One of the hottest new talents in the Toronto hip-hop scene, up and coming producer Mike Alan is creating a buzz throughout the GTA. With his laid back rhyme style, over funk rhythms, and jazzy sample based beats, Mike has developed a unique and appealing style. He has talent, drive, and holds the ingredients necessary for breeding a classic hip-hop record.Mike has recently released a CD under his own indi-label, Ill Gardens Productions. The CD is entitled This is Just a Test. It includes eleven tracks and is a showcase for his production skills as well as his lyrical abilities. Aside from producing this album, Mike has also mixed and engineered other works for himself. And Mikes natural artistic abilities flow through to the design of artwork for the album.Mike Alan was born into the hip-hop generation in 1982. Growing up in a family surrounded by music, he became exposed to and developed a keen interest in the different aspects of the hip-hop culture. Demonstrating talent at a young age, Mike began DJ-ing when he was 16. By 1998, Mike was moving beyond DJ-ing and added music production, writing rhymes, free styling, and graffiti art to his repertoire.After a stint in art school, Mike became more focused in music and built his own recording studio in 2002. This enabled Mike to get a better understanding of the business side of the industry as well as helping him develop the skills to record and engineer his own music.In 2004, after working with other independent artists, Mike decided to pursue a solo career and began recording songs for his own demo.Mike grew up in the suburbs, and has lived a positive lifestyle. As such, his lyrics relate to everyman. His songs speak about paying dues and lifes problems such as What the @%!?, and finding out what love is in his work How does it feel?, and getting breakers on the dance floor with the b-boy anthem Move.Mike has been marketing his music on the internet though www.illgardens.com, and has garnered a very positive response. He is currently moving towards radio play in addition to live performances, and continues to build a loyal fan base.His CD This is Just a Test, forms a foundation for the growth of his career and a springboard for newer success. He plans to continue his career as a solo artist as well as produce for those alike while adapting to the constantly evolving sound of hip-hop.
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