Mike Bruening

************************************************************ * Look, if you're really going to read this, then I better put some arse into it. There were nine of us (kids). A Catholic Mother who didn't believe in birth control and an amorous Father who had no self control = nine. I was number four, so tell me all your middle child stories. Raised in a dying mill town just north of Pittsburgh, it's a long journey from Boom to Bust. We are a musical family, singing, guitar playing. Something as seemingly benign as a happy birthday song could take on Ballad-like proportions with four part harmonies. At times the house was filled with music (and shoes, lots of shoes...everywhere). I was an idealistic teen with a loaded pen and a second hand guitar. We were going to change the world. I believe it was the other way around. ************************************************************ ****** There's a lot of years between my gunnysack Fender and the blood red Ovation I pluck nowadays. From sitting on a Jersey Shore boardwalk, playing a few bars of Stairway To Heaven, to sucking down plenty of second hand smoke, playing my tunes in small clubs closer to home, I never lost the passion to write. I sing it when I'm done, but I love to write. In my skewed view of this manic blue marble, it's just a string of stories waiting to be put to music. There is no lack of irony or angst if you call New Castle home. They put a lot of sarcasm, wrath and envy in the water here.... well, maybe it's just chlorine. I've tried to keep a simple perspective. In all my years I haven't stumbled on any secret formula to life, but every morning when my feet hit the floor, I embrace the chance to look around some more! ************************************************************ ******I've tried to explore and embrace my life experience in song. Everyone in this creative space has something to say....something to share. I'm just writing it down and hoping it sticks to someone. Sometimes it's funny (to me anyway). Sometimes it's a bit painful (you know who you are!). Usually when someone pisses you off or hurts you, it leads to a great song. I do want to share it. Just the song, not the pain! My next CD will be the first Studio CD I've recorded. The three previous were a compilation of live performance tracks. Look for an early summer release. More info to follow. Thanks for stopping. I truly appreciate your time, your ears and your comments. Hope you enjoy the music. ************************************************************ ****** READ THIS!!! Here's a random myspace thought. Since putting up this Musical Myspace a month or so ago, I have been exposed to a world of incredibly talented, independent musicians. Some who travel far and wide sharing their gift of music, others creating beautiful works in-house and posting them here. If you are a friend on my space, then I have listened to all your songs and I celebrate your gift of creation. The depth of talent and variety is both awesome and immeasurable... But, damn, doesn't it make you wonder why they recycle the same ten songs on the radio??!! More to the point, why do so many people settle for that?? I truly celebrate your songs my friends. God Bless You and thanks for sharing my space! Okay, that's all...back to your musical journey. Best of everything to you!