Mk.gee Deserves His Flowers, Here’s Why

Michael Gordon (Mk.gee) performing.

By Jama Tighe

Michael Gordon, also known as Mk.gee, has grown significantly in popularity over the past two years. Being one of many writers on Justin Bieber’s newest album, SWAG. Then, later being seen on the same Coachella stage as Bieber less than three months ago, performing their hit song together, “Daisies.” 

It’s clear that Mk.gee’s musical style has captivated and reshaped the game for several musicians, Bieber among them, who have capitalized on Mk.gee’s unique guitar sound.

Mk.gee playing the guitar behind Justin Bieber during Coachella.

Artists who’ve notably used Gordon’s sound in their own work are Laundry Day, The Kid LAROI, River Tiber, Bon Iver, and Mk.gee’s closest musical colleague, Dijon.

Gordon’s newest album, Two Star & the Dream Police, released in February of 2024, has arguably been one of the most powerful albums released in the Alternative R&B music scene. It has sounds we haven’t heard in the music world since the 80s, taking inspiration from standout artists like Prince and Phil Collins.

Despite performing on Saturday Night Live in November of 2024, Mk.gee has made it apparent he doesn’t thrive in the public eye. However, his sounds evoke nostalgia and deep yearning, and his lyrics feel as though they belong to his music alone. It’s hard not to wonder where and when we can see more of him.

Mk.gee (left), Bill Burr (middle), and Sarah Sherman (right) during their Saturday Night Live promotional commercial in November of 2024.

With artists as successful as Mk.gee or even more so, it’s common to see them flourish in the limelight when it comes to the music industry. It almost makes you appreciate Mk.gee’s lack of interest in becoming well-known, but it also makes you realize that his love for music is purely for music's sake.

Gordon’s rise to fame was slow and steady, launching his first few singles in 2017 shortly after dropping out of the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. His first song to reach popularity was “I Know How You Get,” a stark contrast to “Are You Looking Up,” a personal favorite of mine from his recent album.

Mk.gee is a prime example of how growing up in the music industry and searching for your own unique sound are not linear processes. His previous songs ultimately sound like indie bedroom pop, and now his music is a heavily produced synthesis of guitar and alternative R&B vocals. Gordon’s guitar sound is indisputably one of the many identifying factors of his music that artists have tried imitating in their own works since the release of his 2024 album.

It’s not often that artists like Mk.gee enter the music industry with a unique purpose of quietly innovating the indie scene. When I think of indie artists, I think of Mac DeMarco or Cage The Elephant, two big innovators in the music world. Mk.gee, however, channels sounds from the past and somehow gives them a new purpose. He is trailblazing a new era of indie, and he’s doing it without drawing any attention.

If you haven’t already, give Mk.gee a listen; I guarantee that you’ll connect with a song from his recent album. Either because of the lyrics, the nostalgic sound, or his unique R&B vocals. There’s something special about that kid from New Jersey.