MUSIC

Goode's Armadillo Palace is proud to welcome Mike Kelly.

California-born, New Mexico-bred singer/songwriter Mike Kelly was expecting 2009 to be an exciting year... he had no idea it would be life changing. Fresh off the completion of his debut EP "Come Back to Tulsa" and with a hip new band itching to tour it, the outlook was bright. After spending years honing his sound, one that draws heavy influence from Texas songwriters Robert Earl Keen and Charlie Robison, things were finally in place for Mike to bring his music to the masses. What happened next would change all that.

During rehearsals Mike began began to notice difficulty breathing as well as a remarkable lack of energy. So much so that even getting out of bed proved a challenge, much less picking up a guitar. It was apparent this was not just fatigue but something far more serious. Mike was experiencing the effects of congenital heart failure, an urgent condition that demands major surgery. The record, the band, the shows would have to wait.

Immediately checking into a hospital, Mike would spend the next month undergoing heart valve replacement surgery. A complicated procedure that left him ample time to re-evaluate his friends, faith and purpose. The surgery was a success despite the fact that his heart and lungs actually quit working on their own for nearly 8 hours. Recovery would be slow. He had lost nearly 30 pounds and breathing with only 20% of his lung capacity.

It was during this time that Mike began writing. A remarkable creative flourish ensued and before long Mike had dozens of songs that read like diary entries documenting his ordeal. Ironically, the near tragic experience would prove to be a blessing in disguise.

The result would make up the songs for "Waking the Dead". Recorded in Austin, TX at Yellow Dog Studios with producer Dave Percefull (Brandon Jenkins, David Cook), the album features 12 deeply personal songs with subtle and sparse accompaniment. Musically drawing inspiration from Billy Joe Shaver and Stranger's Almanac-era Whiskeytown, the record is deep but accessible and with a sincerity that appeals to the common country music listener without insulting their intelligence. Numerous friends also lent a hand in either the writing or the recording including: Brandon Jenkins, Andy Skib (To Have Heroes), Erin Austin, and TJ McFarland.

Now living in Austin and having recently inking a partnership with Austin Universal Entertainment, Mike is more ready than ever to take his music and story to the people, and with the renewed vigor that can only accompany a new lease on life. Mike's life has been changed, now he aims to change the lives of others with his music.