Mikky Ekko Lives Up to the Anticipation With New Album ‘Time’

Although singer-songwriter Mikky Ekko is just now putting out a full-length album of his own, he has already accumulated an impressive resume by music industry standards. Most notably, he co-wrote and performed “Stay” with Barbadian pop sensation Rihanna, which earned him a Grammy Award Nomination for Best Pop Duo/Collaboration, causing Ekko’s stock to soar as a bright talent to watch. His breakthrough opus set into motion more opportunities including writing songs for The Hunger Games soundtrack, and a deal with RCA Records. Taking several years to find the full expression of his voice, Ekko has finally created a powerful record of his own, “Time,” conveys a sound that is thoughtful, catchy and distinctly original.

Even with its larger than life production, nothing stands out more on “Time” than Ekko’s voice. Summoning the haunting depth of Jeff Buckley‘s wails and the confidence of Justin Timberlake‘s high-pitched pipes, Ekko shows no fear of breaking out his compelling falsetto to fill out each song with equally rich lyrics. Every note feels in control, even when they reach their most tender moments, or when competing against the background of swelling strings, furious guitar riffs, or heavy drumbeats.

The album’s first single “Smile” is the perfect introduction to Ekko’s work and this next chapter of his career. “Smile, the worst is yet to come,” he begins over a bright guitar and warm, pulsing percussion, hinting in a refreshingly realistic outlook that the best is yet to come as well. As often occurs on “Time,” Ekko’s down to earth lyrics are pulled upward by the soaring, hopeful instrumental compositions that energetically convey the sense that the journey is long, and this too shall pass. Ekko is not carried away by isolated moments — he has the big picture in mind.

Title track “Time” was one of the most significant tracks in forming the record, and will sound the most familiar for those who discovered Ekko’s talent on his sensational duet “Stay.” The soft ballad pairs subtle rhythmic strings and passionate vocals to carry forward a once again hopeful message that some things stretch further than time. Ekko proves that he does not need Rihanna’s talents to depict a beautiful love song.

Apart from the title track’s mellow ode, the majority of the record is stacked with resounding dream pop, bursting with electronic effects for a fullness that matches the force of Ekko’s spotlight vocals. The boisterous “Riot” even explores an unexpectedly heavy rock ‘n’ roll side of the Nashville artist. The gorgeous stand out track, “Mourning Doves” is a captivating, layered piece with dark harmonies of Ekko’s own otherworldly voice comfortingly whispering, “Lean on me, / I can be your shoulder.”

Ekko has spent the last year warming up his new tracks for riveted audiences by sharing a stage with rising acts such as Alt-J and Haerts. In February, he will be hitting the road once again with a tour supporting the new album along with New Zealand indie act BROODS. Los Angeles listeners can catch him at The Fonda Theater on March 5.

Mikky Ekko’s “Time” will be released Jan. 20, 2015.