Piqi Miqi, the musical nomad, traded the hustle of the States for the vibrant streets of Prague over a decade ago, where he crafts his signature sound: “new wave funk.” Born Jared Rollins Bailey in New Haven, Connecticut, he graduated from NYU and boldly left a promising finance career to chase his lifelong passion for music. Starting in hip-hop, he explored house and electro before discovering his true calling in funk and R&B, honing his vocal skills along the way. After experimenting with various bands and aliases, Piqi Miqi emerged with a unique style that blends sultry, syncopated rhythms with flamboyant vocals. Fans often liken his sound to a fusion of Prince, Michael Jackson, and New Order, creating a musical experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Miqi’s latest single, the infectious neon funk of “Toxic Funkulinity.” shows us an artist on a mission to separate themselves from their peers. Miqi achieves this with refreshing songwriting and soaring vocals, and the artist’s latest single blends imaginative storytelling with infectious bass lines. The nuanced musicianship on display is the highlight of “Toxic Funkulinity.” The way Miqi is able to balance otherworldly grooves without making them feel forced is a testament to his unique approach to funk tropes. The bright arrangement is quickly contradicted by Miqi’s dark storytelling filled with love and lust. “Toxic Funkulinity” is a daring concept track that introduces Miqi as a fearless funk powerhouse willing to manipulate the genre to fit his lofty visions.
“As a funk nerd, I’ve always wondered if I could make a track with two bass lines grooving at the same time,” explains Miqi. “This was my first successful attempt.”
