Words By: Jason Russo

Visionary newcomer to the indie-pop scene, Mikey Ferrari, has released his debut EP SPACEBOY. The EP is an expansive collection of tracks that beautifully imagines a narrative through which Ferrari processes his own struggle with mental health challenges and the expectations placed upon his art. Ferrari has crafted an exquisite blend of hip-hop infused pop production that matches the intensity of his lyrics with hard-hitting bass and futuristic synths.

The concept for SPACEBOY is centered around the idea of space representing loneliness and the mental health struggles that come from dealing with doubt and isolation. Thus the ‘spaceboy’ is the one who is directly struggling with these emotions, battling depression or any significant difficulty that leaves ‘spaceboys’ feeling alone and hopeless. “Growing up, I experienced a lot of dark thoughts and ideations and I didn’t quite understand how to grapple or how to cope with them,” Ferrari said on the SPACEBOY concept. “With the pandemic, I feel like more of our population has begun to experience isolation and depression as well as anxiety…I feel so lucky to have found music as my way to express myself and vocalize my emotions. With that being said, I want to encourage people to find that outlet so they can start to overcome their difficulties and come to a further understanding of their emotions.”

It is surprising that this is Mikey Ferrari’s first EP as his message and vision are so clearly laid out and thoroughly imagined. Each of the six tracks have such a crafted specificity to them that typically comes from years of experience within the industry that Ferrari is able to produce on his first major release. SPACEBOY begins with the cool, trip-hop influenced “moving slow” that serves the dual purpose of conveying the vitriolic criticism and challenges Ferrari faced entering the music industry as well as his confident arguments for his vision and talent. “Ever since I started I’ve been losing hope,” Ferrari sings on the opening line of the track while later he exclaims: “I’m the future, you’re no one.”  The track addresses both himself and his critics, embodying the doubt that he projected onto himself and his critics as well as his growing confidence within his work that comes as a result of being truly passionate about what he is releasing. This doubt from his critics is further explored in the title track “SPACEBOY” — which first names Ferrari’s concept of a “spaceboy.” This track features some of Ferrari’s most superb production that throbs along with lyrics that further the difficulties he has faced starting his music career.

“wind blows” is certainly the gentlest track on the EP, yet it finds Ferrari at his most desperate as he feels like he is being swept away with the wind. Self-imposed isolation and grief are beautifully displayed over echoing lyrics and tender guitar strumming which allows Ferrari’s vocals to really shine on this track.  “moving fast” then introduces themes of helplessness over great production that directly speaks to his experience growing up with mental illness.

“lunar light” departs from the darkness in production — fully sending this project into the stars. Both “lunar light” and “standoff” find Ferrari revealing a more tender side of himself to mourn the death of one of his closest friends. There is a lot of regret in both of these tracks where Ferrari wishes he had done more to help his friend during periods of intense despair. The theme of helplessness is one of the most difficult to wrestle with, yet both of these tracks display it powerfully and respectfully without judgement. They serve as reminders to cherish the moments you have with loved ones as well as a call to action to check in on friends who may be struggling, especially now during the pandemic.

While SPACEBOY largely deals with intense and dark themes, the takeaway message is one of hope. “I want to inspire people to take risks,” Ferrari said of the intentions of the EP. “I’m absorbing love, isolation, and being alone. I’ve experienced all of these things and I know what it means to be an outcast. It’s dope. Embrace who you are. No one’s opinion matters except for your own.”

SPACEBOY is the first EP from Mikey Ferrari who previously released “moving slow,” “lunar light,” and “standoff” as singles off the project. He has been creating music as a way of processing his intense anxiety and depression since he was a kid growing up in the Bay Area of Los Angeles. He cites Kid Cudi, James Blake, and Jon Bellion as big inspirations during these years, and SPACEBOY is definitely the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to his craft. This project is certainly one of the most exciting releases in 2021 so far, and is both an important and deeply engaging listen. Stay tuned for more from Mikey Ferrari in 2021!

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