Mike Dunne

Melody in the Moment

Biography

Mike Dunne was born into a family of musicians. His Irish grandmother toured Ireland with her two brothers in her band. His mother, who had moved to America, was a classical pianist and teacher who started him on his musical journey as soon as he could sit on a piano bench.  The guitar became his focus as a teenager and is his gateway to melody to this day. While his music remained his centering influence, his path took him to medical school and a career in clinical research. 

Like a patient friend waiting to welcome him home, music started calling once again. In 2022 he released his first album, Imaginaire, a compilation of songs written on the guitar, influenced by the Ireland within him. His second album, These Eyes, is purposefully diverse in character, with songs rooted in rock’n roll, country, folk as well some more difficult to categorize. The poetry in these songs takes on a more somber tone however, reflecting on the January 6th uprising, consequences of colonialization, and the loneliness of isolation. Hope is never far away, though. There is a Zen story of perseverance and, as always, the joy of partnership with those we love.

What's The Buzz

 

Rubies in Her Eyes

 

Backstory:

I have a Rickenbacker bass. Solid.  Dependable...but way too heavy…I need to feel the music through the instrument…something that talks back…then I see Get Back…Hofner bass…all Paul McCartney…I open the box, plug it in and this song just wrote itself…the lyrics are about the power of women…they guide us…they teach us…they love us…perfect…I would like young women to feel great about themselves and their potential…hum this song on the way to work…show us how it’s done.

 

Reviews: 

-Absolutely stellar! Your performance showcased unparalleled mastery, blending a cool voice, intriguing lyrics, and a well-crafted musical arrangement. This song was a delightful experience, and I eagerly anticipate more…..

-Exploring your song "Rubies in Her Eyes" is akin to a journey through the realms of Pop Rock with profound influences from classic rock, notably reminiscent of The Beatles. The melody is strikingly melodic, harmonious, and utterly captivating.

-The level of musical production is outstanding, with impeccable mixing and mastering that enhance every facet of the composition. The vocal work is commendable, adding a layer of depth and emotion to the overall experience. Congratulations on crafting a musical masterpiece. 

….. it has a nice vibe. reminds me of the Beatles.

- I think the meaning behind this song is amazing! I can definitely picture myself dancing along to this song as I'm getting ready with friends to go out, on my way to work in the morning, or as I'm alone in my room jamming. You have such a comforting and hypnotic voice and the music matches it perfectly.

-The track is just amazing Mike! Your mastery of the rock genre shines through in every riff and lyric. A stellar performance that showcases both skill and passion.

-The subtlety in the instrumentation perfectly complements the depth of your lyrics. Your storytelling is not just lyrics; it's a narrative woven into the very fabric of the song.

-The complexity of your lyrics is a standout feature, revealing layers of meaning with each listen. The way you've crafted the song's pace and cadence is impeccable …. it's like a well-choreographed dance. It's evident that every word, every note, has been thoughtfully placed to create this intricate musical landscape. This is the kind of folk music that doesn't just wash over you; it invites you in and lets you get lost in its gentle ebb and flow.

-Your power and control over singing are just unbelievable. Its melody and rhythm were very relaxing. The singer's voice was really beautiful and exceptional, I really enjoyed the singer's voice. It was a meaningful and attractive poem. I fell in love with this beautiful music.

-I really like your voice. The details of the wind instruments are impeccable and the final mix is very beautiful.

-Exploring your song "Rubies in Her Eyes" is akin to a journey through the realms of Pop Rock with profound influences from classic rock, notably reminiscent of The Beatles. The melody is strikingly melodic, harmonious, and utterly captivating. The level of musical production is outstanding, with impeccable mixing and mastering that enhance every facet of the composition. The vocal work is commendable, adding a layer of depth and emotion to the overall experience.

-We really enjoyed the classic rock vibes of this track, the vocals also slightly reminded us of The Beatles.

-We love the stunning and rich vocals…

-Your latest song, "Rubies in Her Eyes," has been playing on repeat for me, and got to say you've crafted a musical gem that transcends both sound and emotion. Plugging in that Hofner bass wasn't just a change of instrument; it was a revelation, a tactile conversation that birthed a melody with a life of its own. I can feel the soulful resonance in every note, a testament to the connection you sought and found with your music. As I delve into the heart of "Rubies in Her Eyes," the theme of the power of women unfolds with an exquisite tenderness. The lyrics, like a lyrical love letter, speak to the guidance, teachings, and love that women bring into our lives. It's not just a song; it's a poetic ode, an anthem celebrating the strength and potential of young women. The mood, a delicate dance between inspiration and admiration, creates a space where listeners, especially young women, can bask in the glow of self-appreciation and recognize their incredible capabilities. Production, echoing Paul McCartney's iconic touch, amplifies the sincerity and warmth embedded in every chord.

-Your most recent track is a sonic triumph! The seamless blend of beats, melody, and overall composition is truly exceptional. It's clear that you continue to push creative boundaries and deliver outstanding music. Kudos on another fantastic piece!

-Great song! so Beatle!!!

 

What Have We Done

Backstory

The madness of January 6th is beyond comprehension of any rationale person. Who would willingly participate in that chaos? As I watched the endless replays there were clearly those driving the crowd but what about those that followed...Did they realize what they were doing? This song optimistically hopes that, the day after, some of those people realized they were lost…that they followed when they should have led. Found another way. This song tries to capture that moment when just one person changed their path.  It’s written as a folk song because I wanted the lyrics to lead the way, building on a tradition of songwriters speaking up when they see something wrong.

 

Reviews

-Beautiful song. I like the simplicity of the recording and the honesty it reflects.

-Cool song! This track sounds great and it's well produced….good acoustic guitar, I like the sound of this song, It's a great single,

-Good acoustic song! I really like how combine the guitar touches with the singer's voice and the calm it gives off. Good work!

…what a beautiful song, a song to listen to on the road, it has an air of country pop and your voice reminds me of Bob Dylan, everything is beautiful, the composition, interpretation, production, everything in its place,

… 'What Have We Done' is a great song,…

…Particular vocal timbre and an interesting country acoustic song with positive vibes.

…Great voice, calm style, beautiful lyrics, great guitar and ambient accompaniment, but above all I like the double voices in the chorus at minute 2:40, it's my favorite part…

-We quite liked the old school folk sound you explored, reminiscing of the great acts such as Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. The idea behind this artistic choice is quite solid as well.

…I liked your track. Arrangement and voice are very simple, but very effective.

…You have Dylan's style.

…it reminded me of Bob Dylan as expected I guess, I really like your very peculiar voice tone.

…This is all absolutely brilliant, I really enjoyed your release

…besides being beautiful, "What Have We Done" is a very pleasant song to listen to. Another point that undoubtedly stands out is the excellent quality of the production and recording work, with fantastic arrangements and great vocals that blend and fit together very well. Everything sounds really good here, undoubtedly a very competent piece of work. Congratulations on that!

…love the track..

…Wow, That song!! Thanks so much for sharing your amazing music with us. We love it..

… "What Have We Done" we love the song ! The acoustic interpretation are amazing and have a great production…

.. The song is really good and has a beautiful melody, the vocals are very good and have a beautiful timbre, I liked the backing vocals. The instrumental is very good and the timbre of the acoustic guitar is beautiful…

…this one reminded me (of) the Bob Dylan classic. Apart from that it's a very nice and simple catchy folk tune, with an interesting meaning. Your voice effortlessly surfs through the melody, instantly creating a roadtrip atmosphere…

…I especially liked this very delicate and confidential atmosphere. The arrangement is very well structured where besides these guitars that stand out for their ability to "embrace" the listener, I really liked these choruses that amalgamate the whole. The whole exudes melancholy and sweetness. Excellent piece!

…I really liked the instrumental as a whole, the voice openings are perfect and your voice is very satisfying, I liked how everything talks well in the song as a whole. Congratulations on your work.

…this is a great track.

…In my modest opinion the recordings and the mix are really really well done and the arrangement is good…

…Heir to the best of folk, with this peculiar and personality-filled way of singing, with simple but rich arrangements. Great job.

…I really enjoyed its sound, with clear references to folk, both in the arrangement and in the vocals. Simply spectacular….

…Impressive job Mike! Your guitar performance is a soulful conversation, speaking to the depths of my emotions. This song is a testament to the power of musical connection…

…It is a docile song, pleasant to listen to and at times a bit nostalgic. I feel it is the perfect song to listen to on a quiet evening….

…it’s no real surprise that I enjoy "What Have We Done". The mellow, catchy groove that frames most of the track is incredibly refreshing,…

….Nice clean sounding guitar and a good Simon/Garfunkel feel. 

…Really cool song!

…You have a great voice and the meaning behind this song again is powerful. I like how you take responsibility in the song for the "thing" being done, like the responsibility is on us as a group for not leading the right way. This is such a versatile song that can mean so many things….

….The first thing we want to highlight about this song is the vibe it gives us and the influence of folk music. We want to highlight the sound of the guitar and the voice seems very deep to us, the influence of great singers is noticeable…

…Very insightful and beautiful. Nice melody and very beautiful vocals. The recording quality is good. The track is light and instantly remains in memory due to the vocals...

…Well, your talent as an artist is truly remarkable. Your singing style is a breath of fresh air, and the vocals and arrangement of your songs are nothing short of spectacular. Thank you for sharing your amazing gift. I had a great time listening to your music, and I look forward to hearing more from you soon. It's inspiring to see someone with such passion and skill in their craft.

…What Have We Done is a captivating exploration of the acoustic folk genre brought to you by talented artist Mike Dunne. The song immerses us in an introspective musical journey, where acoustic guitars deploy evocative arpeggios and powerful strums that resonate in the depths of the heart. Dunne's distinctive voice adds an extra layer of authenticity to the piece, delivering emotive lyrics that tell an immersive and moving story.

…wow, I must say the fusion of your cool voice, engaging lyrics, and masterful arrangement creates an unforgettable experience using your guitar.

…Digging this track! Catchy melody & vocal, Solid arrangement & SImon & Garfunkle kinda vibe!

…As I delve into your composition "What Have We Done," I must highlight the notable excellence in blending acoustic and folk styles. The resulting sonority is highly melodic, harmonious, relaxing, sweet, and captivating, reflecting technical virtuosity and impressive stylistic refinement.

-The level of musical production is outstanding, showcasing careful attention to every sonic aspect. The mixing and mastering are notable, providing "What Have We Done" with an exceptional sonic quality. The vocal work, executed with mastery, adds an emotive and expressive dimension, contributing to the unique resonance of the composition.  In essence, "What Have We Done" not only presents a refined acoustic and folk sound but also exhibits technical and stylistic mastery that places the composition at the pinnacle of musical art.

…Your personal vision of the events which occurred on January 6th is as clever as powerful. In a sweet yet strong musical mood, you managed to confront wrath to consciousness, to show the how's and the why's. To ask each one of us: "How could this happen?" And your song is the answer…

…What an incredible feat, a marvelous achievement. a song like no other. sung with extreme musical beauty. certainly calmly with a lot of professionalism and especially by a talented person with inestimable potential.

…A folk-inspired song, almost singer-songwriter style, telling a story, just as we like. A soft voice that perfectly describes each lyric of the song. Meticulously crafted instrumentation to give the song that dynamism.

 

Not Today

Backstory

A Zen story. A boy in a small village decides he wants to become a monk. He goes to the monastery and knocks on the door. The monk opens the peephole looks at the boy who asks if he can enter. The monk is livid…’how dare you bother me…go home and never return.’ The boy goes home. Next day he wakes up and still wants to be a monk. He returns to the monastery. Same response...but louder. The boy goes home. He wakes the next morning and decides he still wants to be a monk. He returns to the monastery, the door swings wide open and the monk says, ‘We have waited a long time for you…where have you been?’ This song is about perseverance, dedication, that sense of purpose that guides us. No drama, just focus. If you believe in something don’t give up, don’t give up, not today…The violin, which has an almost Romani ethos, plays a prominent part in this song …. this is the song I play for myself most often.

Reviews

-A dynamic acoustic folk song with a mysterious ambience. The hushed, male vocal approach overflows with sensitivity, lending a touch of sensuality to this musically rich track.

-Hey, guy! Wow, That song!! 

-The lyrics of your song really touched me! And the violin fits perfectly well in Not Today's melody! 

-… this is a great track with amazing harmonies and melodies

-… acoustic vibes and vintage mood with a dreamy vocal performance

-Wow, I have always been hoping to hear another of your engaging lyrics, and masterful musical arrangement, which I think you really did an awesome job on this one. Thanks for another fantastic submission!

-love the track …

-Your talent is truly remarkable. I had a great time listening to your music and look forward to hearing more from you soon. It's inspiring to see someone with such passion and skill in their craft.

-Good acoustic song! I really like it. The most, the good combination between the instruments and the singer's voice. Besides it sounds with a great sound quality. Good work!

-Your track is simply lovely! The lyrics are so easy to remember, and your style melds seamlessly with the music. The arrangement is delightful, making it impossible not to sway along. 

-Another great song! Your work seems very solid and consistent. … 

-Just like his latest album "What Have We Done", "Not Today" is the most powerful yet, with a refined and radio-friendly production that elevates and highlights the voices of these brilliant artists with so much potential that …. Mike Dunne’s "Not Today" would easily be the soundtrack of a film or series. Its quality is impeccable…. 

-… I appreciate artists who craft compelling stories in their tracks, as it helps listeners immerse themselves and interpret the song personally. The Spanish ambience in the background, especially with the violin, adds a unique touch…. 

-Mike Dunne, the talented American artist, presents us with his captivating single "Not Today". This tune carries with it a unique blend of pop and alternative elements that highlight Dunne's versatility as a musician. The composition is rich in nuances, with instrumentation that flows envelopingly, supported by a distinctive voice that guides the song with great expressiveness. ….

-Signature style of music from the artist and the starting music made the track more vibeful with a catchy listening experience and the track name sounds good too ….

-The lyrical complexity is striking; the words are not just placeholders but carefully chosen brushstrokes painting a vivid picture. The song's strength lies in its ability to balance intricate storytelling with a smooth, mellow vibe. The lyrics, like a well-crafted script, evoke a series of images, each verse a scene seamlessly transitioning to the next. The songwriting is a testament to your storytelling finesse, utilizing a restrained yet effective approach. The pacing is a standout feature, creating a dynamic ebb and flow that keeps the listener engaged without feeling rushed. The cadence, too, plays a pivotal role; it's like the heartbeat of the composition, providing a steady rhythm that resonates with the emotional pulse of the narrative.

-… another nice acoustic track. We really enjoyed the acoustic guitars and the beautiful vibe here. ….

-… I liked the atmosphere in the song. The harmonies are intense. The arrangement is great, I like how the instruments communicate with each other. Mix and production are nice too, the music is sounding really good, great stereo. 

-This is great. Wonderful arrangement and a fine vocal…..

-... Great track!.

-Really nice track! Good vocals and strong production…..

- Your soul-stirring ballad is a true masterpiece, showcasing your genuine talent…

-Overall, this track is a true gem that showcases the best of folk/acoustic, pop, rock and punk in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Its great intro and outro, along with its soft and soothing melodies, make it a great choice for anyone looking for a relaxing and enjoyable listening experience…..I am impatiently waiting for your new songs.

-… I really liked it, the notes have an Arabic air, they give me that air, very pleasant, sensible, soft, …

- Good melody. 

-Nice song and production. Nice vocals and arrangements too. 

- Another great release, I really enjoyed it … excellent work 

-What an amazing song Mike, how it is made up of crescent melodies that impact us, as well as its vocals that are precise and striking.

- With a magnetic warmth that's impossible to ignore, your song is a rock revelation, a breath of fresh air in an industry craving innovation and passion….

- This track also impressed me a lot with its ability to immediately grab the listener. It presents itself as a beautiful ballad in minor with an acoustic and rustic flavour.  The acoustic guitar is absolutely the driving force of this song and around it string timbres are arranged and the whole thing oozes elegance and has an almost ancestral, Mediterranean flavour! The violin solo in the middle part is beautiful! At times it reminded me of the mythical psychedelic period of the late 60s! Excellent!

- Amazing song! This track sounds really good and it's well produced….

-… Your composition sounds superb. 

- In this folk rock environment, a good song is the first step to a good work, which you sew and make it even better with well-constructed and creative arrangements. Violins setting the tone, with safe instrumentation and a vocal conveying the truth that the music conveys. Beautiful work. The album is also very beautiful. ….

-Really nice song. 

-I had a wonderful listening experience. Lovely composition, it's a beautiful story accompanied with great sound. Absolutely entertaining.

-Great work! 

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