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Mickey Avalon‘s life story has more twists and turns than an average episode of VH1’s Behind the Music. Raised by a drug-addicted father, he sold pot at a young age, then briefly converted to Orthodox Judaism in his late teens, before giving it up when his father died in a tragic drunk-driving accident.
He married, had a daughter and relocated to Portland, Ore., turning to prostitution to support a burgeoning heroin habit. Moving back to L.A., he hooked up with former MTV DJ Simon Rex (aka Dirt Nasty), collaborating on several tracks, building a local following through grassroots marketing that led to a deal with Interscope Records, which released his self-titled debut album. Fan favorites “Jane Fonda,” “Mr. Right” and “My Dick” quickly spread across the Internet and mainstream radio, turning Mickey Avalon into a household name.
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His music has been featured in the HBO series Hung, American Dad, Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay and the Cameron Diaz film Bad Teacher. Most recently, his song “Stroke Me” was featured in the R-rated comedy We’re the Millers, with none other than Jennifer Aniston performing a sexy striptease to the song.
Now independent, Avalon has returned with a new EP, I Get Even, a trip through the seedy streets of Hollywood. His new single, “Hollywood,” is a collaboration with noted EMD pioneer Paul Oakenfold.
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What’s the inspiration for “Hollywood”?
When I first heard Jay Z and Alicia Keys‘ song about New York I was inspired to write an anthem for Hollywood. It’s more than just a town, and it’s a double-edged sword where people either love it or hate it. I just happen to love everything … from the glitz and glamour to the seedier parts. I was also born and raised here, so I don’t have a frame of reference of anywhere else to live.
How did Paul Oakenfold come to produce the track with you?
After I came up with the idea, I just hit up my boy Paul and asked him if he would produce it. We’ve been friends for a long time, and we have a mutual respect for each other’s music. I went to his studio, and he just nailed the beat instantly, which gave me a ton of ideas for lyrics. It came out fantastic, and it’s a song that I’m really proud of.
The video was directed by Todd Angkasuwan. How did you decide to use animation?
We thought the best way to portray the city was in a psychedelic manner, and I think Todd nailed it! We wanted to show how on any give night you could be partying it up on the Sunset Strip with lovely ladies, or you could be running from the law on side streets.
What’s next for you?
I’m in the studio recording my next record and getting ready to go on tour. I’m also about to work with some people that I’m very excited about, and hopefully you’ll be excited with the outcome.
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