Mikky Ekko

Mikky Ekko

Mikky Ekko is an American singer-songwriter and record producer from Shreveport, Louisiana, born John Stephen Sudduth. He is signed to RCA Records and is best known for featuring on Rihanna’s 2013 single “Stay”, which becomes his first charting material and appears in multiple countries worldwide.

Early life and move to music

He has a nomadic childhood in the American South, travelling with his preacher father. He spends time in Tupelo, Mississippi, where he absorbs gospel music before relocating to Nashville, Tennessee. There he starts playing in bands and later works as a songwriter for other artists before deciding that he wants to perform as a singer himself.

Solo work and releases

Ekko releases his first EP, Strange Fruit, produced by Tim Lauer. The record contains the first songs he writes on his own, and most of them are a cappella. His music is associated with alternative, electronic, post-pop, ambient and vocal styles.

Touring and collaboration

From September 2009, he tours with the Nashville-based collective Ten Out of Tenn. His most widely known collaboration remains “Stay” with Rihanna, which brings him international attention as a featured artist.