Simply put, you wish you were friends with Mike Posner. He’s an intelligent Duke senior, majoring in sociology and business, and a fun-loving frat boy to boot. But he’s also a hugely talented singer and producer, recently signed to J Records after a label bidding war. His two mixtapes, One Foot Out the Door and A Matter of Time, were released on the internet and subsequently created some major buzz. His pop vocals on tracks such as “Cooler Than Me” and “Drug Dealer Girl” have gotten Posner big-name fans such as Wale, Kid Cudi and Clinton Sparks. This Southfield, Michigan native is skipping class to perform at SPEC-TRUM tonight — lucky you — and Street sat down with him to talk about his career and the like. Lucky us.
Street: After signing your record deal, did you ever consider dropping out of Duke? Mike Posner: It crossed my mind, but it kind of seemed like the easy way out. I’d be lying if I said it isn’t harder to concentrate in school now. At the same time, I wanted to finish what I started, and I don’t think anyone in the nation is having a more fun senior year than I am. I go to school weekdays, record all night, catch a flight out of North Carolina each Thursday and go rip shows until Monday. Then I do it again. Let’s just say the people at the airport are getting to know me pretty well.
Street: How did being in a frat help jump-start your career? MP: The support I receive from my brothers and alumni across the nation is kind of unreal. The love I get from brothers, some of whom graduated years before I got to Duke, is unreal. I’m not a mean frat boy though! I’m a relationship guy. Maybe she goes to Penn?
Street: Why have you decided to continue living in your frat house rather than upgrading to a Cribs-style pad? MP: I think a lot of artists make it to where I’m at and lose their sense of urgency. Ask my friends and my management: I work harder than I did before. My roommates had to drag me out of the studio to watch myself when I was on national TV for the first time.
Street: Your mixtapes are filled with impressive collaborations. What do you think piqued the interests of artists like Wale? MP: As a pop singer, I’m flattered to be embraced by the hip hop community. I make music that’s true to myself. I’m inspired by things that actually happen in my life. This element of authenticity attracts rappers to my stuff because it’s central to hip hop.
Street: What do your professors think of your new career, and how do you balance your music with your work? Do any of your profs listen to your tapes? MP: They don’t really care. I’m responsible like everyone else. You guys know what it’s like to attend a challenging school. Once I got a few extra days to finish a paper when I had to fly to NYC for a meeting with Jay-Z. I asked him to write me a note. Other than that, I’m working on the planes and in airports to keep up. There’s no such thing as free time in my life. A lot of my classmates assume I get special treatment... I wish! But a lot of professors tell me they have me on their iPods or that their kids are huge fans.
Street: What niche or void do you think you fill in the music world? MP: I make uncorny pop music. Expect me to make very big records in 2010 that you don’t have to be embarrassed about liking. Every track is 150 times better than any mixtape song. Get ready.
