Broadway Louie: The Canvas of Self
Thanks for your time. So tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
You’re welcome, I appreciate the opportunity to have this sit down. I currently live on the Southside and I’ve been there for a few years now. I’ve experienced living on all sides and I think the South is my favorite. Lol.
When did you know you had an interest in music?
Wow, if my mother answered she would probably say since birth. Lol. But as far as my actual staple memory, it was when Hot97 had their annual Easter Egg Hunt and I happened to win a big radio. From that point on, me and music became inseparable. I didn’t actually become an artist til I was out of the military and people kept suggesting I should try it out because I was really good at freestyling.
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
Yes, actually my first 2 instruments were a saxophone and a keyboard if I remember correctly. It might have been a flute. Lol. But nonetheless, my house was broken into while me and my mother was sleeping. They took my instruments and I never really played again. But I started writing more and more poetry. Which I think is why it was so easy for me to write music as I got older.
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
No but I frequently work with 2 of my favorite bands the “Lets Ride Brass Band” and “Spliffs”. Both Jacksonville based bands.
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most?
This is always a tough one because there’s a few that I would say had an influence on me as an artist in different ways. So I will say my favorite musicians are Jay-Z, Nipsey Hussle, Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole to name a couple. I would say as far as influence I’d have to mention Joe Budden, DMX, Fabolous, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and Michael Jackson. It’s a unique group of names my style of artistry stretches beyond being a lyrical artist.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?
I think I have a few proud moments in my career that I hold high on the list. As I mentioned Hot97 earlier, the legendary Funkmaster Flex was one of the loudest voices I heard in Hip-Hop so when I had the opportunity to perform with him at legendary B.B. Kings in Time Square it was a dream come true. Another moment was opening for KRS-One at the historic 1904 Music Hall, someone in the crowd stopped me and said “everything they are doing for KRS-One, they did for you while you were on that stage”. Hearing that shook my soul because who would’ve ever believed I’d be opening for KRS-One and fans actually showing me love and singing my words was incredible. Last but not least, my performance at the Sing Out Loud festival last year in St. Augustine was amazing. I love performing for new crowds and receiving genuine love.
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
I would love to see Kendrick Lamar live, ironically I haven’t been to many concerts. Only experienced one truly and that was J. Cole when he came to Tampa I think it was. When I saw him perform I knew I had to really learn how to perform.
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
I love Wine Down Wednesdays. That’s absolutely my favorite place but honestly I love performing everywhere here. Also making new supporters and meeting other artists to network with. 1904 Music Hall was a favorite as well but that has been shut down unfortunately.
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
Actually, I do. I’ll be participating in the Cypher at Wine Down Fest on October 5th and I’ll be following up with a huge performance at Porchfest on November 9th. I can not wait for that performance. Porchfest is a big deal here and I’m excited to put on an experience.
What is the best way for musicians to network?
In my experience, getting out and meeting the people you desire to work with is a great way to start. But nowadays, there are many tools you can take advantage of. Especially social media.
Are there any local venue owners/managers that you would like to rave about?
Wouldn’t necessarily call them venue owners or managers, but I’d like rave about some people behind the scenes doing things to create more opportunities for the artists. Such as YayaLovesJax, Love Reigns, The Wine Down Crew, Trey Ford, Mr. Al Pete and others that I may be missing at the moment but they know who they are.
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician what would it be?
What do you consider success?
Personal hobbies or interests? Family?
As an artist, you could assume that my interests and hobbies are scattered and you would be absolutely right. Lol. I love my kids, always on my mind. Just wanna make them proud. Outside of that, I love hooping, I love collecting art, going to museums, jumping on the game for a little, breaking down films or TV shows. Oh and I love to watch those videos on Youtube that breakdown everything on anything from “Why these fish belong in a horror movie more than sharks” to “Climate Scientist Explains Earth Questions From Twitter”. Lol., I’m a sponge for information so if I can learn something new and useful…I’ll definitely end up watching it.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
The weather. The food. Everything.
Where and how can folks learn more about you and/or your band? Links to your website?
They can learn more about me by following my Instagram @broadwaylouie, subscribe to my Youtube or to my TikTok. Also if they would like to purchase my albums they can head over to this link – https://iambroadwaylouie.bandcamp.com/album/magick or stream my music on any platform. Also if you type in my name on Tubi or Amazon, you should see my most recent films that have been released.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone reading this?
Self love is the best love.
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
