Mike "Cee" Carpenter

When did you first get into music?

Back when I was in the 1st Grade. My teacher played guitar and I was mesmerized so I stayed in from recess to learn how to play. My parents bought me a guitar and I was on my way.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

I had been playing in garage bands for quite sometime and that seemed to be the thing to do. I was terrible in sports so that seemed like a natural progression.

How would you describe the music that you create?

It always depends. I grew up listening to all kinds of music, but I would say Urban/Pop/Dance/EDM

How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?

With home studios you now can experiment with different sounds. I like to dial in stuff and tweak stuff that most people don’t ordinarily do.

I’m sure you have met a lot of celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

I was doing a remix for this group, called The Jamaica Boys (Marcus Miller-Bass Player/Producer) and Lenny White (Drummer - Return to Forever), the song was for the House Party “Kid n Play” movie back in the late ‘80s. We were recording at Ocean Way Recording Studio in Hollywood.

While in the studio, I was walking down the hallway and met Bruce Springsteen. Then, my engineer asked if I wanted to go to the next room over and meet Lionel Ritchie. I did and had an amazing talk about the music business. Learned a lot from that session... Go back to my room and Marcus Miller is talking about a set list that he’s playing later that night with Miles Davis. And, Stanley Clarke walks in the door and starts talking to us. Then, Johnny Mathis and Dionne Warwick bust in asking if we ordered pizza. It was a crazy recording session. I knew I was where I needed to be.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

I guess it would be passion. I love what I do and I couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in a genre overflowing with new faces and ideas?

My ability to pick up quickly by ear. I play by ear and listen very intensely. And always learning new things.

What has been your biggest challenge as a musician/producer/songwriter? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

Sometimes for me is being relevant. I always question myself from time to time. It can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. #smh

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

Oh yes, I’ve suffered but it has helped me stay strong and driven in this industry. It actually, keeps me on my toes.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

The internet has changed the industry big time. To me it’s kind of dumbed down the music. People want stuff immediately, quickly..... And now there’s no music classes in school. So, a lot of music is not as creative and has less substance anymore. So, the music assembly line is flying at a rapid pace.

If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?

Get back to real music with real instruments and songs with substance.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today and why?

1. George Benson - Breezin’ It made me want to play guitar. 2. Stevie Wonder - Songs in the Key of Life It made me appreciate songs and keyboard arrangements. 3. Parliament - Mothership Connection It got me into playing keyboards and synths 4. Earth, Wind & Fire - That’s the Way of the World It got me into vocal arrangements and harmonies. 5. Prince - 1999 It made me want to learn to play different instruments.

Tell us about your current project.

I’m actually putting together a Talkbox project. Playing different styles of music. Very Urban/Pop/Dance. Just doing something from all different styles of music I like.

What’s next for you?

Currently, I do music for Film and TV, and working on a solo project. Mike Cee “MC the DJ” along with some other in the works projects.

Mike Cee with vocal coach, Romeo Johnson.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

IG @Mikeceezy FB @therealMikeCee YT @mikeceezy and @therealmcthedj