Blue Merle, Teitur, Nick Drake, Great Lake Swimmers, Morrissey, Jeff Buckley, They Might Be Giants, Oliver Schroer, Rheostatics, Crowded House, Bob Mould, Sarah Harmer, Mike O'Neil, Ron Sexsmith, The Doves, Jason Mraz, The Inbreds, Neil Finn, Joel Plaskett, Peter Gabriel, Garrison Starr, Yo Yo Ma, Gerry Leonard, Danny Michel, The Smiths, Spirit of the West, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, Jamie Cullum, Stevie Wonder, Kathleen Edwards, Elvis Costello, Daniel Lanois, Gordon Lightfoot, Husker Du, David Ryan Harris, Bruce Cockburn, U2, John Mayer, Elliot Brood, Damien Rice, Glen Gould, John Mann, Tom Waits, Don Ross, Lucas Reynolds, Duncan Sheik, Feist, Imogen Heap, Matthew Sweet, The Kronos Quartet, Celtic Music, Classical Music, World Music, Electronica, Motown, Soul, Glam Rock, Pop, Rock, Country, the list goes on and on and on...
An adventurous musical soul who refuses to conform to mainstream male pop music. His songs are about the human experience that jangle, soar, and rock! The production on his latest record "songs for tomorrow" is one that sounds live and world class, which does this superb collection of songs justice. A record you won't want to leave home without."
Emm Gryner - Singer/Songwriter/Juno Nominee
Mike Yates' newest record "Songs for Tomorrow" starts off with a rhythm that pulls you in right away with initial track State of Us showing off the band's tight rhythm and Mike's strong but tonally soft voice. This album gives Mike's songwriting the space to fly, and his voice room to move from his mellow deeper sounds to his more urgent rock quality. And then there's the cello...what I think of as Mike's signature, found in this rock/pop album as ear candy - sweet.
Pat Moore - CKCU Radio (Ottawa)
A FEW WORDS FROM MIKE YATES...
Where do I start? I love to play cello, I love to write music, I love to record songs, I love to perform live, and I love to teach music.
I've had the chance to perform with some great musicians, at some fantastic and not so fantastic venues.
When I'm not doing solo shows, I perform with a full band called The Candidates featuring: Mark Sabourin, Stephen Kauk, and Ben Palmai
These three fantastic musicians are the driving force behind the music.
I spent years as an orchestral and chamber music cellist performing with the Sudbury Symphony, North Bay Symphony, Sault St Marie Symphony, and the Ottawa Symphony, among numerous string quartets. Only over the last few years, have I begun writing songs. Some are good and some are just plain aweful. I have also been fortunate enough as a cellist to accompany some of Canada's finest musicians.
When I'm not performing my own material, I play cello for:Emm Gryner, Rob Szabo, Scott Cooper, Ken Tizzard, Trevor Howard, among many others.
I just released my 3rd independent album entitled "songs for tomorrow (Produced by Justin Kurtz)", which I'm really excited about. It's an album filled with catchy melodies, simple-yet clever words, and great musicianship. The album concept and design was done by Young Mi Cha, who is an amazingly creative artist and designer.
You can now purchase the "new" album on iTunes
You can also purchase the album at
HMV, Chapters, CD Warehouse, Sunrise Records, IndiePool
or at any music retail store in Canada.
It's my passion and hope to be able to connect with you the music lover, the dedicated listener, the musician, the myspaceoholic.
Hos is life? All is crazy out here. I have not slept in my own bed in 9 weeks and am looking forward to getting home next week. Oddly enough things are getting busier as I get closer to home. This fall looks crazy but I am stil interested in coming to ottawa and putting together a show with you and the Candidates.
Hi Mike Now with the extended version I get to love Not My Country twice as much---Your writing from another's real life perspective is amazing!!!and it makes a huge point!!! David
Hey Mike! Wanted to stop by and wish you a great show tonight. Thanks for the invite but I am off camping for the weekend before the kids start school. Have a good one!
On Friday night (July 25th), downtown Peterborough reverberated with the awesome sounds of Mike Yates and the Candidates. Mike and the guys provided an intimate showcase of their original tunes - ranging from the funked out "If You Want My Love" to the soulful "Not My Country". The great set list was carried out with obvious craftsmanship & some witty humour. It is apparent as a fan, how well the band has fused with Mike's style of music. They executed an amazing show with a relaxed, casual feel - it is obvious how much these guys are having fun. Kudos to Mike & the Candidates!! If you have the chance to see them perform - Go!!! It will be worth the drive, I promise.
Hey bro... what are your plans for the summer? You heading this way at all? I've got a crap-load of shows booked but there is always room for one more with Mikey. Plus I would just love to see you and hang out. Gimme a ring. Love you and miss you.
Howdy my friend. : ) It's been too long. Hope I get to see you when I pass through Ottawa in August, on my way out to NFLD. We have LOTS to catch up on! What ya doin' on Oct 2nd? I'm craving your intoxicating cello during my cd release party at the Black Sheep!!!
Hey... forgot to mention... I caught Teitur at the Courthouse last month. His opener was an unbeleveable girl named Tina Dico. She changed my life. Check her out. Teitur was meh.
Hey man. Just thinking of you and missing you like madness. I need a Mike Yates fix soon. Let's book a show here and a show there soon. Must happen... or I will cease to breathe! Love ya man.
