Mike Graham, born and raised on the shores of Sauble Beach ON, has been heavily influenced by the typical stereotypes of the laid-back beach lifestyle. Sun, sand, crashing waves. His music is acoustic driven, lyrically passionate, melodic and catchy to the ear. Drawing influence from many differents genres of music, Mike's style is a unique blend of folk, rock and alternative. Mike Graham spends his summers running a seasonal beach shop and playing music in the summer and then tours, writes and records in the off-season. Here is his story.
Mike first started playing guitar and writing at age 13. He listened to and learned from many styles of music, playing in and out of bands throughout highschool, before ultimately pursuing a solo career. After taking a few years off to travel and live on the West Coast, he re-rooted back in Sauble Beach permanently and began playing casually at social gatherings around the beach,
"It was so cool", Mike comments, ". it was so relaxed. We'd throw a house party and I'd bust out the guitar in my bedroom. They would be 30 people of more sitting in to listen. It was great. My friends and family were very supportive, and they are the reason why I made the decision to take my music to the next level. "
After being urged to record his music, Mike called up Andrew Horrocks at A.M.E. Studios, an old acquaintance whom he had recorded demo with years before. They spent 2 grueling 14 hour days in the studio in mid-July of 2005. In that time, they recorded 12 tracks, with one being a unique live-take off the floor. After finishing at 1:00am on the Friday night, Mike drove home to work at 10 a.m. the next morning. He did all the artwork in between work shifts, including hand drawing the palm tree album cover.
Mike's debut album, aptly entitled "Worth the Wait." was released 3 weeks later on August 25th at a CD release party at a local establishment. Featuring such favourites as "Keep My Cool", "Push & Shove", "Adis Drive", "All I Want" and "Dont Be Like That" it became an instant hit! Mike would play and sell copies out of his store to tourists and local shoppers. Soonafter, Mike's official website was launched www.mikegrahamonline.com.
Since it's release, Worth the Wait has become a huge success through touring, internet, word of mouth and the support of a loyal fanbase. In 2006/07 Mike embarked on a cross-Canada tour and shot a music video for "All I Want", set to be released in spring 2008. Mike reflects, "I am so appreciative of everything that's come my way. I am very grateful that I can write and play and perform for people. Its always been a real passion for me. I just want to continue writing and playing for all those that support me and what I do"
After 2 years of touring and promoting himself, Mike took February and March of 2007 off to write and record demos. He spent the following few monthes testing new material, and preparing for another round in the studio.
Wanting to stick with a similar sound, Mike returned to A.M.E. to record his sophomore release, "Here We Go Again".
Recorded in July & August to capture the feeling of summer, it is his first album with a full back-up band (Darrly McWaters on drums, Mark McIntrye on bass) and features vocal cameos from good friends Kent Johnston and Jenna Miller. Mike took his time to give his listeners a new experience. Here We Go Again is all new, unreleased and original material by Mike Graham. It ranges from soft acoustic ballads to upbeat rock style anthems. Including the hits, "Follow The Sun", "Last To Know", "Summer Days", "Knew It All Along" and more it has already received great reviews from friends and fans alike.
On the new record, Mike says "I took alot more time with this album. I wanted to make something new, fresh and different while keeping my own personal sound I am very proud of the outcome and all the hard work that went into it. It took a little while longer, but we had a blast. I had some great musicians behind me, and an awesome producer/engineer (Andrew Horrocks). I am very excited to see where this one with takes me."
Mike Graham currently resides in London, ON and will be promoting his new record throughout Ontario by playing shows and doing radio. Both of Mike's albums are available HERE Check him out!
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"Here We Go Again is a fine collection of upbeat, personal songs driven by his warm vocal styleGraham's heartfelt sunny tunes may be just what you need to get you through the cold winter months
ahead."
- Dave Clarke, SCENE Magazine December 2007
"With songs like "Follow The Sun" and "Summer Days", Here We Go Again reflects the beach culture where Mike Graham spends his summers.
Mike's acoustic guitar drives the rhythm throughout.The 11 original songs are both upbeat and laid back, with Graham's voice and big beachy harmonies always up front in the mix."
- Bill Henry, The Owen Sound Sun Times November 2007.
"Full of beautiful melodies and introspective lyrics
"Worth the Wait, shows Mike Graham as a talented singer, songwriter and musician." - The Western Gazette (Western University)
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