Over the years, we’ve seen our fair share of artists achieve overnight fame, catapulted to the forefront of a relentless industry within mere days—sometimes hours. That said, many who experience that fleeting taste of celebrity tend to struggle to handle the sudden pressure and attention, often failing to turn their moment in the spotlight into a lasting career. Indeed, the one-hit-wonder curse continues to trap countless talented individuals in a cycle where they can’t seem to recapture that initial magic. However, Lebanese artist Gio MKL is proving to be an exception to this trend.
In just over 12-months, the 19-year-old singer and songwriter exceeded expectations last year. His debut single, Sick of Your Love, shot up the charts, garnering over 13 million streams across DSPs without any editorial support. Since then, the Beirut-born sensation has continued to explore the single format, teasing his evolving sound bit by bit, release after release. With four tracks under his belt, including his most recent drop this month, MKL effortlessly cruises through genres, laying heartfelt lyrics into a wide range of melodies. Somewhere between “the haunting tunes of Billie Eilish,” “the raw energy of XXXtentacion,” and “the cultural resonance of Ziad Rahbani,” the young artist has found a sweet spot that combines his taste, background, and influences into something that’s truly his own and that is clearly resonating with audiences.
As he carves out his niche in the music industry, GIO MKL is preparing for his next step: His debut full length album, slated for release at the end of the year. Ahead of what’s shaping up to be a major milestone in his early, but undeniably promising, career, MILLE sat down with the rising Lebanese singer to get to know one of the region’s next breakout talents.
Who is Gio MKL?
I’m Gio Mikhael, and MKL is a shorthand for my last name that I wanted to imbue with meaning. After much thought, I settled on “music kills loneliness” to reflect who I am. I’m an artist from Lebanon, and I’ve spent my life creating music that doesn’t fit into any specific genre. My work is diverse but the goal has always been the same—craft music that connects with me and those who need it.
What initially brought you towards music? How much of a part does it play in your life?
Music is everything to me. I don’t know what initially brought me towards it. I just feel like it’s my comfort zone, my space where I can express myself properly.
You seem to have experienced quite a bit of fame and popularity with your music in a short frame of time. Did you ever expect your tracks to blow up like they have?
I kind of knew it was gonna happen to be honest, and I thought it’d be overwhelming but now that it actually happened I honestly don’t care. I’m just so grateful to know that I have people supporting, and I love them for that. I love these people for taking the time to understand who I truly am and why I am the way I am.
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How do you stay grounded and handle the pressure that comes with all the attention?
I just keep in mind that I came from nothing and when I die I won’t be taking any of this with me. So I try to just enjoy it as long as I’m still here.
You’re on the verge of releasing your first project. What’s pushing you away from the single format?
I just feel like I have a lot to say and I don’t think that a single song will be able to express what this project has to say. We’re also kind of water-falling it to try and give different tastes of what the project represents.
Your last release, ‘Close To The Edge,’ dives deep into the themes of depression and loneliness. Why are these topics important to you? Aren’t you afraid of appearing vulnerable to such a large group of people?
I am afraid to show this side of me. It’s hard to show the world what’s actually happening on the inside, but I also see it as me sharing my thoughts with a friend.
My fans are my friends and I’m just telling them about the way I feel, about my struggles, and my fears. I’m just letting them know they’re not alone and I will always be a voice that will speak for them. We live in a fucked up world and I think we’re all just tired of it.
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Given the current situation in your native Lebanon, how do these songs resonate with the struggles the country is facing?
Lebanon is my home and it just looks like a nightmare right now. It’s truly devastating, looking at these helpless people without being able to help them makes me feel like I’m burning on the inside.
After a year of being in the business, where do you see yourself head in the years to come?
The music will live on, I will keep making music, and more and more people will find it. I will be fine but that doesn’t really matter. The real goal is to become THE voice that will speak for the people. This world needs a person that is not afraid to speak, and say what needs to be said.
