STEP INTO THE LINE OF FIRE: a chat with Mike dfg on newest ep

BY ALLIE RUSSELL & AMY SCHWARTZ

PHOTO CREDIT: IVAN SORIANO

“LINE OF FIRE” by Chicago artist Mike DFG is a compelling EP that defies conventional characterization. Often referred to by fans as his debut album due to its substantial seven-track listing, Mike himself has even begun embracing this characterization, humorously dubbing it a “Freak album.” When asked about the discrepancy Mike stated, “As an artist you don’t view your shit as a listener sometimes, so when I listened to Mike DFG as Mychal, it was a whole different experience. It was just like ok, I see why you guys are calling this an album.”

This project marks a significant step in his career and artistic evolution, showcasing his growth and versatility as an artist since his first project in 2022, titled “Loose Squares”. “Coming from that [Loose Squares] to now, I wanted people to take me more seriously when it came to my artistry.” From the beginning, Mike DFG had a clear vision for “Line of Fire”, even if its path to creation was less apparent. Although the thematic direction was conceived early, the EP’s creation process was intense and highly focused; the entire album was finished in 72 hours, including mixing, mastering, writing, even down to the presets. “It was legit eat, sleep, breathe “Line of Fire” for 3 whole days.”

Collaborations played a crucial role in this project, with standout features from artists $aint Duewwy on “GODSENT” and Menace4hire who delivers a memorable introduction to the EP on opening track “NOT THE ONE”. While most artists would never risk letting a feature open up their EP, Mike never doubted his decision, stating “he recorded that shit one take… I was losing my mind and was like ‘that has to be the fuckin intro.’” “FORTUNATE” is a particularly striking track, featuring Mike’s 3 year old little sister, who inadvertently contributed to the song’s outro. Mike describes “FORTUNATE” as an anthem of gratitude and a thank you to his family and the universe, encapsulating the personal struggles and triumphs he had experienced over the previous year.

The fan reaction to “LINE OF FIRE” exceeded Mike’s expectations, with listeners eagerly engaging with every track on the project. The anticipation was evident from the massive response when the cover art was released. In a lighthearted side conversation, Mike shares a “fun fact” about considering a giveaway involving signing the knives from the cover shoot, an idea which he wisely abandoned, stating “Bro, imagine getting stabbed by a DFG limited edition ‘LINE OF FIRE’ knife”.

When asked about his favorite song on the EP, Mike humorously deflects, offering a nuanced response: “Best to record, “ON FOENEM” easily. Best song to perform, that’s gonna be a tie between “2 SHOTS” and “NOT THE ONE”. And my favorite song overall, honestly I’m gonna say “FORTUNATE” because that song means a lot to me.”

“LINE OF FIRE” is a testament to Mike DFG’s dedication to his craft and his ability to blend personal experiences with universally understandable themes. It’s about standing openly in the line of fire, taking all the criticism and negative comments along with the positive. It’s a powerful EP that sets the stage for his continued growth and success in the music industry.

Check out our playlist below where you can hear the entirety of “LINE OF FIRE,” alongside Mike DFG’s favorite songs that inspired the EP.