ISOLATION AND INSPIRATION An Interview with Gay Singer/Songwriter Mike Maimone By Gregg Shapiro

Photo Courtesy of Mike Maimone

Since 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 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.

GS 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

MM Those two really change meaning in specific, and admittedly personal, ways for me. The former speaks to the perils of dating a guy who's on the DL (down low). It might be thrilling at first, but then there's nowhere to go. And you just can't stay in that "this is new and exciting" phase forever. The latter, to me, is about being into very masculine guys, and not being sure if it could be something more than friendship. Again, thrilling to think about, but terrifying in reality! I also love how the person Whitney was singing to is a third party. She's asking a friend's opinion. It's personally meaningful because I met my fiancé at an LGBTQ rock show called Bear All. We were both on the bill. Turns out we independently went up to the promoter and asked if the other was really gay before approaching [laughs].

GS Both Fiona Apple and Regina Spektor are pianists, so they are a natural fit for the album, and like the previously mentioned songs, they are complemented by a man’s touch. What do these songs mean to you?

MM Fiona Apple is my goddess and I worship her records like scripture. Her newest album is unbelievable! I just loved the way “Paper Bag” shines a light on how imperfect a gay relationship can be. A lot of my straight male friends tell me about their relationship problems, and then they'll be like, "Oh, but you wouldn't understand, you date dudes." My response is that men are generally less emotionally advanced than women, so putting two of us in one relationship can be a recipe for disaster. I think that the way Fiona allows herself to come off as unhinged, and the way she characterizes the man as "just little boy" was so perfect. “Samson” is a really personal song, too. My fiancé is a big strong man who likes snacking in the middle of the night. Except I was the one with long hair when we first met! As a gay Catholic, I also love the lyric that "the Bible didn't mention us, not even once."

GS Do you know if Angel Olsen has heard your version of “Shut Up Kiss Me” and did you ever cross paths with her while she was living in Chicago? MM I did not, but I hope she hears my cover someday and that she loves it and we can hang out. I could learn a lot from her.

GS The songs written by men are not your typical set of cover tunes by any means. George Harrison’s “I Live For You” is the oldest song. What was it chosen?

MM I just adore that song. Back in Chicago there is a DIY venue called the Red Room. It's like musicians' nirvana. Such a cool vibe and amazing community of artists who run it and keep it alive. They invited me on a George Harrison tribute and I asked to cover that song. Learning it felt like I was let in on some kind of magic. Some songs have that power. And I realize they're different for everyone of course. But for me, this is one of those magical songs.

GS Every time I hear the U2 song “One” I think about the music video with the bandmembers in drag and the artwork by the late gay artist David Wojnarowicz that U2 used for the single. In other words, it’s U2’s gayest song by far. Is that why you decided to cover it?

MM No, but now I know I need to look into the story behind this! I always learn something when I chat with you, Gregg [laughs]! Admittedly, I never really got into U2. But this song has always stood out to me, and it is more relevant than ever. I think that the most famous versions - the original, Johnny Cash, and Mary J. Blige - are incredible, but they all sound powerful. A need for power is part of the problem today. I wanted to focus on the vulnerability and empathy required to truly unite despite our differences.

GS

Is there a Borrowed Tunes, vol. 2 in the works?

MM Yes. It'll have more full-band arrangements, at least a few tracks. I want to do studio recordings of some of the mashups we do live, like “Juicy” + That's Life and Fresh Prince meets Gershwin “Summertime.”

GS

If the original songs on isolation:001 are any indication, isolation during the