Born under the vast Texas sky, but shaped by the diverse and cosmopolitan streets of Hong Kong, folk and Americana artist Mikel Rafael is on a journey that’s anything but conventional. His path, woven with rich cultural experiences, has taken him across the globe, from Asia to the U.S., fueling a distinct artistic voice that defies easy categorization. Mikel’s music draws from both ancient and modern influences, and with his current single, ‘A Shield and a Sword’, he offers a deeply emotional, literary, and timeless contribution to the genre.
Mikel’s musical odyssey took flight when he moved to California at eighteen, where his passion for storytelling through song truly blossomed. Jeff Buckley’s haunting rendition of ‘Hallelujah’ was a turning point, a deeply personal anthem that spoke to his teenage years of introspection. That influence, along with the sounds of legends like Led Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell, and Nick Drake, laid the groundwork for Mikel’s distinct style—a blend of folk, Celtic melodies, Americana, and a dash of rock. His sound carries an emotional depth and a lyrical elegance that resonates deeply with listeners, offering an experience both familiar and refreshingly new.
Mikel’s latest single, ‘A Shield and a Sword’, stands as a testament to his literary influences and thoughtful songwriting. Written in 2020 after reading Homer’s ‘The Iliad’, the song is inspired by the heart-wrenching scene of Hector bidding farewell to his family before returning to battle. This single captures the timelessness of human struggle, combining epic and tragic moods with the poetic touch that defines Mikel’s work. “I strive to create music that feels like it could have been written yesterday or a thousand years ago,” he explains. “My goal is for listeners to feel like they’ve known these songs their whole life.”
With this latest release, Mikel takes a bold step forward, dedicating ‘A Shield and a Sword’ to the soldiers of Ukraine, drawing a poignant parallel between ancient tales of warfare and modern-day courage. His upcoming EP, The Eternal Hour, further explores themes of social isolation and mental illness—heavy topics that are treated with the same introspective care and hope that has become a hallmark of his music.
Mikel’s meticulous approach to his craft sets him apart in today’s fast-paced music world. His process is deliberate and patient, often taking weeks or even months before a song is ready. After fine-tuning it with trusted friends and testing it through live performances, he refines each piece until it reaches its full potential. This devotion to his craft results in songs that feel timeless and deeply human.
As his career continues to grow, Mikel’s curiosity and ambition drive him toward new sonic landscapes. He is eager to expand his musical influences, drawing inspiration from traditional Indian classical music, Chinese melodies, and other global sounds. Yet, at the core of his work remains a profound connection to the emotional experiences that first drew him to music—the sadness, vulnerability, and introspection that make his songs resonate on a deeply personal level.
With ‘A Shield and a Sword’ now available and, The Eternal Hour, on the horizon, Mikel Rafael is set to make his mark on the music world. His journey may be just beginning, but the impact of his thoughtful, poetic songwriting is already clear. Mikel’s music offers a quiet intensity that invites listeners to reflect, feel, and connect—a rare gift in an age of instant gratification.
