Mikhaila Anderson
Mikhaila is super fucking rad. When I first donned the cape and let her snip away the dead-ends of my covid-hair my first thought was ‘Oh god! I’m too square for her.’
Air plants. Light smell of pot in the air. Tattoos. Leads alt-rock band The Radiant. Luckily Mikhaila is super fucking real too.
I always look forward to my hour in the chair when I get to ask her questions about being an artist, living a meaningful life, and how the fuck one uses a straightening iron.
Below are a few questions I sent Mikhaila. Check it fam:
T: Let’s start with the important stuff: Your doggos and your almost a doggo - names, breeds, personality.
M: hahaha "almost a doggo" is named Sara. She's a tortoise shell cat, 1 y/o, and just overall an awesome pet. She's outdoor potty trained since she was street cat, super social and loving, and always hungry. Then there's Rupert, our youngest Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He's, easily put, a bit of an A-hole. He's in his terrible twos phase, loves to bork at everything and everyone, but deep down is misunderstood, and really just wants love and attention. The OG's are Henri and Lady. Henri, sharing a July bday with Rupert (Yea, same day!) is just a sweet soul. He's a 5 /o King Charles who really loves to eat, and is relentless when it comes to fetching a ball. However, he's not too fond of meeting other dogs, as Henri is a bit of a scaredy cat. He also lives life on his own terms, so don't try to get him to come inside if he's not ready (we call him Captain Dickins, because he's always dickin' around lol) Lady on the other hand is Queen B. She rules the house, and owns the attention of anyone she meets. She might be a 4lb teacup poodle, but not to be underestimated, she can always be seen keeping her bros and sis in line.
T: In 2021, what percentage of your time was spent in what role (musician/hair artist/personal life) and do you want that to continue, or would you want a different balance in 2022?
M: 2021 was mostly spent behind the chair, and indulging in my personal life. I'd have to say 50% hair, 30% personal, and 20% music. The Pandemi-lovato has really put a hold on music, since it was uncertain on crowd turnouts, or shows cancelled. However we got some good festivals in, and some recording.
I definitely want music to ramp up a bit in the new year, and I'm always aiming to maximise my time. Work less, live more, you know?
T: Looking back to who you were 5 years ago, what about your life now would have surprised you? What did you think success was then?
M:What's funny is I actually wrote lyrics about how I look back, and those are two different people now. I never thought I'd own a personal funny farm of four animals (lol) but in all seriousness, this is a hard question... I feel like the definition of success is always changing. We never get to enjoy our success in the moment, especially if you're someone always looking for what's next. There's always a bigger and better version of ourselves we can be. Success 5 years ago was based on how everyone else thought I was doing. "If so-and-so thinks I'm great, then I must be!"
Short answer. Now I value personal quiet time, strong/real connections, and a chance to earn a comfortable living doing things I enjoy - If I have those things, I am successful. The title no longer matters.
T: You are entrepreneurial and driven. How do you find your footing to keep from burning out?
M: Oh it's simple, I don't LOL. But actually, it's all about valuing personal time. I go on a lot of small vacations, and try to ALWAYS take my weekends for myself and family.
T: What do most of your friends do for work?
M: My friends all have a wide range of jobs. Contractors, office jobs, hairstylists, esthetics.
T: How do the seasons affect what your focus is as a musician?
M: I find spring/summer/fall is always the busiest with festivals, small tours and shows in a normal year, giving winter an opportunity to relax and write.
T: What do you think The Radiant’s BTS strengths are? What do you think The Radiant’s performance strenghts are?
M: I think we are great at writing unique stuff as a group. Someone always has a riff we can build off of, and we can really get into it. We all have a good ear for what sounds tasty. I think we deliver a fun performance. We like to keep the audience engaged, and moving, or even just listening.
T: How have you grown as a musician/ band leader?
M: hmm... I have become more sure of the decisions I make for us as a group, and I've come to be more relaxed and hear everyone out on what they think. (ultimately we do everything as a group, it's gotta Fuck Yeah, or it's a Fuck No.)
T: Your nominations for the Western Canadian Music awards and Saskatoon Music Awards Best Band - 1) Congratulations and 2) Did that shape how you viewed yourself or did you notice that changing how other bands viewed you (or no change)
M: Thanks! The Saskatoon one is a popularity contest, so I never try to pay much mind to it (is that bad? haha) Whereas the WCMA is a panel of judges looking at your submission all with an interest/career in the music industry, so I valued that nomination much more. It was validating to know that what we are doing is recognizable, even though we are a very small fish in a big pond!
T: What work is your most popular and is that different from the work you enjoy the most?
M: My shags are the most popular - so HAIR! It's hard to say what I enjoy most since all of the work offers such an awesome way to release creativity, and they both have their challenges as well.
T: Do you have ‘off time’ from your work (time where you are doing neither hair art or music art)?
M: 100%!! Gotta recharge the creative juices!
T: Your favourite thing to do for joy?
M: Anything active outdoors, or cooking a good meal with friends.
T: What is an everyday ritual you have (eg- morning coffee, evening netflix etc)
M: I always start my day with a hot beverage, and often a 30 minute bath! It gives me time to relax before the day starts in private, check different messages, and kinda prepare my brain for the tasks of the day.
T: Of course: Where can people find your music, when is your next show, where can people find your hairdressing
M: We are on all streaming services as The Radiant. or at www.theradiant.hearnow.com
Our next show is a "battle of the bands" type of performance, so come cheer us on Jan 15th at The Capitol Music Club
Anything hair is based only on Instagram or Facebook right now @casastudiosask