Michael Cimino is not any stranger to multi-hyphenate life. Recognized to many as the guts of Love, Victor, Cimino has spent the previous few years constructing a profession that strikes fluidly between music, performing, and storytelling.
In 2024 alone, he’s launched two emotionally resonant singles—“Superhero” and “Reminds Me of You”—whereas starring in Peacock’s high-octane coming-of-age drama Motorheads and Sony Photos’ horror-thriller Till Daybreak.
We caught up with Cimino to speak about his inventive course of, the teachings he’s realized behind the digital camera, and the way his work continues to evolve throughout genres and mediums.
First off, congrats—it’s been an unbelievable 12 months for you with the discharge of “Motorheads” and your new music. I’ve to say, “Superhero” is so lovable, and I actually love the lyrics. Can we begin with “Reminds Me of You”? How did that observe come to be?
Thanks, man. Yeah, “Reminds Me of You” got here collectively in sort of a spontaneous manner. I had been doing lots of writing classes—in all probability made like 30 songs for this EP—and I used to be feeling a bit burnt out. At some point, I went for a drive to clear my head, listening to calm music simply to reset. Once I got here again to the studio, my good friend Omari Clark—who produced the observe—was already there. Then Jack and Nat joined us. Omari began taking part in the keys, I sang a melody, recorded it on a voice memo, and that was just about it. The model you hear on the observe at the moment has the unique vocals and piano from that first session. We didn’t change the lyrics. It simply felt proper.
That’s uncommon—so many artists return and tweak endlessly. That should really feel extremely affirming as a songwriter.
It’s. There have been conversations about perhaps altering a bit right here or there, however I didn’t need to. Each time I listened to it, it introduced me again to that actual second—and that’s when you already know a tune is finished.
The tune additionally has a very stunning music video, which you directed your self. What was it like being behind the digital camera this time?
I’ve directed a number of of my very own movies earlier than, however this one felt totally different. After engaged on tasks like Motorheads, Till Daybreak, and Road Good, I’ve began growing extra of a manufacturing mindset. I’ve realized a lot from the folks I’ve labored with, and I utilized all that right here. It was a small crew—simply me, one digital camera man (shoutout to Sean), our choreographer Michael, Nesa, and Jordan Meek on keys. That’s it. It taught me that you are able to do a lot extra with much less.
Nat’s vocals on the observe are so ethereal. I simply needed to shout that out.
Thanks! She’s unbelievable—such a expertise.
Switching gears to “Superhero.” It’s such a enjoyable and uplifting observe with a deeper emotional undercurrent. What impressed that one?
Actually, it was rooted in nostalgia. Once you’re a child, you’re feeling invincible—like you are able to do something. However as you become older, you begin to lose that feeling. “Superhero” is about attempting to return to that mindset. The art work truly reveals me as slightly child in a cape. It’s playful, nevertheless it additionally faucets into one thing very actual.
Did you’ve a favourite superhero rising up?
Undoubtedly the Hulk. I believed he was so cool.
“Superhero” looks like the proper pre-workout tune. On that word, if somebody have been to take heed to your songs in a selected setting, the place would you think about they be?
Love that! I feel “Superhero” would hit throughout golden hour on the seaside or within the rolling hills—one thing open and liberating. For “Reminds Me of You,” I image somebody listening alone of their room or driving at evening—one thing private and intimate.
And your EP is popping out on the finish of the summer time, proper?
Yeah, that’s the plan. I would drop one other single earlier than then, perhaps even a music video, however we’ll see the way it all shakes out. I need the video to be one thing particular, so I’m determining the way to pull it collectively.
Any plans for a tour?
I haven’t toured but, however I’d like to. It’s a unique course of than performing or recording, nevertheless it’s one thing I positively need to discover.
Talking of performing—Motorheads has such a enjoyable, fast-paced power. What was it like entering into that world?
Man, it was wonderful. I’ve at all times beloved automobiles, so being a part of a present like that was a dream. The vibe was very Quick & Livid meets coming-of-age. I actually hope we get picked up for season two. There’s extra story to inform, and I feel followers actually linked with it.
What’s your favorite automotive to drive?
Robust query! I’ve a small assortment and change it up relying on the season. One in all my favourites is a Toyota JZX100 from Japan—right-hand drive. It’s quick and tremendous enjoyable. But when I’m driving with the highest down and blasting “Superhero,” I’m taking my ‘92 Miata convertible each time.
You’ve had such an eclectic performing profession—from Love, Victor to Till Daybreak. How are you selecting roles now?
I’m at all times trying to stretch and keep away from getting typecast. Enjoying totally different characters in numerous genres is what excites me. That prep and immersion—that’s the half I like. I need to maintain difficult myself, constructing a profession stuffed with vary.
You talked about Till Daybreak—I’ll admit, it freaked me out! I’m not the largest horror fan, however I needed to watch it as a result of I’m a fan.
[Laughs] Thanks for watching it anyway!
You have been additionally at NYC Pleasure lately. As somebody a part of a groundbreaking present like Love, Victor, what does it imply to you to have been a part of one thing that resonated so deeply with the LGBTQ+ neighborhood?
It means all the pieces. Love, Victor got here out at a time when the world actually wanted it. I don’t suppose it might hit the identical at the moment as a result of it was such a well timed piece. It helped folks really feel seen. That’s what you hope for as an artist—to encourage folks and inform tales that matter. Even years later, folks nonetheless come as much as me to say how a lot it meant to them. That’s the dream.
With music and performing each being big elements of your life, how do you stability the 2?
I’m nonetheless figuring it out, actually. I labored on this EP whereas filming Motorheads, so I used to be juggling each on the similar time. At any time when I’ve downtime, I dive into music. However after I’m on set, I’m absolutely in that world. It’s a balancing act, however I like each and need to proceed evolving as a multi-hyphenate artist.
Do you ever discover it exhausting to modify out of “performing mode” when attempting to put in writing music?
Typically. Music requires a unique mindset—one which’s gentler and extra open. With performing, there’s stress: deadlines, manufacturing schedules. With music, if a tune isn’t good, you don’t need to launch it. So there’s extra room to breathe. That’s been an adjustment for me, however one.
Whether or not he’s behind the mic or in entrance of the digital camera, Michael Cimino continues to carve out an area that feels uniquely his—one the place heartfelt honesty, inventive vary, and intentionality take middle stage.
As he gears as much as launch his debut EP later this summer time, and probably take his music to the stage for the primary time, Cimino is proving that vulnerability is usually a superpower—and that there’s at all times room to develop while you comply with your passions throughout disciplines.
From Love, Victor to Motorheads to late-night studio classes, Cimino’s journey is simply getting began.
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