HOLD ME DOWN

HIGH ON LOWS

RELEASE: 26/03/2021
MAARWEG RECORDS/ ZEBRALUTION

Looking at queer pop from different angles? Given the musical diversity the LGBTQ + community expresses on stages all around the world, it’s not a small claim. All five tracks on MKSM’s debut EP successfully establish this vast and confident expanse of influences and depicts in a contemporary fashion what has made queer pop music so unique for decades.

From the fragile ballad COLLIDE in which MKSM reflects on the growing connection between two people, to the infectious string arrangements in SIRENS and the hope-fueled disco number BE ALRIGHT, this EP presents an artistic vision which is thought-provoking in its musical diversity but also its disarming honesty.

HOLD ME DOWN, the EP’s main track and latest release, expands the stylistic repertoire of a singer-songwriter and violinist who knows how to authentically approach all moods – the highs as well as the lows – both musically and lyrically.

Consequently, the confrontation with one’s self, with one’s own highs and lows, hopes and fears, is essential in HOLD ME DOWN – conflicts that everyone is faced with at some point in life, but that everyone can grow from.

The fact that MKSM is not afraid to talk about painful truths, to address one’s struggles, be they with alcohol or other dark chapters of life, speaks in his favour. A track that lays bare his soul. The accompaniment of beat patterns, straight from the 80s and the intensifying, ambivalent aftertaste of the track with its rich synths and distorted violins elegantly resolves apparent contradictions.

‚We tried to bring the 80s sound into the present day. Inspired by artists like The Weeknd,’ states MKSM about his creative process.

In the video of the song, he is supported by Berlin-based drag performer and DJ Bambi Mercury, one of the contestants on “Queen Of Drags” (Pro 7), and together with dancers from the Berlin University of the Arts (UDK), they visually reproduce the inner life of the artist.

Press Kit

MKSMsees himself as a voice for all people who do not feel they belong. The singer, songwriter, and violinist himself has many identities within him: As an openly gay late resettler, he came to Germany to find his language – he stuttered heavily in the past – and to study classical violin to then become a pop musician in the end.This is precisely why MKSM as a songwriter repeatedly deals with topics such as acceptance, equality, love, and the search for yourself. In 2019, the young artist won the British “LGBTQ Music Award” as “Newcomer of the Year” and his pride hymn ‘Original Self – Enough is Enough’ was recognized as “Song of the Year”, this song supported Germany’s largest LGBTQ organization.This year he was one of the very few European music acts to perform this song on the European Highlights Stage at the virtual “Global Pride 2020” in front of more than 10 million viewers. The GLOBAL PRIDE was supported by queer icons such as Elton John, Adam Lambert and Conchita Wurst.MKSM also released his first Christmas song in 2019! CHOSEN FAMILY – the first queer Christmas song made in Germany. The timeless Christmas song draws attention to people who are still socially discriminated against for their sexual identity.

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„Jede Liebe ist wertvoll“

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Versöhnung mit der Familie

Mannschaft Magazin

«Collide» – Sich lieben und gemeinsam Altwerden

One last drink against the upcoming disappointment: KNOW YOUR LOVE describes one of many online dates that’s exclusively meant to serve as a desperate attempt to numb the throbbing loneliness – but this time the strange suddenly feels familiar …

“How come you’re just a stranger

Somehow I know your love ”

The low baritone carried by the gentle melancholic sounds of the string orchestra give KNOW YOUR LOVE something that you won’t forget. They make the song grow. Gloomy, hollow hopelessness rears up and threatens to gain the upper hand. But then reverby indie guitar chords and subtle percussion elements come in and accompany MKSM’s voice in the chorus as it jumps up over two octaves. A small masterpiece in building tension. Ingrained disappointment turns into hopeful confidence.

The cinematic ‘CHAMBER POP’ number produced by Maxi Menot, appears as part of the LISTEN TO BERLIN compilation and shows MKSM, detached from the tracks of his debut EP (which he recorded with Wolfgang Stach at Maarwegstudio2 in Cologne), within a very short period of time from another, completely new side. MKSM illustrates how many facets and moods alternative indie pop can have even within the same debut.

Like a fresh summer breeze: Energetic 70s disco strings and 80s bass lines combined in a queer-pop dance anthem to all the teenage minds. A fusion that makes everyone take to the floor. This is MKSM’s new single ‘BE ALRIGHT’. Pumping bass lines reminiscent of the 80s. Summery 70s disco strings and his energetic violin that shimmer through the song. Effortless lightness. ‘Then’ meets ‘now’ in the best possible manner.

The memorable lyrics deliberately awaken sweet memories of carefree times full of euphoria, new impressions, and a light, airy feeling.

“Dance with our issues

Won’t try to fix them

Trusting we’ll be alright “

For quite some time, MKSM wasn’t sure whether he would release ‘Be Alright’. With his Cologne based producers from the Maarwegstudio2 the song eventually found its way back “simply because it fits the general mood of many people these days. It’s about appreciating

yourself and all the beautiful things that happen around you. Even if reality is tough at times. It’s about the fact that you shouldn’t worry constantly, but accept life with its ups and downs. And just go along with it.”

“Lost those memories in our grown up fights

Why don‘t we just bring them back to life?

Why don’t we…”

In 2017, MKSM moved to London along with a strong desire for freedom and the trust in new beginnings. He learnt: You are allowed to make mistakes without punishing yourself! This youthful light-heartedness is the basic building block for ‘Be Alright’

With SIRENS MKSM continues where he left off with TIPSY IN LOVE Merging string and vocal melodies combined with urban beats – creating a unique sound with a message: The song describes an escape – a liberation from outdated social norms – WE HEAR THE SIRENS CALLING – FLASHING LIGHTS FADING FROM OUR SYSTEMS – while following your own path – LET’S STAY AWAY FROM THIS BEATEN TRACK.

CHOSEN FAMILY draws attention to people who are still socially discriminated against for their sexual identity, and sometimes even are rejected by their own families. This Christmas song is the perfect soundtrack for you and your loved ones – and you get to choose your loved ones – YOUR CHOSEN FAMILY

With his song “Tipsy in Love“, the singer describes a state that many probably know: “You get to know someone and you are in a state of uncertainty and insecurity. Contrary to ‘drunk in love‘, you are just tipsy: You have the feeling that you’ve gone either too far or not far enough. Is it too early or too late? Will I get hurt or could it lead to something serious? Your consciousness is clouded and things seem unclear.“

LGBTIQ+

Enough is enough! LEOPOLD und MKSM haben genug von “LGBT-freien Zonen”

Die queeren Sänger haben zusammen einen Song geschrieben und unterstützen damit die Kampagne I am not an ideology, die von der Initiative ENOUGH is ENOUGH! gemeinsam mit der polnischen Organisation Fundacja Równość vor Kurzem ins Leben gerufen wurde.

Die Kampagne soll auf die unerträgliche Situation von LGBTIQ* in unserem Nachbarland Polen aufmerksam machen und zu Solidarität aufrufen. Für Unmut und Schlagzeilen sorgen vor allem die sogenannten LGBT-freien Zonen, zu der sich viele Gemeinden und Städte vor allem in Süd-Polen deklarierten. Zuletzt hatte sich das Europaparlament dagegen positioniert und die EU in einem symbolischen Akt zur “LGBTIQ* Freedom Zone” erklärt, also einem freiheitlichen, demokratischen Raum, der die Rechte von queeren Menschen stärken soll.

Offizieller Kampagnensong “Love in the Dark”

Soeben haben die beiden Künstler LEOPOLD und MKSM den offiziellen Song zur Kampagne veröffentlicht. “Love in the Dark” ist eine Aufforderung an alle, sich nicht zu verstecken, sondern die Vielfalt zu feiern und alle Menschen so zu akzeptieren, wie sie sind. Die beiden singen: “Turn on your light” – und liefern damit einen strahlenden und positiven Song mit einer Message, die Mut machen soll. Eine empowernde Hymne pünktlich zum Auftakt der Pride-Saison!

Zum Song: https://eie.fanlink.to/loveinthedark

Alle Einnahmen aus Streams und Downloads kommen der Kampagne zugute und unterstützen die Arbeit der LGBTIQ*-Community in Polen.

Das Musikvideo zu “Love in the Dark” zeigt neben MKSM und LEOPOLD eine Reihe internationaler Künstler*innen und politischer Aktivist*innen, die in verschiedenen Sprachen vor allem eines signalisieren wollen: Love is not a crime – Liebe ist kein Verbrechen! Ein visuelles Statement für Akzeptanz und Gleichberechtigung, ein Aufruf zur Solidarität gegen Diskriminierung und Verfolgung. Unter anderem im Video zu sehen: Vava Vilde von Queen of Drags, die Frankfurter Entertainerin Electra Pain, der Berliner Aktivist und Tänzer Haidar Darvish und der beliebte Youtuber Tommy Toalingling.

Weitere Infos zur Kampagne und zur Situation von queeren Menschen in Polen: https://enough-is-enough.eu/campaigns/i-am-not-an-ideology/

Love in the Dark