robyn, Fiona Apple, Whitney Houston, Regina Spektor, and Neil Young, among others.
Gregg Shapiro: Of the nine songs on Borrowed Tunes, vol. 1, five were written by women. You transform dance tunes such as Robyn’s “Call 102 | OutClique.com
Your Girlfriend” and the Whitney Houston hit “How Will I Know?” into heartbreaking piano and vocal ballads, something that worked well when Calum Scott did it with Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own.” Was that in any way an inspiration for you? Mike Maimone: While I'm not familiar with that particular artist, I know there is a history of singer/ songwriters transforming upbeat songs into ballads. So, I know I'm not reinventing the wheel on this record. I just felt like I could tell a different story, using the same words and melodies.
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I love the way the lyrics to “Call Your Girlfriend” and “How Will I Know?” sound coming out of a man’s mouth, as if they’ve been waiting this whole time to be sung by you. Please say something about
