Another Bermudian artist has done what was once thought impossible: secured an international recording deal.

Michael Sydney Wild, known on stage at Mikey Wild, signed a global recording contract with US record label SkyRockit Records last month. He is scheduled to complete his album by the end of the month and launch it in Bermuda first.

Mikey, currently in Miami working on the album, took out a few moments yesterday to speak about the music, his inspiration and what it feels like to have a record deal after performing for so long.

Born in London in 1968, Mikey was raised in Bermuda along with his brother Matthew. He says he first developed his love for reggae in 1980 when he attended Whitney Institute. He began performing shortly after in his teenage years and has opened up for many artists in Bermuda including TLC, Naughty by Nature, Shaggy, Ziggy Marley and Luciano.

"I first started taking notice and listened at a young age. One of my inspirations is obviously Bob Marley. Many of my friends were deep into reggae. I just took it from there and followed suit."

Although his music may sound like reggae, Mikey calls it urban crossover with reggae roots appealing to a broad audience.

"I've been influenced by many genres. I've met people from rock, to pop, to urban, to jazz. You name it, I've been influenced. Reggae is the foundation for me."

He explained the message in his music is a lot deeper because he is trying to reach everyone.

"People say they like reggae but they don't stick by it because they might not understand it.

"The thing is when I'm writing a song, I try to send a message as well and nine times out of ten you love it because of the content."

He said he will stay in the studio for hours and hours until the song is a living breathing message because of the fact that he wants to please everyone.

Mikey added it is important to him to create music that has a good message and is profanity free so that parents and children can listen to the album and come to his concerts without worrying about the content.

Asked how it feels to finally have a record deal after writing, singing and performing for so many years, Mikey said: "I feel brand new."

He continued: "It's been a long journey for me. I can show what I'm capable of. It feels great."

Mikey added he is halfway through the album and plans to have it completed by the end of the month. It is being produced by Leroy Romans.

Asked what effect growing up in Bermuda has had on his style of music, Mikey said: "It's been a massive development as an artist. Bermuda has been my home and my surroundings. It's been a big thing for me."

He said it was very important to him that the single from the album, "Life Story" debuted in Bermuda first and also that the album was launched on the Island before anywhere else.

"Bermuda is everything. I'm going to support Bermuda. As my career grows, I'm going to do everything I can to push other Bermudian artists."

He explained being in the industry was "a very big risk and serious business" and said people had to be strong in order to make it.

As far as inspirations go, Mikey has been inspired by many artists including Jacob Miller, Bob Marley, Beres Hammond, the Bee Gees and The Police.

He said he hasn't been compared to any other artist vocally and was told by legendary bass player Pluto that he has a different and unique sound unlike any other artist.

The advice Mikey would give to aspiring artists is simple: "I would say to never give up. That's it. If you believe in yourself just go for it."

He explained his family has been very supportive of him over the years and can't thank them enough. He also thanks SkyRockit Records for giving him this amazing opportunity.

For more information on Mikey Wild, visit www.skyrockitrecords.com/mikey wild or www.myspace.com/mikeiswild.