Mikky Ekko

A singer/songwriter capable of bluesy grit and urban pop gloss, Mikky Ekko grew up steeped in gospel, traveling through Louisiana, Mississippi, and the rest of America's deep south with his preacher father. After settling in Nashville, he performed as a sideman in several bands and established himself as a songwriting collaborator, but soon began working on his own music. His first release was 2009's largely a cappella Strange Fruit EP, which he followed by posting more songs online the following year. His biggest break to date came with the Rihanna duet "Stay," which was included on her 2012 album Unapologetic. For his debut album, Ekko worked with Clams Casino as well as several other well-known producers, including Paul Epworth and David Sitek. ~ Heather Phares