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, appearing, 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 discovered behind the digicam, and the way his work continues to evolve throughout genres and mediums.
First off, congrats—it’s been an unimaginable 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 approach. I had been doing a variety of writing periods—in all probability made like 30 songs for this EP—and I used to be feeling a bit burnt out. Sooner or later, I went for a drive to clear my head, listening to calm music simply to reset. After 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 as we speak 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 possibly 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 precise second—and that’s when you realize a tune is completed.
The tune additionally has a extremely stunning music video, which you directed your self. What was it like being behind the digicam this time?
I’ve directed a couple of of my very own movies earlier than, however this one felt totally different. After engaged on tasks like Motorheads, Till Daybreak, and Avenue Sensible, I’ve began creating extra of a manufacturing mindset. I’ve discovered a lot from the folks I’ve labored with, and I utilized all that right here. It was a small crew—simply me, one digicam 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 wished to shout that out.
Thanks! She’s unimaginable—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. If you’re a child, you are feeling invincible—like you are able to do something. However as you become old, you begin to lose that feeling. “Superhero” is about making an attempt to return to that mindset. The art work truly exhibits me as a little bit child in a cape. It’s playful, however it additionally faucets into one thing very actual.
Did you may have a favourite superhero rising up?
Undoubtedly the Hulk. I assumed he was so cool.
“Superhero” seems like the proper pre-workout tune. On that observe, if somebody have been to hearken 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 season, proper?
Yeah, that’s the plan. I would drop one other single earlier than then, possibly 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 how one can pull it collectively.
Any plans for a tour?
I haven’t toured but, however I’d like to. It’s a special course of than appearing or recording, however it’s one thing I positively need to discover.
Talking of appearing—Motorheads has such a enjoyable, fast-paced vitality. What was it like moving into that world?
Man, it was wonderful. I’ve all the time beloved vehicles, 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 related with it.
What’s your favorite automotive to drive?
Powerful 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 appearing profession—from Love, Victor to Till Daybreak. How are you selecting roles now?
I’m all the time 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 really like. I need to preserve difficult myself, constructing a profession stuffed with vary.
You talked about Till Daybreak—I’ll admit, it freaked me out! I’m not the most important 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 Satisfaction not too long ago. 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 every thing. Love, Victor got here out at a time when the world actually wanted it. I don’t suppose it might hit the identical as we speak 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 appearing each being enormous 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 identical time. Each time I’ve downtime, I dive into music. However once I’m on set, I’m absolutely in that world. It’s a balancing act, however I really like each and need to proceed evolving as a multi-hyphenate artist.
Do you ever discover it exhausting to modify out of “appearing mode” when making an attempt to put in writing music?
Typically. Music requires a special mindset—one which’s gentler and extra open. With appearing, there’s stress: deadlines, manufacturing schedules. With music, if a tune isn’t good, you don’t must launch it. So there’s extra room to breathe. That’s been an adjustment for me, however an excellent one.
Whether or not he’s behind the mic or in entrance of the digicam, Michael Cimino continues to carve out an area that feels uniquely his—one the place heartfelt honesty, inventive vary, and intentionality take heart stage.
As he gears as much as launch his debut EP later this summer season, 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 all the time room to develop whenever you comply with your passions throughout disciplines.
From Love, Victor to Motorheads to late-night studio periods, Cimino’s journey is simply getting began.
Tell us YOUR ideas on Michael Cimino over on CelebMix socials now!
