Collective Scream presents: a conversation with Mikey Leão
Sebastian Tuinder
Instrumentalist Mike McCanna and vocalist Maia Leão lead the Brooklyn-based band Mikey Leão, where dream pop meets indie folk.
Their latest single, “Fattened Up,” dropped last year, and you can check out that music video here.
Mikey Leão kicked off the lineup at Bridge and Tunnel Brewery on May 29 at the Collective Scream Benefit Concert Series. McCanna and Leão gave us their thoughts on launching their own performance series, the artistic benefits of local community, and upcoming projects.
Why is supporting this month’s cause, Mayday Space, important to you - or what made you want to get involved with Collective Scream?
We are very proud to be supporting Collective Scream for an event supporting Mayday Space. During an incredibly turbulent time in the US, it’s important to connect people with resources and information we can use as individuals and a community.
It is essential to remember our strength as workers and part of the community of the United States as a whole. When we know our rights and stand together, we build our stake in the fight against facism and unjust labor at the benefit of the rich.
How do you think music can be and is important in difficult or turbulent times?
During turbulent times, music can help us in some moments forget the miseries this world may hold, and in others to commiserate and honor the pain. Music is more important than ever to connect us as a world instead of individual peoples, speak through the bullshit, and let us enjoy our life amongst the chaos. If we can sing, cry, and dance, life is still worth living.
What is one unique thing about being an artist in the NYC music scene right now?
Something unique about being in the NYC music scene is just how many scenes exist within the city. Success feels like an overlap between these groups for collaborations and support, but within this city there are so many unique and supportive groups of artists working together to record, promote, bounce ideas, visualize concepts and more. It’s a testament to the joy the craft and joy this platform brings us.
What have been some memorable experiences playing local and/or DIY shows?
Starting our Leão Lounge series was an impactful moment for us. There is a lot of beauty and trust in house shows and we are excited to continue to build out the continuous event and collaborate with more multimedia artists.
What surprises or challenges can come with being a local musician in NYC?
Being a local musician in NYC can come with many surprises. Sometimes you play to no one! Sometimes you play to everyone you know! Sometimes you get kicked out of KCBG for being too drunk. It is exciting to live in a place that feels full of endless creativity, exploration, and support.
Any other local bands that you would love to share a bill with?
There are so many talented musicians in our circle and beyond. We would be excited to share a bill with Shepup, Precious Human, and Ovlov.
If you had to get a NYC-specific niche tattoo, what would it be?
If we were to get NYC niche tattoos, we would probably get tramp stamps of our street names.
Please let us know about any new or upcoming releases, tours or other projects people should be on the lookout for!
We have lots of exciting stuff coming up! We are recording an EP, and have shows coming up on June 20th at Windjammer with Sara Devoe, Lena Fine, and Katrina Weissmen. A Leão Lounge show is in the works for July. If you’re interested in playing or vending at that series reach out: @MikeyLeao.
