Born and raised on the East Coast, Mike settled in San Diego in 1998. He began writing music in the mid 90's, but didn't start performing until August, 2005. His mellow style is compared to Brushfire Records recording artist Jack Johnson, with obvious influences of Paul Simon, James Taylor, Jim Croce, and a few other '70s pop-folk artists.
Mike's early influences were Elvis and The Beatles, but when the '70s disco and '80s "Big Hair" bands became popular, he would still find himself listening to the softer sounds of Paul Simon, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Jim Croce, and The Eagles.
A childhood dream of becoming a "rock star" became just that, a dream, as he found himself living the family life at an early age. However, he never stopped loving music and began to teach himself how to play the guitar in the '80s. Although he just played for fun, Mike started writing his own music during the '90s when he began to travel the country as a systems consultant.
Now that he has settled in Southern California with a beautiful wife and 4 children, his one time "dream" is in a small way being fulfilled as he finds comfort in performing his own music along with the music of many of the artists he idolizes and is so often compared to.
His acoustic surf folk pop rock blend will put a laid back smile on your face. Along with his smooth vocals and harmonies is a mix of acoustic and electric instruments and all original songwriting.
Mike's first CD "KEEP ON" was self released in November, 2006. As he continues to perform locally and throughout California, he continues to write and has recently begun recording his second CD, which he hopes to release sometime this year or early 2009.
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"File the new CD from Mike McGill under beach-folk-pop.
Not to name names, but if someone were to ask me the question, 'What does it sounds like as far as influences go?' I'd say, 'Equal parts Jimmy Buffet, Jack Johnson, and Don McLean's ÔVincent' mode.' It works in a coffeehouse. It works at a beach bonfire.
This 14-track collection of music was primarily written on acoustic guitar and then built into the mix with supportive arrangements contributed by producer, multi-instrumentalist, and accompanist Lee Coulter, along with Jared Gianquito and Jim Woodruff.
This is a friendly, breezy-sounding work. The songs are good, well-written songs, which possess a charming quality to them by way of their gentleness and simplicity. The melodies are simple and right where they need to be, managing to maintain a sing-along quality. What's most interesting here is the relationship between the writer and the producer in that the writing weaves between the moves of, say, the '70s pop-folk thing and more current trends that are still being defined. The productions are really cool, sometimes leaning toward retro Ñ sometimes leaning forward Ñ sometimes combining both and always finding the perfect middle.
Lyrically speaking, you'll find nuggets of light irony and humor, personal insights and experiences, doses of spirituality, a few good questions, and tender relationships. Thematically speaking, McGill sings along the lines of hope Ñ sort of an inspired 'chin-up' attitude, with a soundtrack evoking seagulls, salt air, five-knot southwesterly on-shore breezes, and the hush of soft surf at the green-flash moment of twilight. It is the CD's common denominator, the thing that threads it together.
And even though there are 14 cuts on here, the running time of each is inside two or three minutes, which is amazing, because I usually think records have one or two too many songs on them, diminishing a certain 'wow-ness' for the overall listen. I kinda get the same feeling when I overeat. I was ready to say that here, but I retract the thought. He gets into the song, does his business, and he's back out. Finding another spot on the beach and another song to sing.
Nobody does that anymore. Cool.
Make yourself a tropical bevy with those little paper umbrellas, sliced pineapple, a curly straw, and ice cubes. Then cheer up, have a nice day, and pop in this Mike McGill CD". - by Chuck Schiele, San Diego Troubadour
"Crisp, clear guitar chord patterns brings this track to life, Mike. The bass line comes in strong and offers a solid presence along with your first rate lyrical hook. Your vocals add a passionate telling of the consistant tale that mingles advice with soome well placed roles that can offer support on a personal level for listeners. The message is simply crafted yet it carries a big heart on its sleeve and the vocals match the passion of the wording to near perfection". - TAXI feedback on "KEEP IT CLEAN".
"Mike makes it look and sound so easy. His voice, his style and his attitude puts laid back smiles on faces. Never stop playing." Lee Coulter - Producer and Singer/Songwriter PerfectWav Productions.
"Wonderful work! "Pink Balloons" bravo! Keep it real,keep it alive;in&out of time.Knock em dead in every "ring" placed in and let God guide every step.Keep the music alive and the love for real and always let inspiration have its way with you.God bless."
-LeAnna Mosley
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