Today we’d like to introduce you to Phil Michael.
Hi Phil, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Phil-Michael, but most people know me as Kumo. I’m of Haitian descent and grew up in Miami. As far back as I can remember, music has always been a huge part of my life.
Some of my earliest memories are of playing my dad’s Haitian Konpa vinyl records, mainly Tabou Combo. My big brother, Rene Jr., also played a huge role in shaping my musical taste. We shared a room growing up in North Miami, and he was a DJ. Whenever he had the chance, he’d jump on the turntables and play everything from hip-hop to classic records from the ’70s and ’80s while I was in the corner playing my Super Nintendo. Looking back, one thing that really stuck with me was how he’d loop records over and over. At the time I didn’t think much of it, but without realizing it, it was training my ear to hear music differently.
My Mom also had an amazing CD collection. Whenever she wasn’t home, I’d throw on artists like Stevie Wonder and Toni Braxton and let those albums play from beginning to end. Between my parents and my brother, I was surrounded by all kinds of music, and I think that’s why I’ve always appreciated so many different genres.
When I was a teenager, a friend of mine and his brother who lived down the street started making beats on Fruity Loops 3. I’d sit there for hours watching every move they made. Around the same time, my cousin was producing on Fruity Loops too, and I’d watch him just as closely. I didn’t realize it then, but those moments planted the seed.
By the time I was 19, I had finally built up enough confidence to try making beats myself. I took everything I had learned just by observing the people around me, sat down in front of the software, and started creating. I’ve been chasing that same passion ever since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t always been smooth, it’s definitely had it’s challenges. But I think that’s what made the journey worth it. Every setback taught me something and pushed me to become a better producer.
For years, I struggled to find my own sound because I was constantly chasing what I thought was cool at the time. I’d hear a producer I admired and immediately want to recreate that feeling in my own music. On top of that, there were people around me who didn’t hesitate to tell me I wasn’t good enough. There were definitely moments where that got to me, but I never let it stop me.
Instead, I used it as motivation. I became a student of the craft. I studied producers like J Dilla, Pharrell Williams, Mannie Fresh, and 9th Wonder — not just listening to their music, but trying to understand why their beats felt the way they did. In the beginning, I naturally imitated the producers I looked up to, but over time I stopped trying to sound like everyone else.
Today, I feel like I’ve found my own voice by blending those influences into something that feels real to me. Looking back, I’m actually grateful for the struggles because they forced me to grow, and develop my own identity as a producer.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a music producer, live performer, and event curator. I create music with intention. Every beat I produce is meant to tell a story, create a feeling, or leave the listener with something memorable. Whether it’s soulful boom bap, electronic-inspired grooves, or sample-based production, I always try to make music with substance, music that takes you somewhere.
One thing I’m especially proud of is creating “The Euphonic FaceOff”, a producer showcase and beat battle that celebrates the art of music production. Producers often work behind the scenes, and I wanted to create a platform where they could step into the spotlight, showcase their creativity, and inspire one another. Seeing that vision come to life has been one of the most rewarding moments of my journey.
I think what sets me apart is that I don’t just make beats, I create experiences. Whether I’m performing live on my MPC, organizing events, or producing music, my goal is always to bring people together through music and inspire people to pursue their own creativity.
At the end of the day, I want my work to encourage other people to keep creating, keep growing, and realize that there’s room for all of us to shine.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Find your WHY. There should be a reason behind what you create. Your art should have a purpose, whether it’s to tell a story, express yourself, inspire others, or simply make people feel something.
Also, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Once you’ve developed a strong foundation in your craft, challenge yourself to try things you’ve never done before. Your greatest breakthrough can come from experimenting and exploring new ideas. Most importantly, surround yourself with people who align with your vision. Build relationships with people who inspire you, challenge you, and help you grow. The right community can open doors and help you reach places you never thought you could.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kumolariat.bandcamp.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kumo_lariat?igshid=ZGUzMzM3NWJiOQ%3D%3D
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ShqIUUgqP0mcKcsM1vZlg/videos
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/beatsbyunclephil
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2YHAD7B8wLix8eBjZ5vZzX?si=IPhBsqo3Qfush2zDyk9I6g&nd=1&dlsi=fc1ecc7378074844
