Mike Rickard
Stirred Not Shaken
© 2004 Mike Rickard (829757783727)
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A collection of melodic pop-rock songs brought together by an eclectic host of influences, a voice that can go from wail to whisper, and honest, personal lyrics that will move you.
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Honest. Personal. Humorous. These are just some of the words that describe the debut independent release, Stirred Not Shaken, by singer-songwriter Mike Rickard. The 11 songs on Stirred Not Shaken "cover a myriad of feelings and topics: everything from fear, loss, loneliness, my family, disillusionment with religion - to ultimately finding happiness, love and being thankful for who I am and what gives my life meaning.
"I am a feeling sensitive person and I first began writing as a way to deal with my feelings. I think that sensitivity shows in my writing. But I can be totally irreverent and absolutely could not live without humor. I've always felt that I'm a little left of center; that I don't quite fit. And you know what? I'm fine with that." All of these sides are well represented on Stirred Not Shaken. Indeed, the album title comes from the irreverent, unapologetic line, "So here's to all the therapy I guess I should have taken/If I had to sum it up, I've been stirred, but I'm not shaken" - taken from the gospel rock song "Who I Am".
Music was an essential part of Mike's life. He began singing in church and college before touring parts of the world with the Continental Singers, and subsequently recording and touring with two other contemporary Christian vocal groups. But a move to Atlanta brought about several years of musical silence while Mike focused on his career, experiencing life in a new "big city", as well as time spent in some deep soul-searching.
"All of my life, I sang other people's music, other people's thoughts. But I ended up questioning everything I believed, everything that I had ever sung about. So I thought that music was over for me. But the last several years brought about the right mix of experiences and feelings that make up the songs on the record. I realized that I definitely had something to say and wanted to say it in my own way."
Although Stirred Not Shaken is a pop album with plenty of hooks, Mike's eclectic musical influences (ranging from Duncan Sheik, John Mayer, Jason Mraz, and George Michael to Madonna, Sade and Sarah McLachlan, just to name a few) come together to create a unique, yet cohesive record. It's all brought together by a "true singer's" voice that can go from wail to whisper, sometimes in the same song. But when asked about a song's most important element, Mike says, "I always start with the lyrics - what it is I want to say. Everyone writes songs differently; but for me, the story tells me how the song should sound. The sound serves the story."
Stirred Not Shaken takes the listener on a musical and emotional journey, starting with the upbeat "Lucky," a song that combines electronica elements with acoustic guitars. The light, jazzy sound of "Do You Know?" provides a contrast to sad but hopeful lyrics about an absent father - "It's funny and it's sad/Sometimes I miss what I never had in a different long ago/It's strange but it's me to still believe in what could be/So I thought that you should know." On the country-tinged "Forgot to Forget," Mike poignantly sings, "I saw that old movie on the late, late show last night/The one that used to make me laugh because it made you cry." "Forgot to Forget" received a semifinalist award in the 2003 All Genres Songwriting competition, sponsored by the Georgia Music Industry Association (GMIA).
Mike penned the song "Natural" months before the issue of gay marriage began to dominate the evening news. It was written as a personal statement about what has now become a very political issue. The song is best summarized by the lines, "If the heart is made to love, to reach beyond itself/When it comes to giving mine, how could I give it to anyone else?" Mike says, "I wanted to write a response to those who try to legislate morality, who try to steal basic human rights on the basis of what boils down to religious beliefs and intolerance. But I didn't want to do an "us vs. them" song, nor did I want it to appear overtly political. So I put dance beats around some personal lyrics and threw in a punch line at the end of the song. Love comes in different shapes, sizes, colors and orientations and I look forward to the day when we can respect each other for who we are without religious or political filters. I think the title of the song says it all."
Other highlights include the beat-driven "Everything You Need" and the laid back intensity of "Forever Ran Out of Time." On the closing track, "As If To Say," Mike takes a look forward and sings about what he would ultimately like to be remembered for: a continuous search for knowledge and truth while treating others with love, compassion and dignity.
The team of Smith & Huston shared production duties. Jan Smith (vocal coach for Usher, Rob Thomas, and many of today's other top artists) did all of the vocal production, while Huston Singletary (Whitney Houston, Monica) handled production of all the instrumental tracks, although both of them were intimately involved with all aspects of the project from start to finish. Of the duo, Mike says, "They're a great team. Huston took my original songs and gave them life; he helped steer them in a direction beyond what I conceived, while keeping to what I was trying to do. Jan also provided input on the sound and direction of the songs. She also pulled out some vocal performances that I'm very proud of; she got me to do some things I didn't initially have the confidence to do. The end result is that when I listen to my record, I don't think, 'Wow, that sounds like John Mayer,' or any of the other people I look up to. It sounds like Mike Rickard - and I think that's a great thing."
Experience the sound. Live the life. Stirred Not Shaken.
reviews
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Awesome Collection Of Beautiful Songs-A Must have Cd!
author: Michael D. DowdyIf you havent heard Mike Rickard sing, you are missing out! His debut Cd "Stirred Not Shaken" is an fantstic pop/easy listening Cd full of great love songs and tender ballads Mike Rickard's powerful and emotional tenor vocals are so beautiful to listen to. He reminds me of a cross between Darren Hayes (Formerly Of Savage Garden ), Barry Manilow, & George Michael. I adore Mike Rickard's amazing vocals and awesome talent for writing beautiful songs!
Mike Rickard's Stirred Not Shaken Is A Wonderful, Powerful & Emotional Journey
author: Jessie BenivamondezMy friend Michael recommended that i listen to his copy of Stirred Not Shaken, it was an most enjoyable experience listening to such an powerful and emotional singer like Mike Rickard. This is a wonderful Cd full of great music. I will soon buy myself- my own Stirred Not Shaken Cd because it is that good!
Brillant Music Collection Of Love Songs!
author: Michael D. DowdyMike Rickard's Stirred Not Shaken is an brillant music collection of songs that will delight his fans from all walks of life. I truly enjoyed his romantic love songs on this latest cd of his. Thanks Mike!
WOW!
author: Ricky MorganI love this cd. Its honest, thought provoking, and touches the heart. Everyone who has ever loved, lost, and loved again will relate to every song on this cd. Mike's voice is very beautiful and he has a way of taking ordinary words and putting them together into works of art. Buy this cd and you won't be disappointed!
This CD is a big favorite of the listeners of my show.
author: BumpskeySince we have gotten this CD it has been a favorite of the listeners.
Great CD!!!!
author: DavidThis is a fantastic CD. Mike really knows how to hit home with his words and style. Can't wait to see him in person at 2005 Atlanta Pride!
Brilliant! Touching, Expressive & Real!
author: Travis STouching, thought provoking and certainly close to my heart…Mike has captured here, specifically in his lyrics, an expression to the world that is a far reaching range of emotions and experiences. This CD is a brilliant choice for a wide array of occasions and always in the rotation of what I am currently listening to.
Inspiring
author: HollyCatchy tunes and important lyrics are what makes up this wonderful collection of songs. Definately worth the purchase!
Eclectic and Moving
author: John"Stirred not Shaken" is such an eclectic mix of sounds, and Mike Rickard's voice excels on all genres. From slow, mellow pop, to unexpectedly touching jazz, to inspiring dance sounds, I can't believe how this CD can take me through so many different feelings. Is this CD really his first!!
Modernism of a conveyed basic message
author: Allen SheltonWhile listening to the music and lyrics of "Stirred not Shaken" I realized that the artist has a passion for making music of it's own statute. Each song has a unique modernism that conveys a basic message in a catchy way
A Warm, Humorous, Inspiring, Loving, Sad and Amazing Musical Journey
author: CharlieStirred Not Shaken has not left my CD player since it arrived! The songs differ enough to hold my interest... never even approaching boredom. While the songs take you through a wide variety of emotions, the mix brilliantly guides your heart gently through the journey that this artist has chosen to share with the world. Buy two... you'll wear one out in no time at all!!
Music that touches your soul.
author: Joel RussellThe songs are original and thought provoking. They set a mood that is relaxing, yet inspiring. Mike's vocals have a beautiful range and set the tone for each song. I am anxiously anticipating the next album.
Absolutely wonderful!
author: BarbI have not found a CD that has moved me in awhile. This CD has great music and great lyrics. I absolutely love it! I had never heard of Mike Rickard until I found him on CD Baby. I sure hope he continues to make more CD's.