This portion of the site will be dedicated exclusively to the creative process that is involved with the forthcoming record. Our goal is to share this experience with you as the album evolves by sharing audio samples, pictures, video clips and more! Please check back often for updates...
(05/14/2005) Mike was in the studio this evening adding the final touches to Sway. The record will be released next Friday, May 20 with a CD Release Party at the Blue Gator in Athens, Ohio. This will be a FREE SHOW so come out to hear all new songs from Sway.
(05/08/2005) Mike's recently titled album, Sway, will be released in just two short weeks!!! This record has taken on a new life in the past few sessions. The process has been very busy, and creatively stimulating. Mike has written many new songs, several of which found their way on to Sway. Megan Palmer added her beautiful melodies to several tracks on the record, along with Robb McCormick. Unfortunately, Randy Browne and Eric Bloom were not able to participate on the album, but hopefully we'll see them on future Mike Perkins projects. Mike himself will be doing much of the percussion for the entire CD. The album cover art is currently being designed by Mike Suriano, the artist that also created the images of "Four Now..." The album will also feature a special guest, that you may have seen perform with The Shantee. Check back soon for audio clips from the album, and a video interview with Mike about the studio process!
(04/07/2005) Shantee bassist Ward Scott, and local bass player John Zuch were in the studio with Mike tonight laying down the rhythm section for several tracks. We spent a late night session with Ward playing on the familiar tune of Pumpkin Man, while John added his parts to Jesse, Tap On In and Pick. Click HERE to see a video from the studio sessions.
(03/24/2005) Mike returned to the studio Thursday to continue laying guitar tracks on a few songs. We heard a preview of "No Way No How," "My Friend," and "Pick." The rhythm and vocals have been completed for Pumpkin Man, Silhouettes and Old Bridge Gone, which debuted at The Shantee Farewell Show in December. Mike has even written two brand new songs since beginning work on the album, which could possibly appear on the new record. Check out these pictures featuring Mike working with Engineer Joe Viers in the studio, overlooking the creek just outside the window.
(03/14/2005) Mike is home from Hawaii. The first recording session for the still-untitled album took place last Friday. Battling a cold, Mike opted to lay down acoustic guitar tracks for six songs and allow his voice to rest. He will return to the studio this weekend to begin work on vocals. You can hear many of the tunes that will appear on the album during any of Mike's upcoming solo shows. He has been playing most of the songs live in order to fine tune them for the album. It was difficult to narrow the selections to only 12 songs, but Mike is "anxious to record another CD" in the future. Fans of The Shantee will recognize favorites such as Pumpkin Man and Jesse. Robb McCormick of The Shantee, John Zuch, Eric Bloom, Randy Browne, Megan Palmer, Chris Beal, and another very special guest will soon be joining Mike to add their creative talents to the project.
Here are some photos of the John Schwab Recording Studio (Columbus, Ohio) where the group will be laying the tracks. The studio, nestled in the woods overlooking a creek bears separate recording areas combined with state of the art audio technology... providing a quite comfortable atmosphere. We welcome Joe Viers back as the Chief Engineer for this project. Joe is an amazing talent to work with, and we really enjoy his company too!
John Schwab is the same studio where The Shantee recorded "Hydration" and "Four Now..."