February Album Writing Month - FAWM.ORG

mike skliar

progress: 36

winner!
joined: February 2006
location: New York, USA
website: www.mikeskliar.com
influences: bob dylan, loudon wainwright, lennon & mccartney, george harrison, frank sinatra (and all the jazz standards he sang by gershwin, cole porter, rogers & hart, harold arlen, etc etc), john prine, dan bern, hank williams, tom lehrer, allen sherman, rufus wainwright, and I can't forget jerry garcia!

Bio

I'm a singer songwriter in new york city(not my day job, tho!).

I play guitar, mandolin and a bit of dobro (resonator guitar, played lap-style). Also recently picked up a baritone tricone resonator as well (thats the instrument in the picture) And very lately I've been trying to play the harmonica a bit as well.

I've been playing guitar for a while, tho only in the last 10 years or so have I started writing. The writing process can be incredibly fun or incredibly frustrating, as many of you know, of course. I tend to write a mix of more serious and more comic things, sometimes with a few topical or political songs thrown in. Most of my stuff is probably rooted musically in some sorts of rock, blues, folk or bluegrass influence. Lately, however, I've been playing more jazz and trying to use those kinds of chord changes from time to time.

I have two cds out- the first one released about five years ago, which is available at itunes under the name 'mike skliar' and at cd baby here: http://cdbaby.com/cd/skliar

Last year my new cd "Ship of State" was released, and I'm still excited about it. It's got 20 songs including many songs originally written during the fawm and 50/90 writing challenges, and there are seven or eight other fawmers whose musical talents appear on it.

http://cdbaby.com/cd/skliar2

Both cds are availabe as well on iTunes, as well as a few other places (check iTunes under the name "Mike Skliar")

I've also played a bunch of acoustic original music gigs in the last few years with fellow fawmer Ken Ficara. Additionally I'm also the guitarist with blues & oldies band Saboteur Tiger- we play out about once a month here in New York City.

This is the 5th year I'm doing fawm- its a great thing, and I'm very glad that I was able to get some others turned on to the idea as well- its truly a great project for everyone who participates. Did some collaboration the last few years as well, which was unexpected and really alot of fun...

NOTE- the songs marked with a * are ones I'm particularly proud of this year.. if you haven't heard my stuff, maybe start with these?

2010 Songs

1	The complete Alfred Hitchcock *	50 comments // 1 month ago
2	Flying thru reality *	26 comments // 1 month ago
3	Job	19 comments // 1 month ago
4	Man-made global warming is real *	24 comments // 1 month ago
5	ambient number one (instrumental)	13 comments // 1 month ago
6	Pianostan (instrumental)	9 comments // 1 month ago
7	Gimme Gimme Gimme that Mandolin Funk	22 comments // 1 month ago
8	George Bailey's Wonderful Life *	17 comments // 1 month ago
9	The Goddess of Pop *	21 comments // 1 month ago
10	Black Month Where (explore the core challenge) (with rondofeast)	16 comments // 1 month ago
11	Sarah Palin's Hand (objects challenge)	18 comments // 1 month ago
12	A little magic (with a guitar from 1930, mandolin from 1922) *	20 comments // 1 month ago
13	Olympic Games (dedicated to Nodar Kumaritashvili) *	9 comments // 1 month ago
14	What my wife wants for Valentine's Day *	19 comments // 4 weeks ago
15	In C and only C (note, only one note)	20 comments // 4 weeks ago
16	Sounds like Hawaii, tastes like chicken	12 comments // 4 weeks ago
17	Wisdom hopefully lingers	10 comments // 3 weeks ago
18	Soul In The Bottle * (with Errol)	7 comments // 3 weeks ago
19	Let them Filibuster *	5 comments // 3 weeks ago
20	Wishing the Morning * (with Nancy Rost)	12 comments // 3 weeks ago
21	I Dare you to comment on this song (comment junkie's lament)	7 comments // 3 weeks ago
22	Scarab Letters *	13 comments // 3 weeks ago
23	Yes (songskirmish challenge) *	15 comments // 3 weeks ago
24	(Parody) It's All About the Goys (with Bizarro Errol)	11 comments // 3 weeks ago
25	Hair *	12 comments // 3 weeks ago
26	You've got a big bowl of wrong, we've got a big soul song	5 comments // 2 weeks ago
27	Faster (the 1955 Le Mans auto disaster) *	8 comments // 2 weeks ago
28	Snow and Time	8 comments // 2 weeks ago
29	Blues In Every Key (with "Sticky Sweet" Johnson)	3 comments // 2 weeks ago
30	To be continued (somgskirmish challenge)	8 comments // 2 weeks ago
31	Got the blues in every key	4 comments // 2 weeks ago
32	mike and hoopshank's opus 1 in 5/4 (with hoops)	zong // 2 weeks ago
33	the one that almost got away	zong // 2 weeks ago
34	the second one that almost got away	zong // 2 weeks ago
35	March is on the march	5 comments // 2 weeks ago
36	guitar instrumental	6 comments // 2 weeks ago

Soundboard

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MAX VANREMMERDEN 1 week ago

Thank you for your kind words on "Your World" Mike.

My oldest is 21 now, he lived in Wales for 5 months last year to study Afro/American literature and European film during his Journalism study. He came back home after that but has found a place for himself now in Amsterdam and does a second study at the Amsterdam University : Dutch language. He wants to be a writer and won several prices already with his work. His plan is to make money being a teatcher while trying to get his work published.

It's a new fase in live when your children leave the nest.
I still have to get used to it, the family is not the family anymore.
But he will manage, no worries.
Rick Cannon 1 week ago

Not sure what I call it, but thank you. haha. (:
Nancy Rost 2 weeks ago

Laughing out loud at the "yak noises" description!
Jharms 2 weeks ago

Hah, yeah, 1870 would be about right. Wouldn't that have been an interesting historical twist?
"Sticky Sweet" Johnson 2 weeks ago

It's up, Mikey. Hope you like.
rombiculus 2 weeks ago

Mike,

Thanks a lot, I'm glad you said something.

I'll be back to listen.

Richie
rombiculus 2 weeks ago

Mike,

If you have a minute (as if you have a minute between writing 28 songs in 14 days),
could you see if any of the first few of my songs on my list load for you?

Some people have been able to listen to my stuff and others not..
I changed the first few songs onto Boxstr, so I am curious if it goes or not.
1B King 2 weeks ago

Thanks for the comment on 'The Haunting Of Discovery'. I comtemplated Daisy as I was assembling that one, but chose 'Good morning Dr. Chandra' instead as those were Hals first words upon reawakening. I'm glad you caught it though.

Congrats on your Two by FAWM !!!
Rob Cooke - Boy@Heart 2 weeks ago

Thanks for the comment Mike on Tale of Woe. I like your idea about developing the bridge between the last 2 choruses.
Great input and feedback Thanks.
A hearty congrats on a double FAWM total too (maybe there'll be more?)
Patrick Madden 2 weeks ago

Thanks for all the comments! Wow -- you're at 27? You're pretty much double-fawmed!
G Slade 2 weeks ago

alright..well i've commented on every one of your tracks thus far...
jamestoffee 2 weeks ago

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the listen and feedback on "God-Shaped Box" and congrats for your over-the-top number of songs for the challenge! That's great!

James
Shady Wilbury 2 weeks ago

Thanks for your comment, Mike. I didn't intend "In God's Time" to be a uniquely/exclusively Christian song. (I don't consider myself to be Christian, I just strongly believe there's something.) I've enjoyed your output this year, and hope to hear more from you next year!
Melinda DiMaio 2 weeks ago

Hey Mike, Nice tunes! and so many of them, bravo . I noticed your posting on Upstate NY board - I'm also a Union College Alum (did grad work there) In New Paltz NY now - I'm up for a March NYC FAWM gathering. Put me on your mailing list, if there is one! Best, Melinda
cts 2 weeks ago

Life got complicated when toys ceased being the center of my existence. Adult life is real complicated. thanks for dropping by, friend-o.
sherrycanary 3 weeks ago

Mike
Yes on both counts
sherrycanary 3 weeks ago

Hey Mike

Any iterest or time do do collab on my Mad Hater's Tea Party?
Echo Voodoo 3 weeks ago

Thanks for the comments on "Politician Exchange". The song isn't meant to express my actual opinion on politics or the value of voting (except for the part about still wanting them to hear my voice); it's more meant to express that frustration I sometimes feel when even the "better" politicians manage to underwhelm me. We all have our brighter and darker moments.
Tobermory 3 weeks ago

Hey cheers for the comment! This song is a celebration cos Nick Portus (also on FAWM) who used to be in a band with me, got married last weekend. To the lead singer of the same band! Celebrate good times, c'mon!
Haole Wolf 3 weeks ago

Mike, I'm playing my steel resonator guitar on a bunch of my cuts... check it out!
rombiculus 3 weeks ago

Mike, thanks for the comment, and the heads up on my demo.

I gotta figure out what's wrong. I'm able to play it here.. I might have done the wrong kps setting on the mp3 or something. anyway, enjoyed your version as well.
Nick Sypniewski 3 weeks ago

Mike,
Thanks for your comments on both Seven Circles and Yes. Much appreciated. Re: 7C, I always hesitate to boost my vocals (unless by accident) because of their universal horridness. But yeah, my first instinct on that kind of song would be to have vocals higher in the mix (with a good vocalist). In fact, for a real Animals sound, it should probably be mostly bass and vocal... Re: Yes, Funny thing is - that condition is natural to me. Took the Meyers-Briggs personality test in college and according to that (which was INCREDIBLY accurate for me), my first instinct in any situation is to say no to change of any kind until I've had time to evaluate. So that skirmish title played right into my wheelhouse LOL. Anyway, thanks again.
Debs 3 weeks ago

I know...for me too...I was shocked that they all got so into it And their verse...wasn't even my idea.
Debs 3 weeks ago

Mike, it goes without saying that this song would not have been recorded or even discussed if any of the younger FAWMily members had been in attendance, or if it made anyone present uncomfortable. You've met many of us and you know that we are responsible adults and that some of us have kids.
pdennison 3 weeks ago

Hi Mike
Thanks so much for the input and help. I has started me writing again! I hope I can keep up with it when work starts. To answer you question about the cello..its me on the keyboard using Walter's program. Cool huh?
nightengale 3 weeks ago

Congrats on that number of great songs!
Aaron Nathans 3 weeks ago

Thanks, Mike. I'd be honored if you covered "Never Left New York."
P.M.C.O. 3 weeks ago

Thanks for the comment on "children on a quest", Mike. After you mentioned those bands, Little Feat also came to my mind, which I'm a big fan of... Not a bad job if someone hears these influences in my music... you made my day! -P
Rob Cooke - Boy@Heart 3 weeks ago

Congrats on crossing the line Mike. As usual, some great songs from you this FAWM. Thanks for the comment on Playing Safe.
Billy Sea 3 weeks ago

Mike, when you get the chance, check out http://fawm.org/songs/4167
You're in a song
Ken Ficara 4 weeks ago

Thank you! The funny thing is that rhythm was bothering me all night, trying to remember what it reminded me of. Not Green Acres, though, don't think I ever saw it. But Brian Eno's "Dead Finks Can't Talk" on his first album has a drum pattern very like that. Gotta get to bed but will listen to more of your new ones tomorrow!
Ken Ficara 4 weeks ago

Oh you're totally right about the slippers. Forgot about that completely.
Greg Lines 4 weeks ago

Hi Mike

Thanks for the offer of mandolin on my track - drop me a line on glines1972@googlemail.com and we'll sort something out.

And congrats on reaching the magic 14!
Jharms 4 weeks ago

And congratulations on winning as well!
Jharms 4 weeks ago

You're close, mike. Two of them have the right color, and the other two have the right quality... there, I gave it away. Don't put it on the song if you get it.
Tim Fatchen 4 weeks ago

Congrats on the 14, Mike!
Vom Vorton 1 month ago

thanks for the comment! I'm happy to record guest-glock for others, so if you ever need some just shout!
Errol 1 month ago

Done.
Happy Atheist 1 month ago

Happy Darwin Day, mike!
Kerri Arista 1 month ago

thanks for your comments. really appreciate them.
for that song i used dadf#ad tuning.
Benjamin Nolan 1 month ago

Have now uploaded a recording of Black Month Where with me singing on it, if you want to have another listen. Also, I've added instructions on how to get the stuff you need to sing along with it, if you fancy having a pop at one of the lines. http://fawm.org/songs/2798/
Jharms 1 month ago

For "Flying thru reality," I think I like your interpretation better.
Patrick Madden 1 month ago

Guitar is the Tele, bass is the Squier P-bass, both direct in to the laptop, with Logic Studio patches (same audio engine as GarageBand; LS has just a few more bells and whistles).

Dang. You're at nine tunes already. I need to get moving!
Adam Hill 1 month ago

Thanks, glad to hear you liked it.
Whitby is on the Lakeshore GO train line east of Toronto. Depending where in the city, around an hour's drive.
Dan Vaillancourt 1 month ago

Thanks Mike! Glad you liked it.
Rob Cooke - Boy@Heart 1 month ago

Hey Mike.
I'm really chuffed now I have a Mike Skliar comment on one of my songs. A good one too!
Thanks my friend. I'm really enjoying your output this FAWM.
Dennis Jernberg 1 month ago

My demo won't play for you? Maybe it's because I put it on Google Sites...
jon autry 1 month ago

Thanks, Mike!
timmyriordan 1 month ago

Hey Mike thanks for the Loudon Wainwright III comparison. I haven't listened to him much myself but I have friends who love him and he's always struck me as the kind of songwriter I would like if I gave a try. I picked up his live disc "So Damn Happy" which my friend suggested after you mentioned him to me the other day. Need to listen to him a bit more.
Dennis Jernberg 1 month ago

Remember that Sarah Palin song I said I'd write? It's done and the demo is up at last! Of course, it's one of my hard rockers, but those have always been my best songs...
Morti 1 month ago

Gosh, we both get pretty political, don't we?
Morti 1 month ago

Oh yeah, you have to tell me where to start with yours too. Anything you particularly want more feedback on?
Morti 1 month ago

Hi Mike, I saw you asking but my reply didn't come through until after you'd gone. Hooray Internet!

I guess We Rule The World and (if you have time) The Peasants Revolt would be places I'd like you to start listening to my stuff but I'm not too bothered what you go for, just kind of you to offer.
Errol 1 month ago

YAY! You got it! I'm currently listening to you on the radio show. Yesterday's radio show.
Krista Brindle 1 month ago

Wow, you've been busy! Can't wait to go through and give them all the attention they deserve
Marie Tueje 1 month ago

Likewise, Mike - great to meet you. I see you're not suffering from writer's block this time around. Wow!
Mike Debenham 1 month ago

Mike, always a pleasure to see you fawming.

*secret Mike handshake*
timmyriordan 1 month ago

Thanks for the welcome back message mike. I've only had time to listen to 'The Complete Alfred Hitchcock' but can't wait to listen to some more.
1B King 1 month ago

Hi Mike, glad you liked Dance On A Cloud. The "fake viola" is realy my strat/tele mongrel played on the neck with a volume pedal and a lot of reverb after the fact.
ckl29 1 month ago

The family says a collective happy birthday!
Erik Didriksen 1 month ago

Figured I'd drop you a line here as well -- Happy Birthday, Sir Skliar!
P.M.C.O. 1 month ago

Hey Mike! Thankx for dropping a line at my monkeystomp I played an acoustic western with open G tuning with a bottleneck there... now i'm gonna browse through yr stuff! Grtz, Pim
Aaron Nathans 1 month ago

Thanks, Mike. Good to see you back.
Erik Didriksen 1 month ago

Nice catch, sir; the chord progression to the main part of "A Slender Breeze" is D-E-G-D, which also happens to be "Eight Days a Week"'s verse section. Not something I did consciously, but it wouldn't've been a bad idea if I had.

I can't get anything by you!
benn 1 month ago

great, thanks mike. i really like the music you've put it to (big freewheelin' era dylan fan), i just want those words!
yeah i seem to be having a bit of googlesites trouble. they were working earlier..
Summer Russell 1 month ago

Thanks for the comment on my song! I just uploaded a demo of it if'n you're interested. I'm running off to work now but wanna come back and listen to your songs, especially "The Complete Alfred Hitchcock." Sounds intriguing!
chrishensongs 1 month ago

You are my hero! Thank you for the shout out.
mclagett 1 month ago

Hey Mike --

Made the plunge! Thanks for having us all over the other night. I'll give you a hollar later in the week.

Mike
Elaine DiMasi 1 month ago

> new yorkers in a hurry
ha ha! thanks!
tie dye hero 1 month ago

Mike! Thanks again! Happy Fawm Eve
thundereggrules 1 month ago

Hey Mike, thanks for having us over last night. Looking forward to the month.
rombiculus 1 month ago

Hey Mike, good to see you're back this year again.
Hey, we both got on the compilation, congratulations!
I was in NY this summer, and I meant to look up your site and see if you were playing, but alas, the time always goes warp speed when I'm home.
I'll catch you one of these times . Looking forward to hearing your stuff again this year.
Corinne Curcio 1 month ago

Oh shoot Mike - I forgot ALL about it. So sorry I'm going to miss it - Say hello to anyone who cares if I'm threre or not. Hope you all have a great time - What a dope I am!
Frances 1 month ago

Damn, I love moxy fruvous! I think I have King of Spain permanently embedded in my mental playlist. It has the best lyrics. Do pass on my regards!
Frances 1 month ago

Love the guitar in your picture Mike! Here's to a great FAWM!
Greg Lines 1 month ago

Hi Mike - Ray does a course in the UK every year with the Arvon Foundation. Here's the link:

http://www.arvonfoundation.org/pc466.html
Corinne Curcio 1 month ago

Hi Mike - I enjoy your Dylan cover!
T.C. Elliott 1 month ago

Hey, Mike. Yeah that's me on the front page. I was worried it was too sloppy but apparently sloppy is good. Thanks for the note.
Greg Lines 1 month ago

Hey Mike - thanks for the encouragement!

The course was fantastic - 16 of us trapped in a lovely Dorset cottage for 5 days with Ray, being made to write songs in different ways, with different people, and then finishing it off by writing a musical version of The Long Good Friday in a day!
Elaine DiMasi 1 month ago
John Crossman 1 month ago

Mike! I feel like I never stopped seeing you around, but it's still good to see you around for more fawmin'!
Elaine DiMasi 1 month ago

Nice promo, Mike!
Erik Didriksen 1 month ago

I didn't know what the deal was with the promo tunes on the front page; but not so much as a syllable had escaped a certain singer's mouth when my eyes lit up and I knew who I was hearing. Gettin' a little taste of new Skliar tunes -- even a brief piece like that -- before February is like having a second birthday.

The grand piano line is freaking genius, by the way.
devin 1 month ago

I think the way the front page is set up now is REALLY slick, it gives all genres (and FAWMers) some space, and it really showcases the jukebox to potential songwriters...plays automatically...it's all good Mike. You had a good point, and now we have a better result!
devin 1 month ago

"Yes & Yes & You'll find out"

- words to live by...nice!!

Here's to another great event Mike...let's light it up!

(and I hope Mr. Obama has done enough song-worthy things to provide inspiration for the political muse too...and if not, I think Sarah Palin still has some draw? )
Jharms 1 month ago

Thanks! Yours aren't looking too bad yourself! I'm looking forward to see what you put out.
Erik Didriksen 1 month ago

It's on my calendar.
Valerie Cox 1 month ago

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Mike Skliar. *****applause*****

Hi.
katebirdrex 1 month ago

ps-that resonator in the photo is frickin' gawgeous--hope you'll be making liberal use of it in your FAWM songs!!
katebirdrex 1 month ago

Thanks for the warm welcome, Mike--looking forward to checking out your creations this February!
sniffer 2 months ago

Looking forward to hearing your work.
Taylor Tay 2 months ago

Thanks for the welcome, I like the sound of your stuff - can't wait to hear what you come up with in February!
Corinne Curcio 2 months ago

I like Mike - What's not to like?
Maeflower 2 months ago

Hiya Mike......hoping to see you and the rest of the NYC gang very soon. I'll bring my strange instrument collection if you'll bring yours.....
Dusty Mason 2 months ago

MIKE...Rock out!
Jules 2 months ago

Hey Mike Skliar! I know you're ready to FAWM the heck out of February! See you at the kickoff party!
Jodi Arlyn 2 months ago

Looking forward to seeing you very soon!
Elaine DiMasi 2 months ago

Hey Mike, totally looking forward to it!
Patrick Madden 2 months ago

I'll be posting as me, but now I'm only going to go out in public as Swampjaw... .
Erik Didriksen 2 months ago

Hey, Mike! Looking forward to a heapin' helpin' of new Skliar tunes.

Can we write 14 songs in 28 days? YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!

February Album Writing Month - FAWM.ORG

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mike skliar

Bio

2010 Songs

Soundboard