GRAB ON MEKAHEL

Pop artist, model, entrepreneur, and fashionista On Mekahel is turning up the heat for summer with two electrifying new singles tearing up gay dancefloors.

By Mick Sandoval

photo by Trevor Paul

"Dose" is a sleek, adrenalinecharged pop anthem that captures the reckless thrill of the dancefloor.

"Pu$$y" explores the confidencethat exists alongside vulnerability and self-awareness.

"People already know me for making fun, high-energy dance music, but these songs feel different," he explains from his home in Los Angeles. "They're more confident, more focused, and completely fearless. I stopped second-guessing myself and am embracing exactly who I am as an artist. That freedom changed everything." We spoke with him about the new songs, as well as his summer

Mounderwear collection, "Core Swim," and his podcast, Boys Bare Talk, which he co-hosts with his

husband, Dave.

Mick Sandoval:What takes precedence—the fashion or the music?

On Mekahel: It depends on the moment, but they get equal amounts of love and attention. I

don’t do anything halfway, so whenever one of them needs me, I give it my all to accomplish the next

goal or important task.

MS: Mounderwear started as your story on camera during Revry’s hit reality show, Putting On. Does Core feel like the brand finally speaking for itself, without a reality show narrating it?

OM: I never really thought about it in that way, but yes, I would agree that Core Swim

truly represents the blueprint for what the brand is: refined simplicity. No BS. Classic.

MS: It is a stripped-back return to the classic swim brief.

OM: The concept of “less noise, more confidence” is really the DNA of the brand.

MS: It’s funny because where Core is about restraint, your new summer singles, “Dose” and “Pu$$y”, scream sexiness and confidence.

OM: I would say that my music and the brand encompass different sides of me. In a lot of ways, the restraint of Core represents the way I live my life and engage with the world, while my music reflects the wilder, more unrestrained side of me that is also very much a part of who I am.

MS: You’ve talked about the difference between being a “shirtless boy on Instagram” and an artist building a real body of work. Where do “Dose” and “Pu$$y” sit on that line for you?

OM: To be honest, both of these songs are an extension or evolution of the shirtless boy on Instagram.

They’re definitely running together in parallel spaces. I need to give myself some credit, though,

because being the shirtless boy on Instagram is still a creative endeavor —maybe just one with a little less depth and complexity.

MS: “Pu$$y” is a title that dares people to react before they’ve even heard the hook. How did you make the decision to own the word instead of softening it?

MO: To be honest, I didn’t eventhink twice about the title. Sure, it’s a little vulgar and in your face, but something I love about words, especially in the English language, is how dynamic they can be and how their meanings evolve over time, especially in street and pop culture. For me, I just wanted to have a good time introducing the concept of using the word “pussy” to describe a mood. Wild and bold is

sometimes best.

MS: “Dose” suggests something addictive, maybe even a little dangerous.

OM: It’s an acknowledgment that we all have something in our lives that represents a dose. A fix. Something that makes us feel amazing and leaves us wanting more. For me, it’s also about my

person, who is my husband. We can never get enough of each other, and in a relationship, that’s

such an amazing feeling.

MS: You and Dave do alot together, including running Mounderwear.

OM: The best part is getting to be together and work toward a common goal. Being creative with

each other and discussing our ideas creates this collaborative space in our lives that teaches us more

about each other and strengthens our communication and our relationship.

MS: You also have a podcast together.

OM: Yes, it’s called Boys Bare Talk, where we explore topics such as masculinity, body

image, relationships, confidence, and modern queer culture.

MS: Where can we find Boys Bare Talk?

OM: We’re on Spotify, YouTube and all major platforms.

MS: Do you also make your music together?

OM: We do! He writes all of my songs because he is good with words and knows me better than

anyone. He knows what I think before I even think it.

MS: What do you want the world to know about Dave?

OM: That he is my best friend, my favorite human, and my whole world. He is one of the greatest

humans I’ve ever met.

MS: What’s next for you this fall?

OM: We’re currently working on a whole new collection of socks and underwear for Mounderwear. Also,

I’m spending a lot of time in the studio, working on new music as I start piecing together a bigger

project!

Follow On Mekahel on IG

@ iamonmekahel