Montreal’s suburban gem, MiQ The Burb Boy, takes us on a journey from his West Island roots to the worldwide stage. While he’s grounded in his hometown, Michael’s passion for music often leads him to explore new horizons, collaborating with artists and seeking inspiration in diverse surroundings. The artist spoke with Remixd Magazine for an interview about his upcoming music, inspirations, and more.
“My name is Michael Sahakian, and my artist name is MiQ The Burb Boy,” he shares. His unique moniker, MiQ, came into being during high school when a friend named Rabie playfully coined it. Rabie described it as “like Mike but with a Q because it’s elegant.” This name stuck with Michael and naturally became his rap alias. Later, “The Burb Boy” emerged, solidifying his persona. This transformation was inspired by his music’s central character, the suburban boy. This character-driven approach mirrors the world of comic books and superheroes, a theme evident in his album “Burb Boy vs The City,” inspired by Batman.
MiQ’s Signature Sound: Where Storytelling Reigns
MiQ The Burb Boy’s music is defined by its storytelling prowess. He emphasizes that his songs prioritize the narrative above all else, refusing to confine his lyrics to a rigid melodic formula for the sake of catchiness. MiQ’s persona, “The Burb Boy,” serves as a versatile canvas, allowing him to venture into various genres. His repertoire spans R&B, Rock, and Hip-Hop, which remains his focal point and favorite avenue. Rather than comparing himself to other artists, he embraces his unique range, confident that there’s a MiQ The Burb Boy track for every genre enthusiast.
MiQ’s passion for music runs deep. “Music has helped me through so many hardships in my life,” he reflects. It has been a constant companion, from his iPod to backyard boombox sessions. MiQ views music as a healing force, a sentiment reflected in his early songs, which often served as personal journal entries, helping him navigate life’s challenges. His ultimate goal is to create a vast Burb Boy universe encompassing comic books, games, animated movies, and more, providing an immersive experience for his audience.
Influences that shape his sound
MiQ’s musical influences have left a significant imprint on his work. Eminem introduced him to the art of storytelling, while Kanye West showcased the power of creating worlds within music. Lil Wayne inspired his love for lyrics and wordplay. Kendrick Lamar blended storytelling, world-building, and lyrical prowess into a mesmerizing combination. XXXTentacion’s boundary-pushing approach reminded him that music is an art form. Ultimately, MiQ aspires to follow in the footsteps of Childish Gambino, a multi-talented artist who seamlessly transitions between music, acting, comedy, and more.
MiQ The Burb Boy’s latest project, “Dusk & Dawn,” is inspired by the concept of living for the future. The project begins with the single “SHAKE,” offering a compelling narrative. It explores the idea that having a reason to look forward to tomorrow helps resist quick but temporary distractions like drugs, alcohol, and instant gratification. “Dusk & Dawn” weaves together the best moments from adversity and prosperity, narrating the journey from twilight to dawn and its impact on The Burb Boy.
What the future has in store
The future holds exciting prospects for MiQ The Burb Boy. He envisions creating more content, expanding his world-building efforts, and releasing more music. His next project is already taking shape, promising a continuation of his artistic evolution.
MiQ hopes his music resonates with listeners as stories, akin to TV shows or comic book series. He wants fans to connect with the characters and immerse themselves in the worlds he paints through his lyrics. Ultimately, his message is simple yet profound: life is beautiful because it exists, and every moment, whether challenging or glorious, contributes to its beauty.
Stay Connected with MiQ The Burb Boy
To follow MiQ The Burb Boy’s musical journey and creative endeavors, connect with him on various platforms:
Experience the captivating storytelling and versatility of MiQ The Burb Boy through his music. Dive into his world, where narratives come alive, and life’s beauty is celebrated.
