Remember that one Rihanna song that came out in 2012 called “Stay”? Despite popular opinion, that song was actually written and produced collaboratively by singer/songwriter and producer, Mikky Ekko along with Justin Parker and Elof Loelv. Mikky Ekko had traveled to London, England where he was taking part in a songwriting retreat/workshop, and this song was formed as a result. During an interview with the Audience Network, Ekko admitted that he didn’t like “Stay” when they first wrote it and thought the song was too vulnerable.
While Ekko goes by his stage name, his birth name is actually John Sudduth. He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana but grew up in Mississippi and later moved to Nashville, where he currently resides. Ekko first rose to fame when “Stay” was picked up by Rihanna’s team and became a global success, going on to become one of the best selling singles of all time.
One fun fact about Ekko is that the first time he ever performed on television was live at The Grammy’s with Rihanna for their song “Stay”! Watch the video below!
Ekko has maintained a steady following since 2012, and has released two albums of his own along with numerous EPs and singles, including his brand new album, Fame that Ekko spent two years creating.
Ekko has managed to keep his unique songwriting style paired with the ability to change with the tide over the years. His newest album, Fame is a mix of soulful ballads and rock-inspired songs with a strong tie to that Nashville roots sound. The level of energy found in this album and Ekko’s vocals are a fresh sound. Although this album might be immediately written off as just another pop album, it takes the listener for some unique twists and turns that they wouldn’t find with any other artist and sets the bar high for other artists creating similar music.
It’s clear to see that this album was heavily influenced by the current pop/rock music scene in Nashville. Mikky Ekko has evolved as an artist since collaborating with Rihanna in 2012 and is starting to ease his way back into the limelight. This is one artist who I predict will stay in the music game for a while and continue to reinvent his sound time and time again.
