Click Here to Download The New Year by Mike Del Rio

This month, New York City showcased its finest blend of music. Every Monday night at Webster Hall’s Studio, an eclectic mix of urban dwellers came together for a night of independent entertainment. Talent-wise, the shows remained typically diverse, with a new cast of bands supporting the headlining act, Mike Del Rio. Reflecting on the historical CBGB’s, a local music lover described the events as “what I’ve heard New York City’s underground nightlife used to be like back in the 70’s, music and endless drinks on a Monday night”.

Headlining the showcase each night, Mike Del Rio came out in full force, presenting what he and his band had to offer. His music needed no unnecessary hype, forced fashion style, or glamorous presentation; it defended itself. Every girl was dancing and every guy had no choice but to bounce their head or tap their toes. As the month progressed and news spread, his crowd grew. By the third week, The Studio was packed with regulars who had come before, their friends, and people who barely knew what to expect. No matter the makeup, Mike continued to deliver. The feel good atmosphere he creates is infectious from the start. As the multi-instrumentalist rotates instruments, ranging from acoustic and electric guitar to the keys, the sound changes to a style all its own. Every song has its own behavior and the story told is set to a unique melody like pictures on a reel.

From the first Monday to last night’s finale, each show had its own distinct energy. Group Sounds turned the premier evening into an uncontrollable dance party. As the keyboardist, deemed “Sexy Joe”, began shedding articles of his authentic Japanese Komodo, the crowd reacted, finishing their show with half the audience onstage behind them. Second time around, veteran act HotSpur played a perfect set. Front man, Joe Mach, captivated the audience while his band kept currents high. Obviously thriving in intimate settings, Honor By August’s strong lyrics and emotional performance stands out when reviewing the third week. Last night’s finale was a strong arrangement of musicians bidding farewell to a great month of music. The adventurously sentimental Cass Dillon played a professional set that brought the crowd closer to the stage than seen all month. The residency was closed out by west coast partiers 2 AM Club.

Overall, The September Residency filled a musical craving for independent talent from all corners of the country. Gotham’s own Mike Del Rio led the charge for what this city was founded on, great music.

Name
Mike Del Rio

Location
Brooklyn, New York

Do you have a record label?
MDR: Hmm…Tricky question…I did start my own Label/Media group called Songbird Am I, but there are plenty of things in the works right now involving labels and distribution…so yea…tricky question.

I’ve noticed you mention Brooklyn in a lot of your songs. Is New York a favorable environment for writing and is the area a heavy influence on your music’s style?
MDR: Well, I’ve grown up in New York. Every phase of my life seemed to be in a different borough or neighborhood. A kid in Queens, teenager in Long Island, 20 something in Brooklyn. I’m quite the lucky fellow to be honest, to live in this bizarre bubble of colorful characters and foreverchanging scenes. The place has a pulse and will forever be inspiring as my home.

Are you currently working on an album?
MDR: Yesser… I am currently deep in the process of recording a full length album in a small recording studio in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Expected release is late fall of 2009.

How has your music evolved since you first began playing?
MDR: Relative to anything in life, you grow and evolve with experience. Meeting new people and friends, sharing ideas, philosophy, and music will change you in the process…its inevitable. Stylistically, like most people, one goes through phases as time goes on…but speaking for myself, I think learning different instruments has really shaped my writing and sound at this point. I’ve always dabbled in many instruments, but it was definitely the recent year I spent playing the keys that has brought on a lot of change..for the better I hope.

What’s the ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
MDR: The Ultimate goal? To write the best songs ever written…which is highly impossible, but the process of trying to do that is what a career in music should be. I’d love to rule the world one day, and have millions of people connected to something I wrote in a basement somewhere in Queens…but if I can make something that inspires someone else and be proud of it for life…I’ll be a happy man….a grammy wouldn’t be a bad thing either…ha.

What was the last great record you found?
MDR: The last gem that I stumbled upon was a rare psychedelic record by Billy Nicholls called “Would You Believe”. It was basically supposed to be the British response to “Pet Sounds”. The album ended up being shelved with only 100 copies into pressing, due to some financial troubles with the label…anyway…its wonderful.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
MDR: Well Im on Myspace, Twitter, Facebook, Reverb Nation, last fm, and any other social media phenomenon out there. Currently there are no tracks available for download, but as the album release date is finalized, we will be releasing a free 2 song sampler of some b-sides from the new disc. We’re shooting a video in the beginning of October with Sunship Films. We’ve already started pre-production motion stuff and it is going to be insane. Then the album should be out by late fall…

Any last words?
MDR: Last words? I’d like to think they aren’t going to be my last, hopefully. But in that case…Lets take over the world

Don’t miss Mike Del Rio and other artists, every Monday this month at Webster Hall in NYC. More Details Here.