About
Mike Weterings: A Musical Odyssey Across Continents and Beyond
Chapter 1: An Adventurous Odyssey
In his 20s, Mike embarked on a remarkable adventure, traversing over 60 countries and 5 continents in pursuit of an audacious dream: circumnavigating the globe in a single, uninterrupted journey, mostly by hitch-hiking. However, the course of his journey would take an unexpected and transformative turn.
Chapter 2: A Detour to Africa
During his global voyage, Mike decided to deviate from his initial east-to-west route and instead ventured south, embarking on an overland expedition through Africa, from the bustling city of Cairo to the scenic landscapes of Cape Town. These two years spent in Africa would shape his life in profound ways.
Chapter 3: Africa's Vibrant Imprint
Africa's dynamic people, rich cultures, and captivating music left an indelible mark on Mike, one that continues to resonate within him. In the heart of every village and on any given day, the streets reverberated with the infectious rhythms of local music played from boom boxes, carrying a resilient spirit that defied challenging circumstances.
Chapter 4: The Musical Transformation
Upon returning home, Mike committed a decade to mastering the art of African music on the guitar, with a deeper aspiration—to truly "feel" its essence. He drew inspiration for his guitar playing from the mesmerizing sounds of Diblo D'bala from Zaire.
Chapter 5: A Fusion of Worlds
In South Africa, he had the privilege of witnessing Johnny Clegg and Jaluka up close, an experience that broadened his horizons and opened his mind to the possibilities of blending Western pop songwriting with the diverse elements of African music.
Chapter 6: The Scholar-Artist
Back in Canada, Mike pursued a rigorous academic path. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology and Biochemistry, followed by a Masters in Health Administration. His professional future in healthcare beckoned, marked by a successful contract implementing Ethics Review Board guidelines in local hospitals.
Chapter 7: The Inner Calling
Yet, the inner pull of his African odyssey, which taught him to follow his instincts and align his life choices with his passions, led him to join a local college jazz program, despite the generation gap with fellow students a decade younger.
Chapter 8: The Birth of a Musical Ensemble
With his jazz studies in hand, Mike assembled a four-piece band that gradually evolved into a larger ensemble featuring African percussionists and dancers. The birth of his debut album was on the horizon.
Chapter 9: "Aluminum Sea" and Recognition
"Aluminum Sea", his inaugural album, marked a significant milestone. Guided by the talents of a local young musician, and second-time producer, who also contributed to many of the instruments. The album garnered accolades with two West Coast Music Award nominations.
Chapter 10: Challenges and Unforeseen Turns
As Mike embarked on a journey to create his sophomore album, unforeseen challenges and circumstances arose, forcing him to navigate uncharted waters. The path to his second musical endeavor was fraught with unexpected obstacles.
Chapter 11: An African Homage
Despite the passage of time, Mike remains resolute in his commitment to release his second album — an homage to Africa, a musical offering in gratitude for the profound lessons and course corrections drawn from the people, music, and environment of the continent.
Chapter 12: The DIY Odyssey
The production of his follow-up album presented unforeseen hurdles, compelling Mike to undertake a do-it-yourself (DIY) journey. Beyond songwriting, he delved into the intricacies of music software, recording engineering, arrangement, production, and mixing.
Chapter 13: Battling Health Challenges
In addition to these trials, Mike endured the physical toll of two car accidents, leaving him with a chronic health condition that necessitated extended daily rest. The pace of recuperation proved slow, spanning over a decade and still impacting his daily life.
Chapter 14: Uphill Struggles
These health challenges significantly hindered his ability to channel his full energy, talents, and focus into completing the follow-up album. Simplifying his living circumstances and reducing his performance schedule became a necessity, but it wasn't without its difficulties.
Chapter 15: Seeking Completion
Presently, Mike is actively seeking professional mixers to help him realize the completion of his long-awaited project. For his third album, he envisions a return to Western pop music arrangements and phrasing, a musical homecoming that is already underway.
Chapter 16: Captivating Performer
In recent times, Mike has graced the stages of local 5-star hotels, bars, restaurants, and casinos in the Vancouver area, performing his original songs. His live show integrates digital loop sampling and foot-stomping to create dynamic soundscapes that captivate audiences.
Chapter 17: A Passion for Performance
Mike forges an intimate connection with his audience through his relaxed personal style, wide vocal range, masterful songwriting, and impressive guitar skills. The eternal question lingers: Does he love writing songs more or performing live?
Chapter 18: A Diverse Musical Palette
Mike's musical landscape effortlessly shifts from heartfelt ballads to intricate odd meter tunes, and on to high-energy dance tracks. His influences are diverse, encompassing the standards of the great American songbook, Congolese dance music, folk melodies, and contemporary pop.
Chapter 19: A Guilty Pleasure
Amidst this eclectic musical journey, Mike harbors a guilty pleasure — an insatiable fondness for nearly any new song that graces the radio waves.