Bodies that matter. In the gorgeously staged video for the debut single “Paths,” Mikey Woodbridge is the target of mobbing. Via a fluid choreography, Mikey’s body is hunted down, surrounded, harassed, and captured by a gang in black masks. “Run for the sky, earth is on your back. Run from goodbyes, metamorphoses under attack. From fireballs, magic storms, sea monsters, rip me to pieces, en route divergent tracks.” What at first seems like a sorrowful surrender to grim forces soon turns into a counterattack. Mikey reaches for the sword and, together with five genderless deities, converts his enemies. Mikey’s music, voice, and visuals are as deeply moved as they are moving, weighty, and powerful, and it’s due to a rare combination of heartfelt content, rousing emotionality, and unusual aesthetics that Mikey is often described as an icon of queer Berlin nightlife. We predict both a rapid surge in Mikey’s popularity over the next few months and a flamboyant, rousing performance at Torstraßen Festival. Fun fact: Jane Arnison, a good friend of this festival and the producer and songwriter for the band Evvol, sits behind the mixer for Mikey’s outstanding productions.

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