MiG 15 – Going Through the Emotions

Not second guessing myself with overthinking helps me move forward.

Fledgling band MiG 15 are making waves across Liverpool with their bold brand of electro-indie.

We caught up with James to hear his thoughts on being in the moment, fitting in and that famous family connection.

What has been your biggest life challenge so far and what did you do to overcome it?

The biggest challenge in my life so far has been fitting into my surroundings, and staying relevant wherever I go.

What do you think affects your mental health positively?

Most definitely being surrounded by those who are good for you, and whom you are compatible with.

Friends and family being the obvious culprits, but any person you get with that makes you feel at ease, and more yourself is what helps me.

Whether it be simply chatting face to face, or going out and doing an activity together.

And negatively?

Silence, distance, irrational thinking, the unknown, poor diet, my weight, certain news and media, not having a daily routine.

Your dad is Andy McCluskey of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, I’m sure you don’t need us to tell you this. There’s definitely a synth element to your sound. Do OMD influence your music at all? What is your favourite track of theirs?

I wouldn’t say they directly influence the music MiG 15 makes from a sound point of view.

From a personal point of view, my dad has been more of a mentor and helped shine some knowledge on how the music industry works as a whole.

‘She’s Leaving’ is a cool song.

Was your dad away on tour a lot when you were a kid? Is it nice to be able to now be able to play shows with him?

Not as much as you’d think actually.

He was only really gone  around 2007 when OMD reformed.

But before that he was gone for long hours of the day, when working with Atomic Kitten.

I’d already be in bed for school the next day by the time he came home.

It is, it’s nice to spend time with him, and be fortunate enough to play to amazing audiences.

What are you reading, watching and listening to at the moment?

As of recent, I’ve been watching a lot of the original ‘Lord of The Rings’ trilogy, and listening to a lot of classic 60s soul.

Both help me escape mentally and relax, in a good way.

What’s your go to music if you need a boost?

My go to music is either 50s Rock N Roll, 60s Soul, or 70s UK second wave Punk

What are your favourite foods?

Greek Food and Japanese are my favourite.

Gyro platters, sushi with hot sake, and udon bowls are right up there.

Do you like to exercise or meditate at all?

In all honesty, I need to start exercising properly again.

Aerobically, more so than cardio.

Touring helps since we have to carry a lot of our own heavy equipment around and walk up lots of flights of stairs.

I’ve never properly mediated, but am always open to it, and would really like to give it a try sometime!

I’ve heard it works wonders for your self-care and sense of wellbeing.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received in regards to your mental wellbeing?

Staying in the now.

Not to get weighed down in the past and question every little detail.

Staying in the now is your ally and if you can harness it in the right way, the past and future will be your ally as well.

Be an engine, and not an anchor. Don’t weigh yourself down, drive yourself forward.

How have you changed since 15, and what advice would you give to that person?

Be kind and courageous, and take time to reflect on some of your achievements, and to most importantly be proud of them – even if they are only very small.

I’ve changed more than I can fathom or put into words.

Physically and mentally in just about every respect.

I would say stay in the now, treat every day as though it was your last, even if some days aren’t as bright as others.