Will Mikhael Dives into His Music and Growth as an Artist

Young singer-songwriter Will Mikhael is making a name in the local music scene with his distinct fusion of R&B and Cebuano influences on his latest single “Akong Addiction.” During his recent stint in Manila, it’s clear that Will isn’t just for taking in the sights but for pulling a string of gigs and recording sessions under his belt. More than a pit stop, his second visit to the capital has been met with a playground of new experiences, making it far more immersive than his first stay.

“Well, it’s so much better now ’cause I can understand Tagalog na,” he recalled, reflecting on how this language barrier once stood between him and the cultural pulse of the city. Now, not only does he grasp the language, but he also throws in expressions like “Oo nga eh!” and “ganda” with the ease of a native speaker. This slight yet significant shift has enabled him to connect more profoundly with the locals.

In an exclusive interview with Metro.Style, this rising singer delved into his newest single, the evolution of his craft, and what’s more in store for him in the future.

Behind the Song: “Akong Addiction”

When discussing his latest track, Will didn’t hold back: “'Akong Addiction' is a very sexy song, honestly. It’s a very seductive song.” A track that’s as intoxicating as its title suggests, he described it as a musical confession draped in the smooth vibes of early 2000s R&B.

“My inspiration [for it] comes from the roots of R&B itself, the early 2000s, Usher, Ne-yo. Those are the things that I got from their music. Whenever I listen to their music, they’re very seductive and I wanted to do something like that so that’s when I made “Akong Addiction,” he shared.

Drawing inspiration from R&B legends like Usher and Ne-yo, he infused the track with his own unique flavor—a fusion of Bisaya and Tagalog, wrapped in a sultry melody with a twist of conyo (a Filipino term for someone who mixes English and Filipino in their speech).

Will wanted to create something that not only paid homage to these influences but also felt authentically his own. “So basically, if you read the lyrics, it’s kind of like Bisaya trying to speak Tagalog, medyo like a conyo trying to really deliver the message of the song which is who I am, so it felt natural for me,” he said.

But there’s more to “Akong Addiction” than just its steamy-tinged sound. The lyrics, crafted over the course of a month, were particularly challenging for Will, who aimed to strike a balance between seduction and natural conversation. He explained, “The lyrics were the hardest to write because I was looking for ways to make it sound natural, like I’m actually conversing with a woman.”

After taking a full two months to finish the track, the artist also dipped his hands into video production with the visualizer for “Akong Addiction.” Shot in a single take, it features Will and his friend Bianca Codilla vibing to the song. “You can just see that I’m holding a microphone, so it’s like a performance but [at] the same time giving the emotion of the song. Just me being seductive and you know, thank God that I had a leading lady, Bianca, for that,” he described.

Through the video, he also showcased his hands-on approach and proved his talents extend beyond just music. “I edited that video also,” he revealed. “I did all the color grading and stuff. It’s a fun shoot.”

His creative process and evolution as an artist

When asked about his songwriting process, he often writes lyric ideas on his phone and records “depends whatever medium” he has on hand. In his words, his way of writing is kind of parallel to the Charlie Puth approach style: “I can basically hear beats in my head, so you know it can be like me walking down the street and suddenly an idea hits me and I just go [beatboxing the tunes].” As when an idea latches onto him, bet that he dashes back to his studio and dives right in.

On a producer’s note, Will shared that apart from guitar, he also dabbles in other instruments like piano. “I know there are musicians who can do better than me but I also play piano. Maybe, a little bit of drums and a little bit of bass.” He added, “I just like have the idea on my head how these instruments deliver on my songs so I kind of have to play some instruments.”

As Will reflects on his artistic evolution, there’s a clear sense of growth not just in his sound but in his approach to music-making. “People would say [that] my songs right now sound very mature,” he muses, recognizing that his current work resonates on a deeper level than before. “Honestly, I’m very happy with my music now. It’s very different from before, and I can really say that I actually enjoy my music better now.”

Collaborations with producers like Shadiel Chan, who has worked with big names such as Dilaw and Sunkissed Lola, have further pushed him to refine his songwriting and production skills.

“I got to work with producer Shad, [a] very brilliant guy by the way. He’s so good, I actually adore him. I was able to learn from him and at the same time that made me learn so much about my songwriting experience and what I can do to make the process better, to make it like faster. I can really say that my songwriting has gotten better. I can write basically five songs in one month. That’s how crazy it got actually,” he shared.

On his next projects

With new music in the works—including two songs recorded in Baguio and a very Cebuano track on the horizon, Will’s ready to keep the momentum going. While these tracks remain untitled with no exact release dates, he teased them to be organically infused with real instruments and funky R&B vibes “in a different way.”

He stated, “Well, I actually recorded two songs in Baguio. I can say right now I have three songs that [are] maybe coming out this year, well, I’m still gonna have to figure [out] where and how I can plan it in a way that it’s making sense like after 'Akong Addiction.'”

“I’m also gonna be releasing a new song, a very very Cebuano song actually. No release date yet but watch out lang for that,” he added.

He’s also eyeing some dream collaborations with local talents like Denise Julia and Hev Abi, artists who can help him cement his place in the OPM scene.

From independent artist to rising star under Universal Records Philippines, Will Mikhael is currently relishing the freedom to experiment with his sound while figuring out what resonates most with his growing fanbase: the Willers. “I’m just testing the waters as of the moment and see which songs, which vibe does people actually really like from me,” he said. “Hopefully one day, my songs will stick to people.”

While he’s in search of his next great hit, one thing is certain: with “Akong Addiction,” Will Mikhael has crafted a track that’s both a love letter to R&B and a seductive invitation to his unique world of conyo cool.

Lead photo courtesy of Universal Records Philippines

Text by Leigh Sofia Lazo

Interview by Grace Libero-Cruz