Michael Cimino is not stranger to multihyfenate life. Known to many as the heart of Love, VictorCimino has spent in recent years building a career that moves fluent between music, spectacle and story.
Only in 2024 he released two emotionally resonance singles –“Superhero” and “Reminds me of you”—Ar in the lead role in Peacock’s high octane that comes in age Motorheads and Sony Pictures horror thriller Until dawn.
We got Cimino to talk about his creative process, the lessons he learned behind the camera and how his work continues to develop over genres and media.
For starters, congratulations – it’s been an incredible year for you with the publication of “Motorheads” and your new music. I have to say, “superhero” is so adorable, and I really love the lyrics. Can we start with “reminds me of you”? How did it become the track to become?
Thanks, man. Yes, “reminds me of you” gathered in a kind of spontaneous way. I had done many writing sessions – probably done like 30 songs for this EP – and I felt a little burnt out. One day I went on a run to clear my head and listened to calm music just to restore. When I got back to the studio, my friend Omari Clark – who produced the track – was already there. Then Jack went with us. Omari started playing the keys, I sang a melody, recorded it on a voice memo, and that was pretty much it. The version you hear on the track today has the original song and piano from the first session. We did not change the texts. It just felt right.
It’s rare – so many artists go back and adjust endlessly. It must feel extremely affirmative as a songwriter.
It is. It was a conversation about maybe changing a section here or there, but I didn’t want to. Every time I listened to it it brought me back to the exact moment – and that’s when you know a song is done.
The song also has a really beautiful music video, which you directed yourself. How was it behind the camera this time?
I have directed some of my own videos before, but this one felt different. After working on projects like Motorheads, until Dawn and Street Smart, I have started to develop more of a production view. I have learned so much from the people I have worked with and I used all this. It was a small crew – just me, a camera guy (Shoutout to Sean), our choreographer Michael, Nesa and Jordan Meek on keys. That’s it. It taught me that you can do so much more with less.
Nat’s song on the track is so etheric. I just wanted to shout it.
Thanks! She is incredible – for example, a talent.
Switch gears to “Superhero.” It is such a fun and uplifting track with a deeper emotional undercurrent. What did it inspire?
Honestly, it was anchored in nostalgia. When you are a kid, you feel invincible – like you can do anything. But as you get older you start to lose that feeling. “Superhero” is about trying to return to that way of thinking. The artwork actually shows me as a small child in a cape. It is playful, but it also loses something very real.
Did you have a favorite superhero that grew up?
Definitely The Hulk. I thought he was so cool.
“Superhero” feels like the perfect song before training. On that note, if anyone were to listen to your songs in a specific environment, where would you imagine they were?
Love it! I think “superhero” would hit under the golden hour on the beach or in the rolling hills – something open and release. For “reminding me of you”, I imagine that someone is listening alone in their room or driving at night – something personal and intimate.
And your EP comes out at the end of summer, right?
Yes, that’s the plan. I might release another single before then, maybe even a music video, but we’ll see how it all shakes out. I want the video to be something special, so I figure out how I pull it together.
Any plans for a tour?
I haven’t toured yet, but I would love to. It is a different process than acting or recording, but it is something I definitely want to explore.
Speaking of spectacle –Motorheads Have such a fun, fast energy. What was it like going into that world?
Man, it was fantastic. I’ve always loved cars, so being part of such a show was a dream. Vibe was very fast and furious meets the future age. I really hope we are picked up for season two. There is more story to tell, and I think fans really linked to it.
What is your favorite car to drive?
Tough ask! I have a small collection and change it depending on the season. One of my favorites is a Toyota JZX100 from Japan-Röger. It’s fast and super fun. But if I drive with the top down and blast “superhero”, I take my Miata -Actender ’92 every time.
You’ve had such an eclectic acting career – from Love, Victor to Until dawn. How do you choose roles now?
I always want to stretch and avoid getting TypeCast. Playing different characters in different genres is what attracts me. The prep and immersion – that’s the part I love. I want to continue to challenge myself and build a career full of reach.
You mentioned Until dawn—I will admit that it tricked me! I’m not the biggest horror fan, but I had to look at it because I’m a fan.
[Laughs] Thank you for looking at it anyway!
You were also at NYC Pride recently. As any part of a groundbreaking show that Love, VictorWhat does it mean to you to have been part of something that reasoned so deeply with LGBTQ+ community?
That means everything. Love, Victor came out at a time when the world really needed it. I don’t think it would hit the same day because it was such a quick piece. It helped people feel seen. That’s what you hope for as an artist – to inspire people and tell stories that are important. Even years later, people still come to me to say how much it meant to them. That’s the dream.
With music and actors both are huge parts of your life, how do you balance the two?
I still figure it out, frankly. I worked on this EP when I filmed Motorheads, so I both juggled at the same time. When I have a downtime, I dive into music. But when I’m in place I’m completely in that world. It is a balance measure, but I love both and want to continue to develop as a multi -hyphenated artist.
Do you ever find it difficult to replace “actor mode” when trying to write music?
Sometimes. Music requires another way of thinking – one that is milder and more open. With actors there is pressure: deadlines, production schedules. With music, if a song is not good, you don’t have to release it. So there is more space to breathe. It has been an adjustment for me, but a good one.
Whether he is behind the microphone or in front of the camera, Michael Cimino continues to cut out a space that feels unique his – one where cordial honesty, creative range and intention take the center.
As he grows up to release his debut -P later this summer and possibly take his music to the stage for the first time, Cimino proves that vulnerability can be a superpower – and that there is always room to grow when you follow your passions over disciplines.
From Love, Victor to Motorheads For studio sessions in the evening, Cimino’s journey is just running.
Let us know your thoughts about Michael Cimino Over on Celebmix social now!
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