At its genesis, my singing style comes from my family and the customs we celebrated. Emoting and causing the audience to feel and get what I think the song is about is the heart of it. Along the way I was then exposed to artists who I would watch and take something from, until I arrived at the stopping point I am at now. As I continue on the path, my style will change more.

Some of the folks that have had a pretty big impact on my style would be Liam Tiernan, Robbie McMahon, Tommy Makem, Frank Profitt, Derek Warfield, Brendan Nolan, Pat Broaders, Stan Rogers, Doc Watson, Jean Ritchie, Elizabeth "Bess" Cronin and Sean Tyrell.

I would say that those mentioned above helped me to establish a baseline. Many folks here at Mudcat have caused my style to evolve in much larger ways. I do not overstate the case when I tell you that great performers such as Rick Fielding, Jed Marum, Dan Milner, Seamus Kennedy, Grit Laskin, Ed Tricket, Sandy Paton, Glen Rogers and others have caused me to focus on the lyric in astounding ways. For me, it is about telling a great yarn, or causing people to feel strong emotion. Each of these folks has influenced me profoundly as I listen to them interpret songs. The baseline was established with the great singers listed above. But it was these folks that taught me to focus on the story and not the chords and performance. Those will come if you tell the story well.

One of the most important is a great performer, but a world class producer. I am speaking of our own Paul Mills. Spending time with him, and watching how he coaxs, challenges, and causes performers to get the best interpretation has had a huge impact on my style. Fate has taken me away from this wonderful friend for a while, but it is just a delay. I can't wait to get back to Toronto and make music, and learn more from them.

I guess the short answer is my style comes from the journey. And I sure am enjoying it.

All the best,

Mick