Pascale

hi, does someone have one (or more) extra tickets for Mika's concert in Tivoli Utrecht? ✨

hi Xenia, Welcome here and thanks for your poetic words about my favorite singer. Enjoy your new acquaintance with Mika, joy and hope.

Here a link to a thread with many clips of great performances and interviews. I hope you like it.

 

Thanks for your lovely introduction and for remembering me of the wonderful period when I got to know Mika and MFC. Enjoy the infatuation.

Here a clip of a special performance of Stardust: 

 

17 hours ago, tiibet said:

Sometimes I just wonder how he can breath (people demanding something all the time in every direction).

Yes, it's a pity, this is a result of fame. A heavy burden to bear. It reminds me of this song of Jesus Christ Superstar.

It seems difficult not to become cynical, distant, depressed or a victim when you're a star. 

6 hours ago, krysady said:

 

Exactly that was my point.

Probably you missed the whole drama and critics from Twitter yesterday,he was even blamed for not tweeting about one year since Brussels   Like Nina said,I have no idea how he's managing his account and what his reasons might be, I am only happy he is working at new music 

 

 

 

 

You're right. I completely missed the Twitter discussion. So I jumped too quickly to the conclusion that the comments about the drama etc. were a reaction on the posts of Mikasister. I should have asked first if that was the case. Difficult thing communication. Especially when there are so many channels nowadays. Thanks for putting me straight. Anyway I'm glad that I missed the whole "drama" on twitter. Have safed my energy for cleaning my house and balcony. The weather was wonderful.

 

By the way, I still think that people are fully entitled (and shouldn't be discouraged) to comment (negatively) on Mika not remarking on the London attack (or Brussel). He makes it our business by tweeting regularly. If you speak out in the public domain, you can expect other people judging your words and behaviour in that communication field. Come to think of it: this subject (what are the effects of silence  about a subject that you usually comment on?) could be quite interesting. It would just be nice if the reactions were polite and well formulated.. 

Well now, I'm off working in my garden. Still wonderful weather in Amsterdam. A bit cold but very sunny.

2 minutes ago, Mikasister said:

 

It is simply that, with any drama, as some ppl think. 

thanks. I think your answer clarifies the discussion, Yes it's a bit strange but as some people suggested he might be caught up in his work or in other things. Or maybe it's so close that he finds it difficult to comment on it. 

9 hours ago, krysady said:

 

Because some people's only business it's to make dramas from anything? 

Anyway,I agree with @cathouzouf ,he may have his reasons and I don't see how or why we should judge that.

I don't see why it's making a drama if someone  wonders why Mika didn't comment on the London attack. I hadn't noticed that he didn't but it's true. He usually comments on news like this. It's no drama to notice that and to wonder why he doesn't. There might be an implication in the original post that it is uncaring of Mika not to comment on the event. I don't agree with that (possible) opinion although I agree that his silence is a bit out of character. But there could be a million reasons why he didn't comment so I have no judgement on his action.

However I find no offense in people that do think it's uncaring and I see no reason to jump on them. We write down  (positive) judgements about his actions all the time, so why not also write down and discuss negative judgements.

But let's start with a question. Do you think it's uncaring, Mikasister, or are you just (without any judgement) wondering why Mika didn't tweet about it?

Interesting that you compare these two because I get totally different vibes from these performances. The one he did for Rai is actually one of my favorite covers. I guess it's always a very subjective experience.

 

oh but it's one of my favorites as well. No mixed feelings here. Still they remind me of each other. Anyway you're right. It ís always a very subjective experience.

In some way they are similar indeed,but I think he was way more nervous at Sanremo,at least this is my impression

You're right. Probably he didn't succeed in scaring himself enough the first time ;-)

By the way, This performance reminds me very much of the performance of the cover She's always a woman to me http://www.raiplay.it/video/2016/10/Mika-canta-quotSheaposs-always-a-womanquot---Che-tempo-che-fa-del-23102016-3a2067ad-43b3-44cd-b1e2-7b30f87da0d6.html

He's also very nervous there, his voice is not optimal or the cover is not right for him, the performance is touching and intense and the expression on his face (did I do well? Oh I'm glad they liked it) at the end of both songs is very similar. Interesting that he chooses to do things that scare him so and that seem to be too demanding for his voice or nerves.

I decided to listen to the original, because the last time I saw that vid was million years ago (I had bad days at those times, so automatically the songs that I heard at that period are not my faves; Jesus fell a victim of this psychological phenomenon and I preferred not to listen to it all those years).

So, i found that the original and Mika's version can't be compared at all, because the manner of singing and thus the message are totally different. The voice of GM is calm and technically perfect, and Mika sang more passionately and nervously, but his flaws became for me more and more attractive with every listening.

I suppose, I don't have problems anymore with the cover (which I can't say about the medley).

Okay, I tried it again. I just listened to both versions. I think they can be compared. You just did yourself and I completely agree with your comparison. Comparing two things doesn't necessarily mean saying which one is better. They both have their own merits. The smooth easy melodious way of singing of George is like honey on your tongue and his voice is amazingly rich and beautiful. But his version tends to become a bit boring and repetitive because of the strong 4/4 metre. I prefer the musical arrangement, rythm and intensity of Mika's version. The song is more interesting (IMO) when he sings it. However I don't find his voice strong enough to match the orchestra and there's too much struggle in the performance to my taste. Although that struggle may have been a boost to the intensity as well.

I must confess that this cover is growing on me. I wish I' d heard it live. I noticed before that Mika's voice sounds much stronger live than in a recording of a performance. Still I have the feeling he could do so much better than this. But let's blame that on the nerves. Or on my perception!

I haven't listened a lot to Mika's music lately. I also don't like listening to music as a background and there were too many other things and other music that occupied me. But now as a result of this thread I'm listening to NPIH (special edition) again and I'm feeling happy.

 

I can't say the last cd is the best. All cd's have some things and songs that I particularly like. But NPIH is the cd I listen to mostly. It still feels fresh and as Dreamy Queen says the new material fits him perfectly. I feel no real need yet for new music. There's enough for me to enjoy in the cd's that are there and in all the recordings of performances and tv shows. At the moment I'm not as absorbed by Mika as I used to be. Somehow going to the concert in Florence seems to have been a turning point for me. The infatuation is over for the moment. I still love him but I have other priorities now. (okay not always, Ordinary man is playing now; I feel infatuated again. Luckily Je chante is on next. I detest the production of this song, so it throws me right back to my own life and goals)

 

I'm looking forward to watching The Voice. I may have some probems with Mika's singing live lately (particularly with the old material) and I don't like everything he does and creates but I still love watching him, listening to his voice and words and following his development. And 'm going to France again this summer so listening to French is a goal for me in itself.

Yes, my beloved songs stay forever, too And Ring Ring will stay my fave from the 1 album

But really, he has so many newer songs! if he likes to sing some old things, let it be something unfairly forgotten

 

Well, this is my opinion about the medley. The Jesus song he sang much better than I expected! Yes, there are some weak moments, but in the whole it was very touching, and in spite the flaws I can't stop listening to it every evening.

 

Ah, maybe it's already not that relevant, but his falsetto depends on the choice of the song and on his mood. The catchiest cover lately have been "I only Wanna be with You". Really, he performed it so flawlessly than I can't stop admiring it.

 

I don't know anymore. I listened again to the Jesus song and I find it touching as well. But I'm also having problems with it. I think it's with the voice but I'm not sure. Music has so many aspects. I started this conversation with the remark that I have mixed feelings. That's probably the best conclusion for myself. The rest is rationalisation.

As for falsetto, I think he has to move on and use his low voice more, because it's his huge asset and it's a crime not to use it in the full extend (btw I'm so glad to hear him using more his lows the last 2 years than he did earlier). Moreover, I totally adore when he sings in a full voice, so my humble opinion is that he should better stop to restrain himself, especially in the parts when it's totally unnecessary. I can't understand WHY he chooses to sing in this manner? Well, as a option, at least he could do both ways... Taking into account, that he can't sing with falsetto that easily in a physical sense, like he did 10 years ago - it can be noticed comparing the videos)

I think he has lost some of the youthfull feeling of invulnerability. He sang completely unrestrained in the beginning. Look at this wonderful performance of Grace Kelly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xuow-2cyew All alone in the middle of a stadium, banging the piano like a madman

I don't think he can do it like this anymore and that's okay. People change and get older and that changes their performance. That's a very normal proces and I don't mind that even if I sometimes miss the arrogant little daredevil that he was.

 

As an artist you have to find new ways to express yourself and they have to work for you. Mika is certainly changing and exploring new ways that's not the issue. But IMO there's something going wrong lately and in this performance it was very clear. I know there have been many dicussions about him doing so many tv shows and not concentrating on his music. I don't know if that's the problem. The judging, coaching and his own tv show have worked out all right for him. He seems happy, made a record with some great songs on it, did beautiful things like the symphonic concerts and has touched a lot of people. 

 

However maybe it's time for a change again? I thought I would never say it but I would be glad if I don't hear him sing Grace Kelly, Relax or any former hit for a very long time. Nor any too difficult cover. Maybe it's an idea to finish his book? But he's smart enough to figure out what's good for him himself. If he takes the time to do that anyway.

We were both lucky enough to experience the Opera gig in Firenze the 30th Dec.  MIKAs setlist there had it all, both demanding falsetto, and lower voice songs , and I can't say I heard any problem with his performance - to me it sounded like pure magic, all of it     But I'm not a singer judge, and I agree with you that being the best singer demands a lot of maintenance...

 

Love, love

me

I'm not a singer judge myself and I'm not in anyway professionally involved in music. But I can hear the difference between the falsetto that Mika used to have in the beginning of his career and that I love ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4KeTfI9Bd4 or  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXZVOsrbRME)  and the falsetto in the performances at Sanremo -even in his own songs-. And I can see the difference in the bodylanguage. I'm pretty sure he was also nervous about the Rain duet with an opera singer but he didn't shrink or tried to push the notes outside of his body.

 

The concert in Florence was beautiful as a whole but I just listened to the recording of Stardust of the night on 30-12 and he is having problems singing the high parts there as well. 

 

I don't know what makes the difference. Age, nerves, not enough practice, too many other things that occupy him, some other things that I can't think of because I'm not an expert? 

It's not that I like to critizise Mika, I'd rather be a happy and content fan. But it hurts me when I see and hear him perform like in Sanremo and I can't believe he is happy with it himself. One lesser performance is not a disaster but to me it seems like it's a bigger thing than that. He is still a very gifted, charming and very musical performer but the singing is becoming a weak point and that's a dangerous thing for a singer. Having said that, I still love his natural voice, there's something magical and highly seducing in that, even when he is talking, like in his radio shows.

I love his falsetto a lot, even when it sometimes sounds almost a bit painful. it's always beautiful and very unique. It must be something people generally either love or not and I assume we all love it (otherwise we wouldn't be here). But his effortless natural voice is the best part of his singing. It's the reason I fell in love with his singing in the first place and it's something that surprises me every time I hear it, my reaction is always like "omg he is even better than I could remember!" No matter how many times I've heard his singing.

 

There is a local artist I often go to see in Helsinki. I really like him but of course not the same way I like Mika. Still, he is a very good song-writer and extremely professional as a musician, plays several instruments and almost always does his solo gigs without any setlist. Anyway, there's a lady I see there almost every time. She just stares this artist and as soon as he starts singing she is full of love. I can literally see hearts in her eyes.

 

And she reminds me of something and I often try to figure out what it is but I can't catch it. You know when you have "something" familiar in your mind but just can't remember what it is? Last time I saw her I suddenly realized she reminds me of how I feel when Mika walks on stage and starts singing. Omg I am that woman?! Lol! My point is that in the end he can choose any songs he likes. I'm obviously not very demanding that way

Mika is lucky to have fans like you. Of course I -as a fellow- fan thinks he deserves them as well. But the point is that he's not only performing for fans that are willing to love anything he does. If he likes the falsetto, of course he should sing with it. But then he might need a bit more practice than he has now. Even a good singing education needs to be continued. Voices change when you become older and not everyone is a Freddy Mercury.

Yes, falsetto has become MIKAs trademark   But as we all know he's educated at Royal College of Music in London, he has learned how to use his voice - and practised  for app.25 years now    Honestly I don't think he cares very much about what people think, or wish, his singing to be like.  He does it his own way, the way he likes it best,  like everything else    We might like it or not, but that's MIKA  I personally love his natural lower voice much more than the falsetto voice - but on the other hand I find it very fascinating that he can handle "the full scale" so well...     

 

Love, love

me

 

I don't think he can handle "the full scale" very well at this moment. His non-verbal communication when he is singing with the falsetto often tells it all. It takes too much effort. That's why it doesn't work when he is nervous. Or to look at it from another perspective, maybe he is so nervous because it doesn't work so well anymore as it used to do.

I don't have that feeling at all, I have really enjoyed everything he has done lately.

 

I'm glad you feel this way. For me it's different. I still enjoy a lot of things he does and find them good entertainment and a great promotion of music as a unifying and universal language. However with a few exceptions I do not experience the excitement and admiration I felt before. But probably this has more to do with me then with Mika and his artistic endeavours.

 

I agree with you and the others that his natural lower voice is much more attractive than the falsetto. Have been wondering about his attachment to the high notes as well. Maybe you're right and he thinks people expect it from him. Although I thought he doesn't like to follow others people expectations. But i guess it's difficult when you are this famous and idolized. Fame is a heavy burden.

Pascale we're talking about the man who accepted to do XFactor in Italy although he didn't speak Italian...he loves to frighten himself and get out of his confort zone, he said so in many interviews...he is always nervous about covers , he's a perfectionist who always wants to do everything right and it was an homage to someone he most certainly apreciated in San Remo festival , a lot was at stake for him... 

Yes I know he wants to frighten himself and luckily it mostly works out allright. But there's a difference between getting out of your comfort zone and doing things that you're not up to. Well, I guess you probably only know afterwards which one of the two it was. And of course you have to take risks to achieve success. 

 

Still I have the feeling (have had it for some time now) that there's something going wrong artistically at the moment. In spite of all the success in Italy, France and the Asian countries. And in spite of some beautiful things that he has done lately and of all the new artistic ways he is exploring.

I can't believe that's what he is doing now is satisfying for someone who yearns for creativity and geniality like Mika. But time will tell. Perfectionism is the hard way to happiness and i won't blame him for leaving it. I'm just not convinced he is able to do that.

I guess he was just very nervous, not his usual self at all. He didn't seem comfortable to sing the cover but maybe they had asked him to do this particular song and with the orchestra and arrangement it wasn't possible to change it. I thought he did well considering how nervous he was, it was a touching performance. But yes I felt really nervous for him, during the medley as well. 

I think the main problem is that I've wasn't there experiencing the real thing. I can well imagine that it was a touching performance but it is difficult to feel the atmposphere of the moment when you watch it on the internet. The soul isn't there then. More and more i'm convinced that there shouldn't be so many recordings. Or better that I should quit watching them and just go watching live performances. Or probably best: that I should stop giving opinions about recordings.   

 

To contradict this immediately: I agree with you that he did well considering how nervous he was. I just wonder why he puts this strain on himself. For I'm quite sure he chooses to do it himself.

I have such mixed feelings about the Jesus to a child performance. I love this song and i like the orchestral arrangement of this cover and the way Mika expresses the melody and gives meaning to the words. But I find his voice not strong enough for this song and the whole performance too much of a struggle. Maybe because of his nerves or maybe because the song is just too difficult for him to sing. I felt like watching a performance of a friend. You feel very sympathetic to his motives to sing the song and really wish him to do well but in the end you feel glad that it's over and just admire his braveness to do this performance at all. It's nothing like the excitement and admiration I have felt for him at some other performances or the pleasure I get from listening to the original version of George Michael.

It's good to hear though that he got a lot of positive publicity about his statement.

Welcome. I didn't get your whole introduction but I think you say you and your son had a great experience with Mika with the Banda Rulli Frulli and that's why you are here. Good to hear that. Have fun.

Hi Sirielle

 

What a funny amusing and interesting introduction. I loved (and laughed) reading it. Welcome at MFC. I'm quite sure you fit in perfectly here. Have fun and surprise yourself.

However, the problem with Dom was that he kept continuing underestimating Mika fans. He is the one who doesn't follow what Mika has done for 10 years and he blamed Mika fans to be stuck in 2007. The language he used or the behaviour he showed was toooo much and soo relaxed. At least for me. I thinl that's another reason why he got so much reaction.

Of course you're right about this. But i wouldn't say that Dom is underestimating the fans. He just wasn't aware of their existence at all and hardly of Mika's until he saw him on Pointless. That's why he is so relaxed. He doesn't care about Mika (or his fans). Very hard to believe of course, for us who follow every move of our hero with eager and sympathizing eyes.       

 But he's not the person that decides that Mika's career is over. Just write "I didn't like" . And yes you're right, there were worse waaay worse comments on social media. What I wrote is not only for Dom(he was a specific example) but also for the other who were insulting and rude.

The problem with writing thinks like "I didn't like"or "in my opinion" etc is that it takes precious space from the limited number of signs that are allowed in a tweet. It also makes tweets less witty or crisp (not that Dom's tweet was very witty or crisp anyway). And sharpness and compactness of the messages is one of the potential advantages of the genre. 

World literature (and life) would be so much duller or less original if writers would apologize in advance all the time or try to protect themself  and their readers from hurt or disagreement.   

I agree with you too. I didn't even read the ones on twitter, just the ones on BBC2 facebook page. And they were sad - for me.

I'm just asking myself why some people have to post those things on social media.

To get attention. I said I was appalled by those aggresive tweets but in hindsight I'm kind of sorry for the writers because they feel they can only get attention by expressing negativity. The best way to stop them is to pay as less attention possible. The same goes for Dom Stirling. But of course that's difficult to do. I can't myself as you may have noticed. It's kind of amusing as well which is a very detached (and almost patronizing) way of looking at it, I admit.

I also think too many of the comments are simply mean. Probably I wouldn't write something nice either if someone like, say, Justin Bieber, did a cover of a Mika song and I didn't like it - so in some way I can understand the Billy Joel Fans - especially since for Billy Joel and that song there's no need for any promotion, which would be my personal favourite point about someone covering a Mika song. So well, I sort of understand if a Billy Joel Fan writes that Mika has ruined the song. The falsetto just doesn't fit to the song, imo, and while the cover is nice, and ofc I always enjoy Mika singing, it has none of the specialness of the original song for me. But that people get personal in their tweets or say Mika has no career, just because he's not famous in the UK anymore (it'd do some people good to take a look outside of their own little world!), I agree these tweets are just mean and unnecessary.

At first I agreed completely with your post. But I just read some of the conversations that followed out of the tweet of Dom Stirling, the guy that said Mika had no career anymore. I'm actually not appalled by the original tweet by Stirling but by the anger that speaks out of some of the reactions. I'm not saying the Stirling tweet was very respectful. But in my opinion "mean" is too strong a word for this rather harmless, supposedly to be meant funny, opinion. I don't think the tweet was very personal as well; just a careless, not well informed thought about a public figure that he (wrongly) believed to be history as an artist. Something that came into his head when he watched a -again public- performance. Not "necessary" to put such a thought on twitter but what is?

 

On the other hand, some (not all) of the reactions for example "Shut your mouth and die" or "You little s**t! Who are you to say such things about Mika and his fans, you're nodoby so stay in your lane" definitely are mean and extremely personal. I believe strongly, it's more those people that "should take a look outside of their own little word" than Dom Stirling. Even if you are hurt by the original tweet, you make yourself rather ridiculous when you express your hurt with comments like that. This last remark is not aimed at you Mellody or at any of the posters in this thread until now. Your and their words are polite and thoughtful.