Get to Know Portland Rapper Myke Bogan

PORTLAND, OR — Myke Bogan is having a great 2016. He performed at the popular music festival Pickathon in Happy Valley, released a fantastic EP with The Last Artful, Dodgr and Neill Von Tally and is finishing up a new album for Portland label Eyrst called "HFS." We talked to him about his busy year and what it means to be a "lyrical architect."

Patch: You recently collaborated with The Last Artful, Dodgr and producer Neill Von Tally to form Rare Treat. I loved the video you guys did for "Pop." How did that project come about?

Myke Bogan: Thank you! That video was amazing to see come together. Basically Neill, Dodge and I were in the studio and decided to make a song. It came so naturally we decided to do an EP right there on the spot. Less than 48 hours later, Rare Treat was written and recorded. Honestly, one of the most naturally created projects to date. We didn't have plans to do it before that day, but I'm extremely happy we did.

Patch: You performed at Pickathon in Happy Valley, a show that's not known more for folk and guitar-based music. What was it like performing at that show?

Myke Bogan: It was the best experience of my life. It was the most welcoming, positive shows I've ever done. Not to mention I listen to that type of music on a regular basis, so to be able to meet Mac Demarco and see all the great bands they had was just a great time even off the stage. If I could play Pickathon every year for the rest of my career, I would die a happy man.

Patch: On your Tumblr page, you describe yourself as a "lyrical architect." What does that phrase mean to you?

Myke Bogan: really do take time to write each and every bar and make sure that there are no bars wasted. Even ones that are more simple are there for a reason and very well thought out.

Patch: What project are you working on now?

Myke Bogan: I'm working on (and am just about done with) my first album being released through the Portland label Eyrst called "HFS." I've been working on this one for almost a year and am very proud with how it turned out. We will have a ton of visuals to accompany the album and are pushing to get it out by spring so I'm really excited about this one!

Patch: How long have you lived in Portland?

Myke Bogan: I moved to Portland maybe three year ago? And even though I split my time between L.A. and Portland, I always feel the most at home here (Portland). It just feels right.

Patch: What's your favorite thing about Portland in the fall?

Myke Bogan: The seasons changing here is by far my favorite thing. When its kind of sunny but cold and the leaves are changing. It's beautiful. Not to mention, its times like that when you can just go over to your friend's house and have hot food and drinks and truly just kick back and relax. It's a great change of pace.

Myke Bogan has a lot of great music on his Bandcamp page, including his most recent album, "Casino Carpet." Follow him on Twitter to find out about upcoming shows.

Photo via Myke Bogan's Facebook page