Tuesday, May 5, 2009

THE SUMMER

Hi friends. first off, let me say that i know it's been a long time since a blog post. i hope you've all been following my alternative means of blogging over the past few months, my Youtube workshop series. You can check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/rockinwithmike
I've been going through lots of personal changes in the past few months, and understandably they've affected how i've been staying connected to you guys and how i've been able to promote and get behind Good Watermelon, which is being released just around now.
I don't expect to get into it too deeply in this blog, and I'm sure i'll have some one-on-one conversations with you guys over the course of the summer and we can talk about these kinds of things some more.
Let me say that i'm still super serious and dedicated to my music career and performing my songs and connecting with my fans, but over the course of the last few months, and more so over the last half-year, I've been opening my eyes to a bigger picture. I've been realizing more and more that I've been living my life in a weird way all through my 20's and to head towards the meaningful life and sustainable connection with my art and my audience that i'd very much like to have - in order to do this, i needed to change my approach slightly. this has all been a long time coming. I've been so burned out on the business end of music for so long and I've had a serious writer's block for a couple of years. And more importantly, something much bigger that music and my career ... I feel I've going through life focused on destinations and goals and not on enjoying the moments along the way. I know that sounds like a cliche, but well, it's true for me. so that's that.
Okay, you're saying ... what are you trying to say anyway, Mike? I know, I know, everyone goes through this stuff.
Anyway, in the past few months Sarah and I have broken up, and i've moved to Montreal. And this is my first time living completely on my own. so it's been pretty intense.
Anyway, we can talk more about this ... it's late and I want to head back to my place to wind down.
But ... more concretely, I've changed my touring plans for the summer at the last minute because I was dreading being on the road for more than 3 months. So now the plan is to tour western Canada and the US (whatever I can get in) all through the month of July and that's it. I'll be posting the confirmed dates in the next few weeks. I'm looking forward to a short and intense touring experience. lots of backyard parties I hope and good people.
And then, it'll be back to Montreal to regroup and make plans for the fall. Definitely a new album is in the works .... but before that I'd actually like to do some traveling (non-music related) and hopefully some volunteering somewhere.
Talk to you guys soon and I apologize for all of the cancellations in the last little while. It's been my body's way of telling me that changes need to be made.
Love you guys so much!
Mike
PS - you know, it's just that I've started to feel grounded for the first time ever, and it seems like it was cut totally short over the last few weeks. I just need more time to get into my groove as this dude living in this one-room apartment. And to figure stuff out. But i will definitely still be giving all I've got to you when I perform and make music.... and I'm not going anywhere for too long. Even if i do take a bit of a break after the summer. I'll be back .... I promise!! I can't thank all of you enough for the support and encouragement and connections we've shared. Okay, now i'm going home for real.... g'dnight

5 comments:

Ian G McC said...

Hi Mike,

While I'm disappointed to hear you won't be coming to the midwest, I totally understand. This one wild and precious life is for you to live, and you only.

Please feel free to come visit Minneapolis. I'd love to show you the town and see a show with you or something. Either way, please know that I am totally behind your decision, and look forward to helping you out in the future.

From your pal from "Canada Jr" (Minnesota),

Ian McConnell

Kev And Charlotte said...

Wow, an epiphany. Perhaps epiphany is too dramatic? A gentley arrived at evolution?

Sounds like you are doing good things for yourself to stay healthy in all realms and be your best You.

Any of that make sense? Sorry your relationship went south. I hope at least some good art comes of it.

God bless, big love and have a good one - Kev.

meghanwarby said...

Hey Mike - I support you wholeheartedly in whatever you choose to do life/career-wise. Regretting missing your show at Supermarket BIGTIME earlier this year :( Might have to book an impromptu US trip to be sure I can see you on this leg of the tour.
Your fan & friend,
Meegs

onecent said...

Mike, we support you with whatever you do in your music and in life!!! sorry to hear about your breakup. That is always a hard thing to deal with in life, whether for the good or the bad....
I hope things will turn around for the better for you. take some time for yourself. your fans will still be here..enjoying some good watermelon until you get things going again!

let us (know if you are still coming our way... Either Shauna or myself) :)
hugs

InventorMama said...

Dude, take all the time you need! We're not going anywhere.

As a mom of two youngin's, I often have to pull myself back to "the here and now". It can be challenging sometimes.

; )

If you're looking for a little R&R, there's a cool place here in Dearborn, Michigan called Greenfield Village. They have a special summertime event called "The Ragtime Street Fair" (July 18-19).