Quotes
"It's not often that an artist can tell a story so intricately that listeners feel as if they've taken a ride through the songwriter's mind. Mike Stocksdale does just that. His songs, although similar in style, have such wonderful composition and tone that each one can stand alone to showcase his talent. Similar to the cool country stylings of John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" and folky carefree feel of Paul Simon's "Slip Slidin' Away," Stocksdale is a modern reminder of what good music sounds like in its simplest form."
-Paula Munoz, Music Connection Magazine
"Mike Stocksdale makes really good folk music. It’s a happy combination of blues, rock, and just enough country to make you kick back and put in a toothpick...it sounds like something you’ve heard before, but that has a sort of rebirth to it."
-Brendon Goldwasser, Groundsounds
Bio
With a guitar in hand and a gift for crafting profound lyrics, Mike Stocksdale weaves melodies that resonate deep within the soul. He draws you in with compelling riffs and intricate fingerpicking, but it's not just the music; it's the words that truly set Stocksdale apart. As a lyricist, he possesses an uncanny ability to distill complex emotions into relatable verses, painting vivid stories with his words.
A true songwriter at heart, Mike's journey began at the age of fifteen, picking up his first guitar and writing songs after only learning a few chords. Initially, he channeled his creative energy as the lead guitarist and songwriter for the popular Midwest band, Three Minute Mile. But it was later, as a solo artist, that he truly found his voice.
Whether performing in intimate acoustic settings or rocking out with a full band, Stocksdale’s stage presence is electric, leaving audiences captivated and craving more. His songs have garnered critical acclaim, earning him a dedicated following of fans who connect deeply with the raw honesty and artistry of his music. His most recent album, Ghosts & Whispers, is a soulful blend of blues-infused indie folk that resonates with listeners from all walks of life.
Credits
- 4th Place - Rocky Mountain Folks Festival 2023 - Songwriter Showcase
- Spotify curated playlist - Blues Roots
- Finalist - Rocky Mountain Folks Festival 2019 - Songwriter Showcase
- Finalist - Rocky Mountain Folks Festival 2018 - Songwriter Showcase
- Finalist/Honorable Mention - Unsigned Only Music Competition 2018 (AAA)
- Semi-Finalist - Music City SongStar 2017
- 2nd Place Winner - International Songwriting Competition 2015 (Performance Category)
- Multiple TV placements on shows such as New Girl, Quantico, Nancy Drew, Hart of Dixie, and Happy Endings
- Songs reviewed and/or shared by the following music blogs: HITS in the Sticks, Ear to the Ground, SirChillicious, GroundSounds, Wolf in a Suit, Adobe and Teardrops, Somervalley FM, KOR Radio, Pretty in Noise, Skope, Savage Thrills, Santa Rosa Records, Karben, For the Love of Bands, LA on Lock, Mystic Sons, Indie Obsessive
- Opened for Cam, Will Hoge, Tinsley Ellis, Eric Gales, Soul of John Black
- Featured in viral youtube video by Garance Dore and Tiffany’s
- Semi-Finalist - International Songwriting Competition
- Semi-Finalist - UK Songwriting Competition
- #1 New Music Review - Music Connection Magazine
- Honorable Mention - Unsigned Only Music Competition
- Daphne’s Restaurant featured artist
- Top 100 artists - Music Connection Magazine
- Finalist - Independent Music Awards (Folk/Singer Songwriter Album)
- Best New Artist Nomination - New Music Awards
- Finalist - We Are Listening Singer/Songwriter Awards
- 3rd Place - 11th Annual Unisong International Song Contest (Acoustic/Folk)
- Honorable Mention - 14th Annual Billboard Song Contest
- Finalist - We Are Listening Singer/Songwriter Awards