Mika Talks Why He Came Out, Looking 'Ridiculous' In His Underwear & Being a Big Kid

[Milda]

After years of speculation, Mika has finally confirmed it: He's gay. Totally queer. One-hundred percent into men.

 

Now, moving on: The British performer's third album, "The Origin of Love" (out Oct. 16), is Mika's most self-reflective work, from opening up about his sexuality to the ebb and flow of love and even the bullies that he fended off as a kid. He even looks more GQ than Toys R Us kid these days.

 

Mika caught up with us to chat about whether he's over talking about being gay (he's not), his female alter egos and how tight jeans help with the high notes.

 

So, you're gay. Are you sick of talking about that yet?

 

(Laughs) The question before was, "Are you gay?" Now the question everywhere I go is, "What's it like being a 29-year-old who's gay?" It never irritated me, and it's never something that has bothered me, so I'm not sick of it. It's not essential to understanding my music, but I guess if you want to understand me as a real person - as a person with facets and different angles - then it is important. So no, I'm all right with it, and I'm still answering those questions. It certainly didn't make them go away. If anything it's becoming even more a theme for conversation in interviews.

 

How do you respond to people when they ask you what it's like to be gay?

 

I'm like, "What do you want me to say to that?" There are so many inappropriate things I could answer back. (Laughs) I'm like, "It's not a color of a jacket that I chose that day." It's how I've always been programmed. It's my brain. It's part of who I am. I don't really know how to answer that. I'm like, "Well, what's it like for you to have brown hair?"

 

Do you think the public is too concerned about celebrities' personal lives?

 

I don't know if the public is too concerned. I think that at the end of the day, let's face it, it's a choice; anyone who says that every celebrity or public person doesn't have a choice is insane. For many years I always said I'm not hiding my sexuality; it's innately a part of what I do and what I've always done in my music, but whether I label myself or not, that is my personal choice and I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. I did frustrate people and have to deal with the consequences of those choices, just like I have to deal with the consequences of labeling myself at this point in time. But the reason I was comfortable to label myself is because it was a decision I made on my own. I did it from a position of joy and confidence, and I felt like it was the right time. There was nothing negative, or no pressure, associated with the process or act of labeling myself as gay.

For years, you were considered bisexual after you were misquoted, as you've said, in a Netherlands magazine. Why didn't you ever come forward and clear that up?

 

What am I supposed to say: "No, I'm not bisexual"? If I'm gonna talk about, I'll leave it until I talk about my sexuality in an open, confident and unpressured way. Again, I made that decision, that right to take time and do things at my own pace. And I was like, "When I deal with this, I'll deal with this properly. There's no point dealing with something in a small way; when I do it, I have to do it in a positive way."

 

It's not a negative thing. Whatever it is, it's not negative. If you zoom out and look at it with perspective, there's no part of this that's negative, because it's a developing story. I'm 29 and I'm probably going to be a different person when I'm 33, so maybe we'll be having a conversation then about sexuality or the politics of sexuality, and I may have completely different things to say about it. But all I know is that I'm happy and totally comfortable with my sexuality, and I can talk about it and say I'm not the 13-year-old who was looking at himself in the mirror and thinking, "How the hell am I gonna shake this sense of fear or pressure that I feel? Is there a way out?"

 

So when I did the interview with Instinct recently, quite honestly I was a little nervous - but I wasn't fearful. That's why I knew it was the right thing to do. I said to myself, "Talk as if you're talking to this 13-year-old who doesn't know how to get out of how he's feeling right now."

 

You're 29? You seem so much younger.

 

There is a naive childishness to my music. Even with this new record, which is definitely an evolution, it is more mature, but it's still got this sense of mischief. There is that sense of youth. It's essential to always be able to look at stuff in life in awe; if you know you can be in awe, or be awed by something, you know that you're alive. I guess people can sometimes misunderstand that for childishness, because often it's children who stand there with their mouth open, but I guess I'm very comfortable standing there looking at things with my mouth open ... being in awe. (Laughs) If an extremely beautiful person is walking down the street, I'll just stand there and stare and they'll think I'm the biggest psycho in the world.

 

I also can't say I know many adults who dance around their bedroom in just underwear.

 

(Laughs) And on the one hand, I'm fully aware that in that video (for "We Are Golden"), there are moments of it where I look ridiculous, like in a bad way, and there are moments where I look great. It's the combination of those two things that I'm fine with. I quite like it.

 

You don't mind looking a little ridiculous?

 

Sometimes. As long as you can look hot a minute later. (Laughs)

 

You sampled a "Wicked" tune for your song "Popular" off the new album - a song that's directed toward bullies. Can you explain the process of writing that?

 

I wrote it with a friend of mine called Priscilla Renea; she's becoming really well-known for writing a lot of urban and hip-hop stuff. She's actually the one singing on it with me. We were sitting there and I was like, "Do you know that melody from the "Wicked" song 'Popular'?" And she completely geeked out and I burst out laughing. I was like, "Listen to you. You walk around in your three-inch-long fake nails and you write raps and hooks on hardcore rap songs. Does anyone know you like "Wicked"?" And we laughed about it.

 

She was tortured in school. She was made to feel like **** every day. And we were laughing how the people who write pop songs are often the least popular growing up. It's that bizarre thing: You end up writing something that is innately popular or designed to be popular. So it started off like that. We wrote it as a conversation. I would say some things and she would answer back. I guess we were both thinking of that horrible feeling you get when you walk across the schoolyard. Bizarrely, I still feel that sometimes when I'm put in certain situations - that schoolyard mentality comes right back.

 

Isn't it weird? I can feel threatened sometimes, but when I'm onstage - no matter who I'm singing in front of - I feel like that's my boxing ring and I have nothing to fear, and everything to say. I guess that's where I found my outlet.

 

So, Elphaba or Glinda?

 

Elphaba is too soppy. I don't feel sorry for her and her greenness. Like, she's green - tough ****, get over it. (Laughs) I actually do find her really irritating. Gotta be honest. And when she sings "Defying Gravity" I'm like, "OK, big deal."

 

What's the highest note you can sing?

 

It depends on the day and other various factors: altitude and whether I drank the night before. And it depends on the tightness of my jeans.

 

The tighter the better, right?

 

The tighter the better. Always.

 

Is the namesake on the song "Emily" an alter ego of yours?

 

It actually kind of is. I have various pen names, because I write for other people and sometimes it's easier when no one knows who's written or co-written the song. So I have this little fleet of girls' first names that I write under. One of them got discovered and it's out, but I've got a few others that are still nice and safe.

How does your boyfriend play into "The Origin of Love"?

 

On the record you can hear a horrific breakup, you can hear me questioning myself and going on dates with other people, and then you can hear me finally finding love in the person who I was originally with - you see this transition through the record. I think for him, it's a record with a happy ending - well, for both of us - but it's definitely something that I think he sees a lot of truth in. As funny as it may seem, and as flippant and ironic as it may come across, "Love You When I'm Drunk" was written completely from truth.

 

There's no question that a lot of your songs have radio potential, but they're often overlooked by American radio. Do you think that has anything to do with you being gay or your songs being flamboyant?

 

I was accidentally copied on an email a couple of years ago, and it was from a person at radio saying that they wouldn't play "Love Today" because it sounded like a guy who was singing in the range of a girl. I immediately assumed this had to do with sexuality or identity and I got really angry, and then I just was like, "You know what, it's not; that's just an excuse. It cannot be a reason." I may just be naive, but I don't know - it cannot be the reason. Maybe I'm jut being a dick and I should take a reality pill, but if I took that reality pill then maybe I wouldn't have made this last record, and I think that would've been a shame.

 

With that said, I wanted to tour America again and (the label) was like, "Let's do three shows and see how it goes." So we put the three shows on sale and they sold out in 52 seconds - all three shows sold out in 52 seconds! I can sell shows in America when I haven't been there in four years and I haven't had a single played on radio. I can keep on building my niche and my fans are faithful and I don't have to compromise any part of myself or my writing. If that's the case, then I'll keep going.

 

http://www.pridesource.com/article.html?article=56048

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So many Mika news these days and I miss a lot of them, but I don't think this was posted. If I'm wrong, please close this thread

[silver]

and then you can hear me finally finding love in the person who I was originally with -

 

Very interesting

 

Where is the interview from, Milda?

 

EDIT - have seen the source you quoted

[Kaito]

How does your boyfriend play into "The Origin of Love"?[/b]

 

On the record you can hear a horrific breakup, you can hear me questioning myself and going on dates with other people, and then you can hear me finally finding love in the person who I was originally with - you see this transition through the record. I think for him, it's a record with a happy ending - well, for both of us - but it's definitely something that I think he sees a lot of truth in. As funny as it may seem, and as flippant and ironic as it may come across, "Love You When I'm Drunk" was written completely from truth.

 

Bingo Well, it seems like the lucky fan is still around

Well, "according to Mika", which means the truth can still lie miles away from there... Anyway, that would make sense with what he's been saying and also, with what he said about LMWYD on the set of Manneke Paul XD Well, he should thank this boyfriend 'cause really, he inspired him amazing songs ~ ;') *Not sure Mika would as it seems like he often forgets to thank his mother for her help XD hahaha*

 

With that said, I wanted to tour America again and (the label) was like, "Let's do three shows and see how it goes." So we put the three shows on sale and they sold out in 52 seconds - all three shows sold out in 52 seconds! I can sell shows in America when I haven't been there in four years and I haven't had a single played on radio. I can keep on building my niche and my fans are faithful and I don't have to compromise any part of myself or my writing. If that's the case, then I'll keep going.

 

Awww I'm relieved he will just keep going as he has always done~

 

 

 

Thank you for sharing

Edited October 8, 2012 by Kaito

[rachie b]

52 SECONDS

[Kaito]

52 SECONDS

 

What ? I don't understand whta you mean xD

[rachie b]

What ? I don't understand whta you mean xD

 

In the last paragraph all 3 american concert sold out in 52 seconds

[crazyaboutmika]

Thanks for finding and sharing Milda

Yes, Mika can rely on his faithful fans

That's my fav part of the article too, he knows how much we love him

[crazyaboutmika]

In the last paragraph all 3 american concert sold out in 52 seconds

yes

[rachie b]

yes

 

Ohhh Mika come to the east coast

[katydid1994]

Aha! it is the same person, that makes so much more sense!

 

And grrrrrrr label! give the US a chance!

[Mina Alisa]

MIKA IS ON FIRE

[Christine]

Okay now we're getting down to business. Did he really have to give 158 interviews before he finally told the truth?

[katydid1994]

Kudos to that person for hanging in five years and LYWID ouch.

[Milda]

Okay now we're getting down to business. Did he really have to give 158 interviews before he finally told the truth?

 

Why do you think it's true?

[Christine]

Why do you think it's true?

 

Because it's not nonsensical like his other stories of falling in love and entering a "new" relationship 7 days before he took off to another continent?

 

Also I thought it was obvious from the minute MYH came out. Whatcha gonna do? I am not over you, never gonna give you up, etc. These are not the laments of someone who is giddy in love with a new person who embodies the origin of love for him.

[Milda]

Because it's not nonsensical like his other stories of falling in love and entering a "new" relationship 7 days before he took off to another continent?

 

Even if this story makes sense it still can be a lie, remember it's Mika we're talking about.. Rule #1 - never trust Mika

[Christine]

Even if this story makes sense it still can be a lie, remember it's Mika we're talking about.. Rule #1 - never trust Mika

 

You don't need to trust anyone, you just need a good BS detector.

[guylainem123]

You don't need to trust anyone, you just need a good BS detector.

 

BS detector... i like that title

 

you should write it under your "fugazi"

[Dreamy_Queen]

Anyway, no matter if it's all true, of half-true, it is a very beautiful interview. Mika talks sincerely, powerfully and beautifully. And who knows - in spite of all the discrepancies, maybe he believes in things he says at the moment and it is just different perspectives of the same situations.

I enjoyed reading this interview.

I think for him, it's a record with a happy ending - well, for both of us - it is so lovely

 

And I like this part: " It's how I've always been programmed. It's my brain. It's part of who I am. I don't really know how to answer that. I'm like, "Well, what's it like for you to have brown hair?"

and

but I guess if you want to understand me as a real person - as a person with facets and different angles - then it is important. - of course I want to understand him as a person! The more I understand and know him (those bits that he allows us to know) - the more I'm devoted o him

[basicamenteyo]

For someone who wants to have his private life in private, this interview is "too" open (if he considers the level of our Mika-knowledge, of course ) Thankfully, I want to think that only hardcores know who he is talking about and that guy is "almost" safe

[tiibet]

Oh Mika He bothers to tell so many little stories about his new love and then all this in one interview...

[basicamenteyo]

Oh Mika He bothers to tell so many little stories about his new love and then all this in one interview...

 

Aka lies

 

 

It´s funny how we can go "whoa, don´t trust Mika, he lies all the time, I won´t believe a written interview, in fact, I won´t believe anything even if Mika himself says it" and then "OH MY GOD THIS IS THE REAL TRUTH"

 

 

If you ever read this, Mika, yes, we do know you that well.

[willywonka]

For someone who wants to have his private life in private, this interview is "too" open (if he considers the level of our Mika-knowledge, of course ) Thankfully, I want to think that only hardcores know who he is talking about and that guy is "almost" safe

 

 

Andwhofor the sake of god might that person be????

 

BTW wanna stay over in nov for the lisbon gig???My mum can keep your son too for the night!!! I'm having fran too, it would be a jam!!! Comeeeeeee please!!!

 

Aka lies

 

 

It´s funny how we can go "whoa, don´t trust Mika, he lies all the time, I won´t believe a written interview, in fact, I won´t believe anything even if Mika himself says it" and then "OH MY GOD THIS IS THE REAL TRUTH"

 

 

If you ever read this, Mika, yes, we do know you that well.

 

Yeah Mika it's not Mikettes you're dealing up with here,we're the MFC FBI!!!!

[smokesignal]

Aka lies

 

It's not lies, it's today's version of the truth.

 

Actually, it's very easy to tell the truth, but suggest something completely different, even the complete opposite, while strictly speaking you're still telling the truth. For instance, he does not say he got back together with the person he was with for five years. It could just as well be any one of the guys he went out with after that, and we don't know any of them. He's talking about a horrific break-up, sure, but he didn't say he only had one terrible break-up. Not saying that is the case, but he's definitely making sure that the information he gives can be interpreted in multiple ways.

[Marilyn Mastin]

Anyway, no matter if it's all true, of half-true, it is a very beautiful interview. Mika talks sincerely, powerfully and beautifully. And who knows - in spite of all the discrepancies, maybe he believes in things he says at the moment and it is just different perspectives of the same situations.

I enjoyed reading this interview.

I think for him, it's a record with a happy ending - well, for both of us - it is so lovely

 

And I like this part: " It's how I've always been programmed. It's my brain. It's part of who I am. I don't really know how to answer that. I'm like, "Well, what's it like for you to have brown hair?"

and

but I guess if you want to understand me as a real person - as a person with facets and different angles - then it is important. - of course I want to understand him as a person! The more I understand and know him (those bits that he allows us to know) - the more I'm devoted o him

You summed it up. It does make sense that he got back with his ex, before disappearing for months. A new relationship wouldn't have lasted in that circumstance. But it doesn't really matter. He's happy. He's back and he just sang a breathtaking version of Celebrate on the BBC!