Mike Healy – Hold That Smile (2025)
A seasoned musician with a “…diverse musical palette”, singer-songwriter Mike Healy weaves shimmering sonic tapestries bridging the gap between generations, eras, styles and genres. Think about those massive wall tapestries you become lost in and appreciate with every look – this is Healy’s music, even if he only has a couple of tunes available to stream. The latest addition to his discography is the single, ‘Hold That Smile’.
His debut single, ‘Hold That Smile’, is a labour of love as Healy pours his heart and soul into each moment. Produced with Peter Mahr at Middlewall Studios, the Ireland-based Healy brings to life his “first self-penned song finished in the studio…” The song was, however, penned in 2024 with several singles, all from, as Healy shares, “… diverse genres and all ideas and inspiration came from different sources – people I met along the way…”
Alright, so the inspiration and composing of ‘Hold That Smile’ is a charming reflection on yesteryear and everything life brought to Healy, but what about the melody? A drag back to the rock scene of the 1960s and 1970s, ‘Hold That Smile’ harmonically entwines drums, soaring guitars, keys and a bold bass; however, it is not the entwining of these instruments that really makes the song. For me, it is the sexy saxophone that ups the ante. Elegant and sophisticated, but with a rugged rawness, the music dances along your skin and leaves you lost in a kaleidoscopic rush of symphonic sound.
Melodically, each instrument contributes to a nostalgic breath of contentment and warmth; however, Healy’s vocals are what keep you anchored and bring an extra layer of heartfelt tenderness in the track. Listening to him and ‘Hold That Smile’ is like meeting an old friend for a cup of hot chocolate, a slice of carrot cake, and a good natter to erase any problems you may be facing at the moment.
In the process of writing and recording songs, Healy hopes to release an album before the end of 2025 – a mixture of original and cover tracks. Given ‘Hold That Smile’, I am eager to discover more from this talented musician.
Find out more about Mike Healy on his Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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