Toronto, ON-based artist, Mike Riley has released the lead single, “Drug Dealer” from his upcoming album, Divorce. The single is written from the heart, dealing with trials and tribulations of life and love.
Check out the single below and find out more about Mike in our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Mike and I’m a songwriter from Toronto. I play a lot of guitar and more piano these days. I got into music as a kid because of a mobility challenge that prevented me from playing sports. Music ended up being my passion in life, so it’s funny how things end up working out.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
Whatever I write, I always gravitate to a melody first. Every song I write tries to tell a story. It’s usually somber sounding but I don’t think the messages are all sad.
Do you have any upcoming shows? For someone who has yet to see you live, how would you explain your live performance?
I’ll be playing the Taste of the Danforth Festival on August 10th at noon! It will be an acoustic set with a few guest surprises. Expect stories, bad jokes and some beautiful harmonies from my friends.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
Right now, my new single is “Drug Dealer.” I hadn’t put out new music in a long time prior to this song and I’m really proud of it.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
The Drew Thomson Foundation and The Dirty Nil are friends of mine and some of the raddest bands around. I’m a huge Donovan Woods fan. Love Jann Arden, Sarah McLaughlin, Matthew Good. My dad raised me on Neil Young and I always rebelled against it, but I’ve realized how wrong I was.