Mike Biggar

CBC NB Music Journalist Bob Mersereau features Biggar's full-length Christmas CD in his weekly music review, Nov. 2010. - CBC New Brunswick Radio One

Musician Mike Biggar has made a big impression on the provincial stage.

Mike Biggar has been nominated in two categories for the NB Music Awards, which are scheduled for Oct. 13-16 in Moncton.
The rock/soul artist, who works at the Bayview Credit Union in Sussex by day, has been nominated for two Music NB Awards.

His Christmas Album 'The Season' helped earn the Rothesay artist a spot in the running for Socan Songwriter for the Year and Spiritual Recording of the Year.

The list of nominees was released a couple weeks ago and Biggar said he found himself anxious to see the results.

"You're just trolling Facebook waiting to hear the first person say the list is up," he said laughing.

The NB Music Awards are pretty new. This is only the second year for the event, but Biggar sees it as an opportunity to celebrate New Brunswick talent and give emerging artists a boost.

"This is an important part of getting credibility at home, so when you go away from home you get credibility, too."

Biggar's Christmas CD had a lot of radio play nationally last December. With original songs such as Fare Thee Well This Christmas, he found himself influenced by traditional gospel rather than any version of Frosty the Snowman or a certain red-nosed reindeer.

He was in the ministry for a number of years and went to seminary school after high school.

"I've always been around traditional and religious music. As much as I love to rock, I've got a lot of that in my background-a lot of gospel music," Biggar said.

The idea for the album came about as a result of a charity partnership he formed with the Bayview Credit Union.

"There was an opportunity to combine a little bit of my day job with my dream job and do something to benefit a charity," Biggar said.

"It was win, win, win. It was good for me, it was good for Bayview and it was good for the people we were helping - the Joshua Group in Saint John."

At the moment he and the band are working on more Christmas songs that they plan to add to their next pressing of the disc.

The Season was a follow-up to a self-titled EP of six songs Biggar recorded in 2009. Next up, he's planning a new EP he's hoping to have released in March.

In the meantime, he'll be busy playing live shows around the province and will be taking part in Music NB Week itself, in the Socan Songwriters Circle on Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. at Moncton's Empress Theatre.

Joining him will be fellow Kings County musician Jessica Rhaye, a Hampton native, who was nominated for Best Visual Artist.

The award show will take place later the same evening at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom in Moncton at 8 p.m.

Until then music lovers will also get the chance to vote for the Fan Favourite Award. Anyone who wants to support Biggar by casting a ballot can find out how on his website, www.mikebiggar.com.

Biggar said he's flattered by the nominations and excited about the possibilities it could open up to him.

"It helps add strength and speed to your drive as an artist. It represents your development in the industry."

But industry recognition is just one benefit of getting an award.

"It's the best way I can think of to get the word out to the public about your music," Biggar said.

"You can hit the Internet and put your music out there. In one sense it's never been easier to put your music out there, but it's harder to get it heard. You are just one ripple in a huge ocean. This is a way to really make some distinction."

Sussex-born Mike Erb and his Erban Photo have also been nominated for Best Visual Artist and Hampton's Vintage Bar and Bistro Lounge are in the running for Best Event, Festival or Venue.

Music NB Week will take place from Oct. 13-16 with a conference and a number of showcases for nominated artists. For more info, check out www.musicnb.org. - Canada East - Telegraph Journal, Kings County Record

ROTHESAY - Mike Biggar is challenging everyone who plugs their ears when holiday tunes begin playing on the radio each year to listen to his new album The Season.

"The challenge I give people is to give it a shot," Biggar said. "It will appeal to people who are not fans of Christmas music."

Biggar, of Rothesay, is an East Coast artist who describes himself as an acoustic roots rocker.

He will be releasing his second album tonight at The Blue Olive on Rothesay Avenue beginning at 8 p.m. Cover charge is $5 at the door and a portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the Joshua Group, a local charity that helps needy children and families in the area.

Biggar will be joined by musical friends Rik Reese, Stephanie Mainville, Dann Downes, Grant Heckman, Allen Scott and his wife Laura McNeil.

The musician said the event will be like a variety show because the night of music from his new Christmas album will be "peppered with solo performances."

"It should be a lot of fun," Biggar said.

His new album features a new spin on six traditional Christmas songs, which include O Holy Night, The First Noel and The Little Drummer Boy.

"I grew up not being a great fan of Christmas music. I was one of those people who was glad when it was over and the Christmas records were put away," Biggar said. "It's odd for me to do a Christmas record. People who knew me would say, 'You weren't a fan of Christmas songs especially the ones that get stuck in your head'... I wanted to write stuff that was, at least from my perspective, a fresh approach to the Christmas season."

The album also includes four original songs. Biggar said he co-wrote two of the songs with "country hit maker" Larry Wayne Clark. The song Treasures was written by his wife and is based on a coming-of-age story she heard on a radio show, he said.

Biggar said his song Christmas With You is about how even though he does the same things every holiday season it always feels fresh when he is with his wife of 20 years.

This Season will be on sale at tonight's show and at Backstreet Records. - Telegraph Journal

New Brunswick's music industry celebrated the past year of achievements recently at the second annual Music NB Awards in Moncton and one of the Valley's best known and loved musicians was the recipient of a lot of attention.

Mike Biggar of Rothesay was nominated for two awards at last month's Music NB Awards.

Singer/songwriter Mike Biggar was nominated for SOCAN Songwriter of the Year and Spiritual Recording of the Year, nabbing the trophy for Spiritual Recording with his Christmas CD The Season.

Biggar spoke with KV Style shortly after his win. He credits the Music NB Awards with giving the fledgling provincial music industry a much needed shot in the arm.

"After a few years of kind of being in limbo, Music NB kind of got rebooted and Jean Surrette put the feelers out about an awards show and the feedback was positive," he says.

This year marks the second year for the Music NB Awards but Biggar says this year was a big step forward.

"Last year was good but it was pretty basic... at least we had something. This year was great, a big upgrade and the atmosphere was great. Winning actually means something and we had good crowds. I played the SOCAN Songwriters Circle and we had a full house. Now we've got something really special."

For Biggar and fellow New Brunswick musicians an award means something extra to put on the resumé and is a big help to grow the fan base, book more gigs and sell more CDs. Biggar sees this happening already.

"We just ordered stickers for my Christmas record that say 'Music NB Spiritual Recording of the Year.' It's stuff like this that helps with your credibility and makes it easier to book shows and break into new markets. The public recognizes accomplishment and an award like this solidifies your credibility. Now I've got radio stations calling for my disc."

Fans of Biggar can catch him live at a couple of shows coming up over the next little bit. He'll be on the bill Nov. 17 in Sussex and Nov. 19 in St. Stephen with Chris Cummings and Aaron Pritchett. He's also got his big Christmas show happening Dec. 9 at the Interaction School of Performing Arts with lots of guests and surprises.

Biggar is also working on a CD of new material and hopes to have it ready to launch in March of next year.

On a side note, Mike would like to thank his fans for their support on his journey with Simply for Life as he trims down his recognizable frame. When asked about it, he doesn't resist the opportunity to get a joke in.

"People on my website and Facebook have been great. I'm down 41 pounds so far and everyone's been so supportive. I wish they cared about my music as much as they do my weight." - KV Style - Canada East

http://herenb.canadaeast.com/music/article/839475

Dropping by the NB Beat home offices earlier this week the Saint John based singer/songwriter is all smiles, handshakes and laughs. He's a genuinely nice fellow whose musical career has ramped up considerably after taking a detour from the faith-based music of his past to his roots-inspired Big Breakfast Special EP of secular music released earlier this year.

Biggar turns interview questions into hilarious stream of consciousness humour. Veering in and out of topic he has the ability to discuss the spiritual element of his music followed by a non-sequitur about his thought process sounding something like sneakers in the dryer. What's notable is that he's equally sincere in either conversation. Perhaps that's what makes him one of New Brunswick's more engaging and up and coming entertainers.

He's currently riding a wave that has seen his presence on the local music scene in and around Saint john expand since he decided to record three songs for the CBC Rising Star contest.

"We wanted to get into that contest so we recorded three songs. Unfortunately we weren't chosen as finalists but at least I had some songs in the can. We figured we'd add another two and we'd have an EP ready to go."

Biggar has been using the EP as a calling card to attract interest from venue owners and festival organizers, Since launching the project in January, Biggar has also been attracting a growing following as a live attraction. He's been hosting Hampton's Vintage Bistro's Sing it and Wing it series on Wednesday nights and along with his manager Jeff Liberty has been looking for new and unique opportunities to play his music.

"I decided to hunker down and take on the Sing it and Wing it events. We knew it would start to grow and that's what's happening now. We've got some talented teenagers who come with original material as well as some baby boomers who have had the fire rekindled. Vintage is a great venue but it's getting harder and harder to find other places to play these days. Now we are sort of looking at creating our own venues by pairing up live music in places that never had it before. We contacted Liz at Urban Deli in Saint John and asked if she had ever considered music at her restaurant. She said she had so last Saturday I was the first live act there. It looks like people had a good time and lots of food and suds were coming out of the kitchen so I'd say it was a success. It's fun, it's like we are inventing a scene."

In fact, with the music industry and the economy in such dire straights, Biggar sees this as a time of opportunity for an act of his stature.

"Nobody knows what to do, record companies are failing, nobody buys singles anymore and there are no more 'stars.' I think we're going to see the emergence of regional successes. We're doing this kind of old school. I think that local artists like myself have the opportunity to make careers for themselves. We are going to be the only artists playing in your city and we're local. It's like the 100 mile diet."

Biggar's debut EP features five original blues- and roots-based compositions that showcase a talent for heartfelt songwriting. The songs are well composed and reflect on Biggar's journey away from his roots as a contemporary Christian musician. He notes that the move hasn't changed much about his songwriting and that religious or not, his music has always been about being honest to his emotions.

"Music has always held a spiritual and divine element for me, it's very inspiring. It's something that brings joy to people's lives. It's never about the mission of writing a song or playing a show, it's about the experience. I've learned enough about myself as a musician that once you flex those muscles you kind of want to keep exploring and see what's around the next corner."

Mike Biggar will be looking around a lot of corners over the coming months. Along with his regular gig at the Vintage, he's got work coming up with Heckman and Downes, will appear on a Christmas benefit disc and also has opening gigs with indie darlings the Sun Parkour Players and Astrid Young (yes, Neil's sister). He'll also be working with Jay Semko (Northern Pikes) and has a unique Everly Brothers tribute with New Brunswick's singin' Mountie Jim Hadley.

You can learn more about Mike Biggar at his Reverb Nation page. Mike Biggar's Big Breakfast Special is available at Backstreet Records in Saint john and Fredericton. The Vintage Bistro in Hampton, Urban Deli in Saint John and as always, off of the stage at his live shows. - Here NB - Nelson Hanson

DEC. 2, 2013

Rothesay, NB – December 2, 2013 – It’s no secret that New Brunswick’s Mike Biggar has waged a very successful and inspirational battle against weight. It’s been hard work and seems to have been a confident booster that really comes through in his most recent CD “Feels Like Now.”

“June Night” starts the album off on a strong not followed by “Troubles No More” where Mike’s strong delivery really stands out. It was an immediate pick to stream with our story.

Mike is joined by Chris Cummings on “Lucky Stars” who co-wrote along with “Better Men” on the album. Chris is always a solid performer and the together with Mike has helped add some of his writing skills that always seem to have a spark.

Larry Wayne Clark adds exceptional depth to the album in his co-writes with Mike on “Troubles No More”, “Hero” and Longing for Home.” Clark is a Canadian award-winning songwriter, record producer and music journalist who spent time in Nashville and New Brunswick. His skill has really rubbed off on Mike who heaped huge praise on Larry for his help on the CD which is dedicated to his memory. Larry Wayne Clark passed away in May of this year after an extended battle with cancer.

There is a long list of accomplished artists who support Mike on the album including; Kris Richards, Grant Hickman, John Morrison, Matt Hayes, James Dalzell, Terry Hume, Laura McNeil, Scott Neubert, Tim Davidson and Chris Cummings. “Tell You Another” was written by Mike and really stood out for special mention. It’s a gem. “Longing For Home” is a wonderful conclusion to the album. The album was produced and mixed by Mike Biggar and Tim Davidson and recorded at Ripple Effect Music, Heckman’s Blues Bunker & Smash Recording Studio. It is released by Busted Flat Records

Mike’s never sounded better. His development as an artist continues to grow with this album. There is a real depth to the music and songwriting that’s worth paying attention to. National touring to support Feels Like Now is set to begin in the spring of 2014. Music from the album is now in regular rotation on East Coast Kitchen Party RADIO. - East Coast Kitchen Party

Nov. 21, 2013

From Rothesay comes the newest record from award-winning country music artist Mike Biggar. Having already made an impressive name for himself right across the country, Feels Like Now serves to highlight Biggar’s knack for powerful lyrics that seek to inspire the listener. Backed by an abundance of melody, Mike’s voice easily cuts through the mix on songs like If You Catch Hell and Troubles No More without being too overbearing. Heartfelt and genuine, expect Biggar’s star to rise exponentially with Feels Like Now, a record that shows an East Coast boy can indeed play in the big leagues. - MusicNerd Chronicles

Sept. 25, 2013


We've been waiting for this one for awhile! Mike Biggar's been teasing us for months, heck, a couple of years, anticipating his next release. It was 2010 when his first full album, The Season, was released. Trouble is, the Rothesay resident kept getting great results from that disc. First, he won the Music New Brunswick award in 2011 for best spiritual album, as it was a Christmas-themed album. Since that worked out well, the next year he took home an East Coast Music Award for Gospel Recording of the year. And you can't release a new album while you're still promoting the old one.

They've stopped throwing awards at him, so Mike's new Feels Like Now is finally here. It's actually his first full-length disc of his country and rock style, and is quite a revelation. Everything that makes Mike Biggar a top talent is on display here. His song writing, his singing, his liveliness, and personality, they all shine through. It features 10 originals, half of them written by Mike himself, two with Canadian country star and fellow NB'er Chris Cummings, and three with the late Larry Wayne Clark, a proven country hit maker who died earlier this year, after returning to his home province. This all-New Brunswick song writing should not be taken lightly. Biggar and company came up with as strong a set of originals as any country album I've heard in awhile, and all home-brewed.

The album has a strong variety, from touching ballads like Better Men, to up tempo rockers that sound like ready-made hits, such as June Night. One of the co-writes with Cummings is also a duet, called Lucky Stars. It's a strong mid-tempo number with a clever lyrics, and it's great to hear these two local boys together. If You Catch Hell is another rockier number, and that's where I like Biggar the best, he really sounds good with a big sound behind him, letting him stretch out with the vocals.

That's the other major factor with this release, the singing. His vocals have always been a strong suit of his live or studio work, but now they jump out of the speakers. He seems to have found the eleven button on his vocal amp, and is now soaring, higher, louder, richer. He'll jump an octave and kick the rockers into high gear, or sooth you on the soft ones. This is where his personality comes through the most. He wrote these songs, he's invested in them, and really went for a full vocal performance on each one. Hearing him reach for the high notes is a real joy, because he hits them bang on, with lots of strength, and it's exciting. You're almost cheering him on.

Oh, speaking of cheering him on, you can do that this weekend, at the official launch show for the new album. It's happening Friday night in Saint John, at Mexicali Rosa's at 9 PM. It's a free show, with copies of the new album on display and on sale for the first time. Mike's going to be appearing with his full band, and a special surprise guest too. This is an outdoor show too, because it's happening on the new courtyard patio there, so there's a rain date of Saturday if one of our frequent storms blows in. - Bob Mersereau

New Brunswick's music industry celebrated the past year of achievements recently at the second annual Music NB Awards in Moncton and one of the Valley's best known and loved musicians was the recipient of a lot of attention.

Mike Biggar of Rothesay was nominated for two awards at last month's Music NB Awards.

Singer/songwriter Mike Biggar was nominated for SOCAN Songwriter of the Year and Spiritual Recording of the Year, nabbing the trophy for Spiritual Recording with his Christmas CD The Season.

Biggar spoke with KV Style shortly after his win. He credits the Music NB Awards with giving the fledgling provincial music industry a much needed shot in the arm.

"After a few years of kind of being in limbo, Music NB kind of got rebooted and Jean Surrette put the feelers out about an awards show and the feedback was positive," he says.

This year marks the second year for the Music NB Awards but Biggar says this year was a big step forward.

"Last year was good but it was pretty basic... at least we had something. This year was great, a big upgrade and the atmosphere was great. Winning actually means something and we had good crowds. I played the SOCAN Songwriters Circle and we had a full house. Now we've got something really special."

For Biggar and fellow New Brunswick musicians an award means something extra to put on the resumé and is a big help to grow the fan base, book more gigs and sell more CDs. Biggar sees this happening already.

"We just ordered stickers for my Christmas record that say 'Music NB Spiritual Recording of the Year.' It's stuff like this that helps with your credibility and makes it easier to book shows and break into new markets. The public recognizes accomplishment and an award like this solidifies your credibility. Now I've got radio stations calling for my disc."

Fans of Biggar can catch him live at a couple of shows coming up over the next little bit. He'll be on the bill Nov. 17 in Sussex and Nov. 19 in St. Stephen with Chris Cummings and Aaron Pritchett. He's also got his big Christmas show happening Dec. 9 at the Interaction School of Performing Arts with lots of guests and surprises.

Biggar is also working on a CD of new material and hopes to have it ready to launch in March of next year.

On a side note, Mike would like to thank his fans for their support on his journey with Simply for Life as he trims down his recognizable frame. When asked about it, he doesn't resist the opportunity to get a joke in.

"People on my website and Facebook have been great. I'm down 41 pounds so far and everyone's been so supportive. I wish they cared about my music as much as they do my weight." - KV Style - Canada East

Musician Mike Biggar has made a big impression on the provincial stage.

Mike Biggar has been nominated in two categories for the NB Music Awards, which are scheduled for Oct. 13-16 in Moncton.
The rock/soul artist, who works at the Bayview Credit Union in Sussex by day, has been nominated for two Music NB Awards.

His Christmas Album 'The Season' helped earn the Rothesay artist a spot in the running for Socan Songwriter for the Year and Spiritual Recording of the Year.

The list of nominees was released a couple weeks ago and Biggar said he found himself anxious to see the results.

"You're just trolling Facebook waiting to hear the first person say the list is up," he said laughing.

The NB Music Awards are pretty new. This is only the second year for the event, but Biggar sees it as an opportunity to celebrate New Brunswick talent and give emerging artists a boost.

"This is an important part of getting credibility at home, so when you go away from home you get credibility, too."

Biggar's Christmas CD had a lot of radio play nationally last December. With original songs such as Fare Thee Well This Christmas, he found himself influenced by traditional gospel rather than any version of Frosty the Snowman or a certain red-nosed reindeer.

He was in the ministry for a number of years and went to seminary school after high school.

"I've always been around traditional and religious music. As much as I love to rock, I've got a lot of that in my background-a lot of gospel music," Biggar said.

The idea for the album came about as a result of a charity partnership he formed with the Bayview Credit Union.

"There was an opportunity to combine a little bit of my day job with my dream job and do something to benefit a charity," Biggar said.

"It was win, win, win. It was good for me, it was good for Bayview and it was good for the people we were helping - the Joshua Group in Saint John."

At the moment he and the band are working on more Christmas songs that they plan to add to their next pressing of the disc.

The Season was a follow-up to a self-titled EP of six songs Biggar recorded in 2009. Next up, he's planning a new EP he's hoping to have released in March.

In the meantime, he'll be busy playing live shows around the province and will be taking part in Music NB Week itself, in the Socan Songwriters Circle on Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. at Moncton's Empress Theatre.

Joining him will be fellow Kings County musician Jessica Rhaye, a Hampton native, who was nominated for Best Visual Artist.

The award show will take place later the same evening at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom in Moncton at 8 p.m.

Until then music lovers will also get the chance to vote for the Fan Favourite Award. Anyone who wants to support Biggar by casting a ballot can find out how on his website, www.mikebiggar.com.

Biggar said he's flattered by the nominations and excited about the possibilities it could open up to him.

"It helps add strength and speed to your drive as an artist. It represents your development in the industry."

But industry recognition is just one benefit of getting an award.

"It's the best way I can think of to get the word out to the public about your music," Biggar said.

"You can hit the Internet and put your music out there. In one sense it's never been easier to put your music out there, but it's harder to get it heard. You are just one ripple in a huge ocean. This is a way to really make some distinction."

Sussex-born Mike Erb and his Erban Photo have also been nominated for Best Visual Artist and Hampton's Vintage Bar and Bistro Lounge are in the running for Best Event, Festival or Venue.

Music NB Week will take place from Oct. 13-16 with a conference and a number of showcases for nominated artists. For more info, check out www.musicnb.org. - Canada East - Telegraph Journal, Kings County Record

CBC NB Music Journalist Bob Mersereau features Biggar's full-length Christmas CD in his weekly music review, Nov. 2010. - CBC NB Radio One

ROTHESAY - Mike Biggar is challenging everyone who plugs their ears when holiday tunes begin playing on the radio each year to listen to his new album The Season.

"The challenge I give people is to give it a shot," Biggar said. "It will appeal to people who are not fans of Christmas music."

Biggar, of Rothesay, is an East Coast artist who describes himself as an acoustic roots rocker.

He will be releasing his second album tonight at The Blue Olive on Rothesay Avenue beginning at 8 p.m. Cover charge is $5 at the door and a portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the Joshua Group, a local charity that helps needy children and families in the area.

Biggar will be joined by musical friends Rik Reese, Stephanie Mainville, Dann Downes, Grant Heckman, Allen Scott and his wife Laura McNeil.

The musician said the event will be like a variety show because the night of music from his new Christmas album will be "peppered with solo performances."

"It should be a lot of fun," Biggar said.

His new album features a new spin on six traditional Christmas songs, which include O Holy Night, The First Noel and The Little Drummer Boy.

"I grew up not being a great fan of Christmas music. I was one of those people who was glad when it was over and the Christmas records were put away," Biggar said. "It's odd for me to do a Christmas record. People who knew me would say, 'You weren't a fan of Christmas songs especially the ones that get stuck in your head'... I wanted to write stuff that was, at least from my perspective, a fresh approach to the Christmas season."

The album also includes four original songs. Biggar said he co-wrote two of the songs with "country hit maker" Larry Wayne Clark. The song Treasures was written by his wife and is based on a coming-of-age story she heard on a radio show, he said.

Biggar said his song Christmas With You is about how even though he does the same things every holiday season it always feels fresh when he is with his wife of 20 years.

This Season will be on sale at tonight's show and at Backstreet Records. - Telegraph Journal

http://herenb.canadaeast.com/music/article/839475

Dropping by the NB Beat home offices earlier this week the Saint John based singer/songwriter is all smiles, handshakes and laughs. He's a genuinely nice fellow whose musical career has ramped up considerably after taking a detour from the faith-based music of his past to his roots-inspired Big Breakfast Special EP of secular music released earlier this year.

Biggar turns interview questions into hilarious stream of consciousness humour. Veering in and out of topic he has the ability to discuss the spiritual element of his music followed by a non-sequitur about his thought process sounding something like sneakers in the dryer. What's notable is that he's equally sincere in either conversation. Perhaps that's what makes him one of New Brunswick's more engaging and up and coming entertainers.

He's currently riding a wave that has seen his presence on the local music scene in and around Saint john expand since he decided to record three songs for the CBC Rising Star contest.

"We wanted to get into that contest so we recorded three songs. Unfortunately we weren't chosen as finalists but at least I had some songs in the can. We figured we'd add another two and we'd have an EP ready to go."

Biggar has been using the EP as a calling card to attract interest from venue owners and festival organizers, Since launching the project in January, Biggar has also been attracting a growing following as a live attraction. He's been hosting Hampton's Vintage Bistro's Sing it and Wing it series on Wednesday nights and along with his manager Jeff Liberty has been looking for new and unique opportunities to play his music.

"I decided to hunker down and take on the Sing it and Wing it events. We knew it would start to grow and that's what's happening now. We've got some talented teenagers who come with original material as well as some baby boomers who have had the fire rekindled. Vintage is a great venue but it's getting harder and harder to find other places to play these days. Now we are sort of looking at creating our own venues by pairing up live music in places that never had it before. We contacted Liz at Urban Deli in Saint John and asked if she had ever considered music at her restaurant. She said she had so last Saturday I was the first live act there. It looks like people had a good time and lots of food and suds were coming out of the kitchen so I'd say it was a success. It's fun, it's like we are inventing a scene."

In fact, with the music industry and the economy in such dire straights, Biggar sees this as a time of opportunity for an act of his stature.

"Nobody knows what to do, record companies are failing, nobody buys singles anymore and there are no more 'stars.' I think we're going to see the emergence of regional successes. We're doing this kind of old school. I think that local artists like myself have the opportunity to make careers for themselves. We are going to be the only artists playing in your city and we're local. It's like the 100 mile diet."

Biggar's debut EP features five original blues- and roots-based compositions that showcase a talent for heartfelt songwriting. The songs are well composed and reflect on Biggar's journey away from his roots as a contemporary Christian musician. He notes that the move hasn't changed much about his songwriting and that religious or not, his music has always been about being honest to his emotions.

"Music has always held a spiritual and divine element for me, it's very inspiring. It's something that brings joy to people's lives. It's never about the mission of writing a song or playing a show, it's about the experience. I've learned enough about myself as a musician that once you flex those muscles you kind of want to keep exploring and see what's around the next corner."

Mike Biggar will be looking around a lot of corners over the coming months. Along with his regular gig at the Vintage, he's got work coming up with Heckman and Downes, will appear on a Christmas benefit disc and also has opening gigs with indie darlings the Sun Parkour Players and Astrid Young (yes, Neil's sister). He'll also be working with Jay Semko (Northern Pikes) and has a unique Everly Brothers tribute with New Brunswick's singin' Mountie Jim Hadley.

You can learn more about Mike Biggar at his Reverb Nation page. Mike Biggar's Big Breakfast Special is available at Backstreet Records in Saint john and Fredericton. The Vintage Bistro in Hampton, Urban Deli in Saint John and as always, off of the stage at his live shows.
- Here NB - Nelson Hansen

Mike Biggar has been a Vintage Bistro (Hampton) favourite and crowd pleaser since we opened our doors in June 2009. He never fails to surprise and delight us with his immense vocals and unique song writing ability, not to mention his addictive sense of humour, transforming every audience into immediate fans. Whether performing solo, in duets, songwriter circles or as an opener for other artists, Mike Biggar is definitely “Bigger that Life” at Vintage. - Carol-Anne Forsgren, Vintage Bistro, Hampton NB