the afterparty EP



Born in Toronto, Canada, Miguel Veloso, (b. December 6, 2002) also known as MICO, is a Filipino-Canadian pop artist who has quickly risen through the ranks of the indie and alt-pop scenes. He began releasing music around 2019, building a grassroots following through platforms like SoundCloud, Twitch, and Discord, where he directly connected with fans and fellow artists. His early work, including his debut EP 21st Century Heartbreak, showcased his knack for blending heartfelt lyricism with catchy, genre-bending production. Drawing from pop, pop-punk, and alt-rock influences, MICO carved out a sound that feels both fresh and nostalgic, resonating especially with Gen Z listeners navigating modern identity, relationships, and mental health. His ability to pair emotionally raw content with accessible hooks set him apart from many of his peers, and helped him build momentum as an independent artist. In recent years, MICO’s profile has grown significantly, with standout tracks like “cut my hair” earning tens of millions of streams and solidifying his place in the alt-pop landscape. His EP the tears we fight further pushed his sonic palette, combining acoustic moments with pop-punk energy, and reflecting on themes like ADHD, anxiety, and self-worth. In 2025, MICO signed with Columbia Records, a major milestone that marked his transition from independent buzz artist to mainstream contender. He announced his Internet Hometown Hero World Tour, expanding his live presence to North America, the UK, and Europe, driven by overwhelming fan demand. The tour supports the deluxe version of his EP, Internet Hometown Hero (+DLC), which builds on his vulnerable, self-aware songwriting and positions him as one of the most promising voices in the alt-pop and emo-pop revival. With a growing discography and a loyal global fanbase, MICO continues to prove that his rise is not just viral hype, but the result of genuine artistry and connection. In addition to his solo work, MICO lent his voice to the character Telemachus in Epic: The Musical, an ambitious, fan-driven retelling of The Odyssey by Jorge Rivera-Herrans. His performance added emotional depth and relatability to the story’s younger generation, further showcasing his versatility as both a vocalist and storyteller. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.