All across the world, music lovers can find reggae music being played. One spot that has become a gold rush for roots-reggae music, much like this country’s great expansion, can be found on the islands of Hawaii. Artists and bands like Jack Johnson, Pepper, The Green and Natural Vibrations have made a name for themselves, but another one has emerged.
Mike Love, the Hawaiian born and raised singer/songwriter, has been a spiritual musician since his early years, later focusing primarily on an acoustic guitar. Mike Love is a true roots musician, finding the best influences are family and friends, putting pen to paper and making music. However, Mike Love also stated, “I also feel heavily influenced by the beautiful land I was so lucky to be raised in. These islands that we call home are filled with such diverse beauty and mystery, that you can’t help but develop a poetic nature from living here. The beautiful forests, the deep carved valleys, the rivers that run to the sea. The immensely powerful ocean, with its healing energy, and the long sandy beaches and rock cliffs. I feel like growing up here has given me a perspective you just can’t get in most places. It manifests itself in the lyrics that repeatedly show up in my songs, reflecting on Mother Nature and her gifts, and our responsibility to protect Her.”
Love has been performing live for many years, playing his first club gig at the age of 16. It has only been five years since Mike Love’s first solo show. In that time span, Mike Love’s fan base has grown immensely and the support has driven the artist to work harder than ever, crafting a live show that continuously draws in new fans and keeps the old ones coming back again and again.
Along with keeping music lovers coming back show after show, Mike Love also released his first full-length studio album effort titled, The Change I’m Seeking via Love Not War Records. Currently, Mike Love’s debut album is sitting pretty in the top 20 of the iTunes Reggae Charts. The Change I’m Seeking is nestled between SOJA’s Born in Babylon and Matisyahu’s Light; certainly not bad company to be surrounded by.
Mike Love recently returned from a tour of the west coast featuring Paula Fuga and Sam Ites, while continuing to play locally in Hawaii. Next, Love is gearing up for a mainland United States tour, from Florida to Texas, as well as being featured at Austin, Texas’ South By Southwest Music Festival this coming spring. So, be on the lookout for tour dates across the states in the near future!
If this is your first taste of Mike Love, make sure to return for an extra helping and follow the links below for all your musical needs regarding Mike Love’s music.
Mike Love Links:
Mike Love Website
Mike Love Facebook
Article By: Kris Siuta
Watch: Mike Love – “Let the Healing Begin”
Watch: Mike Love – “Barbershop” Acoustic Video
