Mike Maimone Meets the Moment in "Meet Me"

Mike Maimone’s new single “Meet Me” is a vibrant, heart-stirring declaration of love, inspired by grief, memory, and the extraordinary bond he shared with his late husband, famed Hollywood publicist Howard Bragman. The song arrives as the energetic opener to Maimone’s forthcoming album Guess What? I Love You, due in February 2026, a project that unfolds in two halves: the first celebrates love’s joy, while the second explores grief and healing.

The genesis of “Meet Me” came in an unexpected moment. Walking down the street, Maimone spotted someone who reminded him of Howard, and his heart flooded with emotion. The first verse arrived almost instantly. He rushed home, picked up his guitar, and completed the song in a single sitting. The track reflects the early romance between the two men, a relationship that began on the dating app Scruff, blossomed into long conversations, and eventually drew them together in New York. Their courtship was filled with spontaneity, travel, and stolen moments. Maimone hopes listeners will hear not only his own love story in the music but also be moved to pursue love themselves with equal daring.

Sonically, “Meet Me” is a rollicking throwback, borrowing from 1950s shuffles and the joyous spirit of early rock ’n’ roll. Maimone cites Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis as touchstones, noting the innocence and poetic quality of that era’s love songs. The track conjures images of passing notes in class and sneaking away after school, capturing the thrill of carving out moments of connection despite the demands of daily life. As the first track on Guess What? I Love You, its playful spirit sets the tone for the album’s Side A, which immerses itself in the wonder and exuberance of love well lived.

Maimone produced, recorded, and mixed the single himself, also performing piano and vocals. He was joined by a band of collaborators who brought the sound to life: Rob Gould on drums, Patrick McIsaac on bass, Ellen Angelico on electric and baritone guitars, Jesse McGinty and Mike Cordone on horns and arrangements, with Nikki Morgan and Cole DeGenova providing backing vocals. The track was mastered by Justin Shturtz at Sterling Sound in Nashville, adding polish to its raw, soul-driven energy.

Understanding the song also means understanding the man to whom it is dedicated. Howard Bragman was one of Hollywood’s most respected publicists and crisis managers, widely known for helping celebrities navigate deeply personal and often life-altering moments in public. Born in Flint, Michigan, in 1956, Bragman described himself as feeling like “a Martian” growing up, a “fat, Jewish, gay kid” who did not fit in. That experience shaped his lifelong dedication to advocacy, visibility, and LGBTQ rights. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1978 with a degree in journalism and psychology, he embarked on a career in public relations, co-founding Bragman Nyman Cafarelli in 1989 before later launching Fifteen Minutes in 2005 and LaBrea Media in 2018.

Over the years, Bragman became a trusted advisor, known for his deft handling of crises but also for helping public figures embrace their authentic selves. He played a pivotal role in some of the most high-profile coming-out stories in media, always with a blend of strategy and compassion. Beyond his professional success, he was a philanthropist, a mentor, and a deeply loved figure in the LGBTQ community. His life was cut short in February 2023 at the age of 66, following a brief battle with leukemia, only days after his diagnosis. He left behind Maimone and countless friends, family, and colleagues who felt his impact.

For Maimone, “Meet Me” is more than just a song; it is a tribute to the man who transformed his life and a monument built from sound. It reflects both the sweetness of love’s beginning and the ache of loss, reminding listeners of the paradox that grief carries: love is often rediscovered in memories, in fleeting glimpses, and even in the shadows of absence. By opening his new album with such a track, Maimone underscores the central truth of the project: that joy and sorrow are bound together, and that healing often begins in remembering.

“Meet Me” is now available on all major streaming platforms. Guess What? I Love You will be released in February 2026.