Mk.Gee: The Bedroom Pop Artist of the Future

Words: Josh Fundafunda

Photography: Angela Riccardi

Like many others back in 2017, I keenly kept up with Blonded Radio, a show on Apple Music hosted by none other than Frank Ocean, Vegyn, and Roof Access. At the time, each episode felt like a gold mine of new music that often featured a fresh single from Frank Ocean.

These episodes introduced me to artists like Alfa Mist, Karriem Riggins, Vegyn, and most importantly, MK. Gee (born Michael Gordon). Specifically, it was the 2018 midterm election episodes where I first heard him.

" “You” kicked off part one of the trilogy of episodes and immediately caught my attention with its summery guitar and groovy bassline..."

The rest of the episode played out in typical Blonded Radio fashion: a track from the then up-and-coming Don Toliver, an on-the-nose number called “Impeach the President” by The Honey Drippers - and, sadly, no new Frank Ocean music. Explore another brilliant emerging producer - Budgie - here.

Discovering MK. Gee’s Sound

Regardless, “You” left enough of a lasting impression for me to check out the rest of his music. MK Gee, the stage name of Michael Gordon, is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer.

He has much more going for him than the backing of Frank Ocean - he brings a genuine freshness to the alternative and bedroom pop scene. His catalogue is small but deliberate: three concise albums, an early EP from 2016, and a few tracks from his previous band 3 South Benson.

There’s a striking authenticity to his work - a consistency that runs through every project. No matter the direction or the collaboration, there’s always an unmistakable MK Gee sound.

Pronounced McGee (2018): A Breakout Moment

His first semi-self-titled album, Pronounced McGee (released May 2018), cemented that identity. With nine songs just shy of 40 minutes, MK Gee delivered a timeless debut - still a favourite of mine to this day.

Each track showcases Gordon’s skills as a multi-instrumentalist and producer. It’s no small feat to make such an engaging collection of songs back-to-back.

"This project makes you wish you were somewhere warmer, and that’s where Gordon shines..."

The aforementioned “You” perfectly blends bright synths, upbeat drums, and Gordon’s signature lead guitar. Tracks like “I Know How You Get”, “Anabell”, and “Priorities” maintain that summery, introspective energy.

In “Priorities”, the infectious bassline contrasts lyrics about feeling overwhelmed by the mundane - “I know how to run / but don’t know how to think things through.” It’s simple, emotional, and deeply relatable.

MK. Gee’s Lyrical Style and Musical Intention

This kind of poignant lyricism runs through his entire discography - nuanced, personal, relatable, and catchy.

Vocally, Gordon may not be an “out-of-this-world” singer, but he’s effortlessly confident. The opening song “If He”features a repeating guitar riff that mirrors his lyrical plea, “Please come home.”

It’s a trick he uses often - blending lyrical rhythm with melodic instrumentation. Every element feels intentional, showcasing how deeply he crafts his sound.

Considering how complete his debut felt, it was a surprise to see another full album arrive later that same year.

Fool (2018): Intimacy and Growth

Fool, released in November 2018, carried forward MK Gee’s groove but slowed the pace. It’s more intimate - less sunlit, more introspective.

Gordon’s instrumentation feels loose yet deliberate, maintaining that effortless authenticity. He’s still exploring love and connection - from the bonus track “Si” (“Your daughter in my car / But your voice in my ear”) to the reflective opener “New Year.”

"It’s a project full of familiar emotions - returning home, confronting change, and realizing you’ve outgrown old spaces..."

Even the upbeat tracks like “Drown” and “Wheel” lean into heavier synths, marking his shift from psych-rock warmth toward a more electronic, lo-fi production style.

While Fool is arguably the least replayed of his three albums, it remains an important transitional record. It bridges his early, beachy alt-rock sensibility with the experimental sound that would define his next work.

A Museum of Contradiction (2020): Experimentation and Evolution

Released in 2020, A Museum of Contradiction represented a major evolution in MK Gee’s sound. Fans were divided at first - myself included - but over time, its emotional depth and experimentation became clear.

The woozy “Intro” sets the tone for a reflective, almost cinematic experience. “cz”, one of two lead singles, signals Gordon’s departure from live-performance influences into more lo-fi, bedroom-produced territory — fitting for the COVID era.

"The instrumental “>;0”, featuring Vegyn, merges MK Gee’s organic instrumentation with off-kilter house production — minimalist, textured, and completely captivating..."

And yet, MK Gee hasn’t lost his groove. “Overtime – pt 1” revives the warmth of his debut with muted drums and funky basslines, flowing seamlessly into the dreamy “Overtime – pt 2.”

The project feels cohesive - a single, flowing experience rather than a set of standout singles. “Western” evokes Tame Impala-esque psychedelic rock, while “Isn’t It So Convenient” closes with reflective calm.

This record captures a maturing artist - one confident enough to follow instinct over formula.

MK. Gee’s Influences and Legacy

Gordon thrives when following his influences - and he wears them proudly. He belongs to the same creative generation as Brockhampton, Dominic Fike, Charlotte Day Wilson, and Mac DeMarco.

Whether he’s drawing from old-school beach rock or contemporary house production, MK Gee synthesizes it all into something distinctly his own.

His solo work is already impressive, but it’s his production sensibility - the ease with which he blends emotion, groove, and experimentation - that keeps listeners coming back.

To quote Rhys Buchanan: “You sense a stardom is looming large here.”

And I’d have to agree - MK Gee’s artistry is singular, soulful, and continually evolving. It’s rare to find a musician who feels this forward-thinking while staying true to his roots.