INTERVIEW: Michael Cimino on Music, Motorheads, and Discovering Energy in Vulnerability

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, performing, 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 realized behind the digicam, and the way his work continues to evolve throughout genres and mediums.

First off, congrats—it’s been an unbelievable 12 months for you with the discharge of “Motorheads” and your new music. I’ve to say, “Superhero” is so lovely, 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 form of a spontaneous manner. I had been doing a whole lot of writing classes—in all probability made like 30 songs for this EP—and I used to be feeling a bit burnt out. Someday, 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 enjoying 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 at the moment 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 piece right here or there, however I didn’t wish to. Each time I listened to it, it introduced me again to that actual second—and that’s when you realize a music is completed.

The music additionally has a very stunning music video, which you directed your self. What was it like being behind the digicam this time?

I’ve directed a number of of my very own movies earlier than, however this one felt completely different. After engaged on initiatives like Motorheads, Till Daybreak, and Road Good, I’ve began creating extra of a manufacturing mindset. I’ve realized 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 unbelievable—such a expertise.

Switching gears to “Superhero.” It’s such a enjoyable and uplifting observe with a deeper emotional undercurrent. What impressed that one?

Truthfully, it was rooted in nostalgia. Whenever you’re a child, you are feeling invincible—like you are able to do something. However as you grow old, you begin to lose that feeling. “Superhero” is about attempting to return to that mindset. The art work truly reveals me as slightly child in a cape. It’s playful, however it additionally faucets into one thing very actual.

Did you have got a favourite superhero rising up?

Positively the Hulk. I assumed he was so cool.

“Superhero” seems like the right pre-workout music. On that observe, if somebody had been to take heed to your songs in a particular 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 releasing. 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 time, proper?

Yeah, that’s the plan. I’d drop one other single earlier than then, possibly even a music video, however we’ll see the way it all shakes out. I would like the video to be one thing particular, so I’m determining learn how to 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 performing or recording, however it’s one thing I positively wish to discover.

Talking of performing—Motorheads has such a enjoyable, fast-paced power. What was it like entering into that world?

Man, it was wonderful. I’ve all the time cherished automobiles, 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 automobile to drive?

Robust query! I’ve a small assortment and swap 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 performing profession—from Love, Victor to Till Daybreak. How are you selecting roles now?

I’m all the time seeking to stretch and keep away from getting typecast. Taking part in completely different characters in several genres is what excites me. That prep and immersion—that’s the half I really like. I wish 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 had been additionally at NYC Pleasure 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 the whole lot. Love, Victor got here out at a time when the world actually wanted it. I don’t suppose it might hit the identical at the moment 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 performing each being large components 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 similar time. Every time I’ve downtime, I dive into music. However once I’m on set, I’m totally in that world. It’s a balancing act, however I really like each and wish to proceed evolving as a multi-hyphenate artist.

Do you ever discover it laborious to modify out of “performing mode” when attempting to jot down music?

Generally. Music requires a special mindset—one which’s gentler and extra open. With performing, there’s stress: deadlines, manufacturing schedules. With music, if a music isn’t good, you don’t must launch it. So there’s extra room to breathe. That’s been an adjustment for me, however a great 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 time, and probably take his music to the stage for the primary time, Cimino is proving that vulnerability could be a superpower—and that there’s all the time room to develop once you comply with your passions throughout disciplines.

From Love, Victor to Motorheads to late-night studio classes, Cimino’s journey is simply getting began.

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