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| Mi’das |
When we take a look back into the history of music, there are many important works of composers that marked the times. First, there was the Renaissance, the period between the 1400 and 1600 CE. The music of the period was significantly influenced by the developments which define the Early Modern period: the rise of humanistic thought; the recovery of the literary and artistic heritage of ancient Greece and Rome; increased innovation and discovery; the growth of commercial enterprise. From this changing society emerged a common, unifying musical language, in particular the polyphonic style. In music, polyphony is a texture consisting of two or more simultaneous lines of independent melody, as opposed to a musical texture with just one voice which is called monophony. William Byrd was one of the foremost composers who rose to popularity during this period. Second, The Romantic movement was an artistic, literary, and intellectual movement that originated in the second half of the 18th century in Europe and strengthened in reaction to the Industrial Revolution. During this time well-known composers such as Beethoven, Schubert and Paganini composed works that were very popular. Third came the modern and contemporary age, which started around the beginning of the 1900’s and continues until today. Of course familiar music forms such as jazz and rock and roll were born, but also the singer/songwriter gained popularity. Important artists like James Taylor, Carole King, Elton John and many more have contributed large quantities of songs that have remained popular for many years. The above-mentioned artists have inspired a multitude of young, aspiring modern composers. Much like the one I chose to feature this week: Mi’das.
Before many of you start to Google this new artist, understand that he has nothing to do with automotive parts or repairs. In fact, the name Mi’das is derived from his actual name, Mike Davies. Born in Brighton, UK, and growing up in a musical family and surrounded by soul, pop, funk, jazz and classical his early performances were at school assemblies and with the family band. After leaving school and studying guitar at a music college for two years he cut his teeth partly by busking the streets and partly by singing and playing at events up and down the country to begin to earn a living from music. He says of this time in his life: “I just wanted to make it work no matter what, and I certainly learned lessons I keep with me still now from those experiences, you don’t get anything without hard work for one!” A move to the hub of London prompted a change in fortunes.
After several hot jam sessions with some of the most talented musicians in the UK, Mi’das started to land work as a session musician. He played with some of the bigger names in the industry. A songwriter for over ten years by this point however, he knew standing in the shadows was never where he wanted his journey to end.
After playing behind so many great artists, and writing songs for other musicians, Mi’das was ready to start concentrating on developing music for himself. He has set out to do this with a series of 3 EPs called ‘The Story So Far’ which he began releasing last year. You might ask: why three EP’s and not an album? Mi’das explained his reasoning well. “Well firstly for me I don’t think of it as “in place” of the album, I see this series as a vehicle to tell my story as an artist so far and each of the EPs represent a part of that. The first one was stripped back and raw, much how I began my experience with music making. The second one captures the sound of a ‘live in a room’ band feel which I love, we recorded it at a beautiful studio called State of the Ark and it was all live takes with most mistakes left in. The last EP is all bells and whistles production wise and the exploration of sound and textures that entails. When it comes to making the album I hope it will be the more finished me.”
I have listened to all of the EP’s, and they are as Mi’das detailed. They are also quite good. The most recent EP Stronger is now a part of my permanent music collection. However, I am not the first to discover the talent of the young singer/songwriter. Many prominent music industry folks have commented on the music of Mi’das. Premier music producer Rodney (Darkchild) Jerkins stated, “Man on the Moon is a really, really nice tune!” “Impressive natural flair, blue-eyed soul and expressiveness” was written in Blues and Soul Magazine.
Mi’das’ new single is a fascinating, well produced song entitled, “Too little Too late”. The narrative of the song speaks of an old man’s regrets and longing to start again. It’s a deeper subject than your average pop song. That might be true, however there is no rule about the meaning of any song. Notice what Mi’das stated about his music. “My viewpoint is that popular music doesn’t have to be throwaway. We as musicians, songwriters and earthlings have the opportunity to say something in that 3-4 minute window. If we convey it honestly and concisely it will hopefully then carry to the listener and affect them”
Well said. Yes, everything is good so far!