Mike Younger
Every Stone You Throw
© 2006 Nashanoke Music (ASCAP) (783707184609)
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Gripping vocals, pure poetic lyrics and hard hitting melody are the explosive core of Mike Younger. An emerging Singer/Songwriter that draws heavily from the Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Gospel and Country, but through arrangement and production that is
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BIO:
Mike Younger is that rarest of artists - one so fervently driven to express himself through his music that he has navigated many obstacles, including homelessness and the carnivorous major label recording industry, out of an instinctive pursuit of his musical goals. Mike is a legitimate survivor, a gifted singer-songwriter who doesn't just drone vacantly about hardships and trials, but who has actually lived through them... and whose strength and resilience spring from his passion for his art. "I can't even imagine having lived my life any other way. I make music for one very simple reason - it's what I was born to do!"
With the completion of his new album, Every Stone You Throw, Mike has chronicled his intrepid odyssey, taking listeners on a tour of his styles and stories and offering a very intimate look into the frenzied world of an artist who has led his life in a relentless search for the muse. The 12 songs on Every Stone You Throw ultimately represent a turbulent, yet rewarding, chapter in this talented artist's unparalleled life.
Though born and raised in Nova Scotia, the wayfaring Younger has recorded in New Orleans, Nashville and New York. Since leaving home, he has unconditionally committed his life to following his creative spirit, drifting through manifold cities, cultures and styles - wherever the music has taken him. He has tirelessly performed in nearly every venue imaginable - street corners, waterfront piers, subways, work camps, coffee houses, nightclubs, concert halls and theaters. The beauty of Mike Younger's uniquely hybridized music is that it bears the influences of each and every one of these locales and experiences.
Mike began his career as a teenage busker, leaving his native Halifax at the age of 17. Anxious to see the world, he hitchhiked across the country, ultimately ending up in Vancouver. There, he survived by playing for tips with only an acoustic guitar and harmonica as accompaniment.
He touched down temporarily in Toronto before crossing the border to New York City, seeking out the energy of the storied Greenwich Village folk scene that served as one of his earliest inspirations. No longer the fabled Village of the '60s he had imagined, Mike instead discovered an altogether different side of New York, falling in with the tough squatting community on the city's Lower East Side. Basic survival very quickly became his first priority. Still, he grasped at every opportunity to share and cultivate his music.
It was a sound from thousands of miles away - the Southern blues of artists like Mississippi John Hurt, Leadbelly and Robert Johnson - that would speak to Mike Younger more than any other music previously had, and that would ultimately transform the determined musician from street player to professional recording artist. "When I first heard that Southern sound, it hit me in the gut... in my soul. It was so mystical and fascinating, but also instantly familiar - it was a real revelation to me just how big an influence this music was on the artists I admired." So when the South beckoned, he heeded the call by taking a trip to Mardi Gras in 1993. Intending to visit Louisiana for a week, he ended up staying for five years.
It was in New Orleans that Mike got his first big break, through legendary DJ John Sinclair, former spiritual adviser to the MC5 and founder of the radical White Panthers. After meeting Mike, Sinclair recognized a kindred rebellious soul and invited him to play live on his popular WWOZ radio program, "The New Orleans Music Show." The broadcast - and the urgent energy of a compelling young artist - happened to be heard by Nashville-based music publisher Chris Keaton, who signed Mike to a publishing deal. When one of Mike's songs reached Rodney Crowell, the country superstar was so blown away by the raw emotion and honesty ingrained in a basic demo, he signed on to produce Mike's entire debut album. Recorded in Nashville as a largely solo acoustic venture, Somethin' in the Air was released in 1999.
Mike Younger's debut record received tremendous critical acclaim and overwhelming radio success, spawning two top-requested singles, while also landing songs on two prominent network television series. The title track even has its own place in history, as part of both Starbucks' and the Sundance Film Festival's first-ever musical ventures. The album's success also led to Mike opening for artists ranging from Nanci Griffith, Steve Earle and Asleep at the Wheel to Kansas and Jill Sobule.
Following a soul-searching exodus into the deserts of the American Southwest, Mike made a decision reminiscent of one of his greatest idols, Bob Dylan, picking up an electric guitar for the first time and radically altering both his sound and his songwriting. Newly inspired, Mike returned to New York to reunite with old friend and pianist Bob Packwood to assemble a full four-piece band, adding Skip Ward on bass and Louis Appel on drums. After playing live together for nearly two solid years, Mike and his new band ventured to Nashville and - under the guidance of distinguished producer and engineer Rob Clark (Neil Young, Emmylou Harris) - laid down the basic tracks for Every Stone You Throw in just three days. A seamless combination of alt-country, singer-songwriter and pop-rock stylings, Every Stone You Throw is the result of a tightly-honed group of skilled musicians bringing a talented songwriter's compositions colorfully to life.
For Mike Younger, Every Stone You Throw is the tangible harvest of what has been, to this point, a journey of perseverance and determination. Ultimately though, at its heart, Every Stone You Throw is the sound of a free spirit reconciling his diverse influences under one roof and finally finding a place to call home.
Every Stone You Throw will be released March 7, 2006, by Bare Bone Productions.
reviews
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This amazing quality of music is so uncommon today
author: ojbThe variety of styles in this CD speaks for the talent of the artist. The lyrics, harmony, musical arrangements, voice and delivery are awesome. I agree with Bob Dylan who recently said in an interview: "Good music has not been written in a long time". Thank you Mike for bringing quality back to music writing.
Mike is a true artist...
author: jenI found Mike's music on myspace. As soon as I heard the first song I knew he was a true artist. His music reflects his heart...beautifully!
Pleasently Amazed and Left Wanting More
author: Tawnya LeeWow!, was my first reaction as I listened to every song on Stones Throw. Because of Stones Throw, my 17 year old son and I now have another common love. A generation gap is filled by this music - Thank-you from the bottom of my heart!
Pure Soul
author: Susan EdringtonI found out about Mike's CD on My Space listening to clips of the tunes one night. Being from New Orleans, the music from Every Stone You Throw made me feel warm all over -- like going home again. Thanks for a beautiful CD!
Mike is Awesome, better than Dylan,Greatest I`ve Heard Yet!
author: Sharon In Cincinnati Signs-MyspaceThe CD is wonderful, I love it! Lyrics fantastic, singing even better!Something To Believe is extraordinary! The lyrics to this song touch everyone who has given up hope, who has lost a loved one and who wants a renewal in their faith in God!That song should be a number one!
in music you can find a part of a persons soul when no one cannot find the wo
author: patrick marrthe imprints of soul sounds ring thruogh like the beating of the drum in cultures music does what it does like the ripple in the water it goes into the world
- author: jake d
it is the best cd i have herd in a long time nice job
GREAT discovery
author: kelly in birch bayI found Mike's music purely by coincidence (if they exist) and can't stop playing it... so rare to find a cd where you love every song. His sound is so varied it reflects how diversely talented he is. Hoping he makes it to the west coast soon - specifically pac nw!
What Can I Say??
author: Cindy BriggsA great record with lyrics that run deep, really grabs the listener...at least, it did for me! I have made a connection to many of these songs and love the bluesy, gospel-like sound on the arrangements. This record is in my daily rotation of music I listen to. Great sound, great vibe. Can't wait to hear more from this artist already!
sorry
author: beverlygouldwell i i should say hi you made it big eh
Outstanding Well worth the wait
author: Deborah UpdikeThis CD is even better than the first one - and I was afraid that would not be possible. Mike's music is so versatile and his lyrics so engaging you will want to listen over and over again. All the musicians on this album are talented - what a treat!
Every thing I hoped it would be! A true blessing!!
author: Ryan David RobertsThe lyrics on this CD are absolutely mind blowing!! I'm a songwriter myself, and I love hearing new stuff. This is Definately it!! I feel like I really lived and wrote some of these songs myself. Wish I did! This CD really hits home!! BEAUTIFUL!!!
I converted my whole family!
author: Natasha De Bernardi (and family)Mike Younger's latest CD is fantastic -- a great combination of rhythm & beat and some softness. Great words too, especially Everyday War and Baby What Can I Say. I sent it to my family and they all love it, from my wild brother to my teenage cousin to my mom.
Very well done , great voice, what a talent !!!!
author: George BorovanUnique voice, easy to listen to and good variety of music ! Mike's music needs to get out there so others can enjoy him as well. World class !!
Great songwriting and vocals. Awesome tone on electric guitar
author: KirkMy first introduction to Mike's music I have had the CD for over a month. It is always on in my car. All 12 songs are excellent. The lyrics are thought provoking, the production quality is excellent. Mike produces great sounding lead breaks. Has a vintage flavor to the tone of the guitar that I cannot identify but it is awesome. Best of Luck with the CD Mike. Kirk from Halifax
Very nice work!
author: Peter PadronVery rich and soulful music. Mike has done a very nice job with this CD. I'm sure Mike will do well in this and all his future musical endeavors.
An unforgettable experience!!!
author: gregoryThis is a very nice work. I´ve been following Mike Younger´s career since its beginnings and I think in this CD Mike shines through in every song. I highly recommned it.
Great,Fantastic,Tremendous
author: Betty BoudreauMike,I just listened to your CD and I am blown away.The words scratch the core of one's soul,the music lingers about the head and your jacket cover so appealing... WHOW!! What a joy to pour a glass of wine,put your CD on,listen and relax.Can't wait to hear more.
A Treasure to Cherish
author: George and MichelleWe enjoyed your music tremendously. You are a very capable and talented young artist. Keep up the good work. Best of luck from both of us.
Way to GO, Mike!
author: Richard UjvaryAwesome music from the bottom of your heart, Mike! Hope to see your live performance in Canada!! Keep up the great work! Best regards, Richard
I think Mike Younger's voice has that smokie sound
author: Ethel TomanMike Younger has that smokie sound that sends me.Wish I could hear him on Canadian radio.Is That possible?I look forward to that.
Unforgetable lyrics, beautifly sung
author: Terezia BetancourtBoth,the music and the lyrics on this CD are beautiful.Thank you Mike for such a wonderfull music.I wish you all the best.I hope you will come soon with you music to Canada, and I will have a chance to see your live performance. Terezia
Nothing Short of Brilliant
author: SimoneHands down one of the most genuine talents I have heard in a long time! I have played the song, Everyday War over and over again because the lyrics ask compelling questions that have yet to be answered. A couple of my favorites on this CD are the longing ballads of Killin Time and Trouble Can Last. Where does a songwriter of today come up with lyrics like "I guess that I aint been so easy to find/ The truth is I`ve been spending most of my time/ Chasing rainbows `round a hairpin turn in the road" unless they have lived these emotions. Buy this record, play it over and over and relish in the brilliant songwriting and raw vocals of this artist. Mike Younger is a diamond in the rough just waiting to shine.
Best album I've heard so far this year.
author: Joe CalvertIt only takes about 10 seconds of listening to the first song on this CD to be hooked. Twelve great songs, each standing out uniquely from the others. Nothing alternative here - from the hard-charging danceable rock tunes to the slower, soulful, bluesy numbers, this is a stellar production and delivery. Mike Younger shows with this CD what an accomplished guitar player, lyricist, and vocalist that he is. And his backing musicians are world-class, crisp and tight as they come. A "must get" CD for the true music-lovers!