Mike Ward
Scott: What is the meaning behind the name of your album Love Never Rests?
Mike: It came from a line in the song “The Currency of Forgiveness” "Life keeps you up at night but love never rests" and it really just means that no matter how worn down we get, how hurt, how many tough the times we may have…love is there and is always worth working for.
Scott: Who are the two people that appear on the album cover?
Mike: The album cover art is a photo from my wedding day in 1980. Having Angie and I together on this album cover made sense since she has been a full partner in all my musical endeavors and especially on this record, she has taken on an even bigger role as a manager in addition to always being there next to me at shows, in the studio and supporting every minute.
Scott: Favorite track from the album and why?
Mike: That is a hard one. But I think “The Currency of Forgiveness” is a key song and I love the production from David Roof at Rooftop Recording with Grant Flick on violin and Annie Bacon providing amazing harmony.
Scott: What did you learn from making your last album?
Mike: Some of the songs on "Love Never Rests" were actually recorded and finished during the making of "Particles to Pearls" but we saved certain songs to group with the new songs for this release. From Particles to this album, the biggest learning was how to promote it and to bring on some help in that area. Lori Stratton filled that role and has really helped get the word out and get placed in many publications and on radio stations. We had more time to dedicate to social media, the show schedule, and other ways to promote the album.
Scott: What is your dream concert venue to perform at?
Mike: For me, it would be The Ark in Ann Arbor. I went to University of Michigan back in the late 70s and it was an iconic venue even back then. It is considered a hallowed stage and I would be over the moon to perform there.
Scott: Do you have any rituals or routines before you perform?
Mike: On the day of every show, I like to do a full rehearsal of any songs I am considering then leading up to the showtime, I usually like to be alone for a few before I go on and breathe deep, close my eyes and have a moment of quiet (this doesn’t always happen)
Scott: What are your goals for the next year?
Mike: Cliche to answer this question this way but I feel I’m a positive person. It’s hard for me to look at a cloudy day and find something wrong with it. There’s so much to be happy and excited about in life that it kind of feels like a cop-out/or the easy way out to see the downsides. It’s easy to complain, it’s uplifting to ignore the clouds and go about your day. It’s healthy to voice stuff that’s going wrong or bothering you, but at the same time, it’s annoying to let that stuff define you.
Scott: What are your goals for the next year?
Mike: For 2023 and into 2024, the goal is to keep writing new material and expand my audience both here in Southeast Michigan and beyond. I had shows recently in Cleveland, upcoming in Akron, Grand Rapids, Chicago, Milwaukee, and more in the works. I am really looking forward to playing festivals this Summer and hope to add more in 2024.
