Ahead of the release of Who Am I, Mike Steva talks us through some of the cuts on his latest studio album. 

Oro
A track I've always wanted to create, something that combines my roots and heritage in a current format. ‘Oro’ in Macedonian means 'dance'. Using Trubaci (an eight piece brass ensemble) the intention behind the song is simply to make you get up and DANCE! I was feeling inspired after a family BBQ and hit the studio after listening to traditional Macedonian music all day and in three hours the whole song was done.

Oasis
This uses drums, percussion, flute, keys, Rhodes, marimba - the intention was to take you on a deep spiritual journey into a place of peace and happiness. The first thing that came to mind when naming this track was oasis: pleasant or peaceful area or period in the midst of a difficult, troubled, or hectic place or situation. I also worked alongside Damian Smith on this one with the vision of something organic and natural as the outcome! I think Oasis is something you can listen to, dance to, vibe out to - suited for all situations and climates.

Pelagonia
As a good friend of mine described Pelagonia as the other one that he liked! Referring to Oro as being the first one and Pelagonia the other one he liked more! Using an ancient instrument known as a Zurla, Pelagonia delivers a journey back to the motherland. The Zurla is an instrument that is said to breathe life into the soul. For me this track was created for the dancefloor, where you can close your eyes and let the song take you. 

Sunce
Sunce means sunshine. This song is all about the sunshine vibes, painting a picture of warm, happy days! Originally it was meant to have vocals on it, however after listening to it i decided that no vocals were needed, as the wonderful work of Mr Smith on the horns told a story in itself! 

Who Am I
It’s something that came to me and was created in a session of around 3 hours! Like most studio sessions, I don't like to force the project; I’d rather just feel it and let it come to me! Who Am I is what came out when i was simply feeling it one cold stormy night in Melbourne! The vocal sample is a portion of local Melbourne poet who i recorded named Bianca Maya Foulton.

Who Am I is out 31 August on Yoruba Records - order from iTunes