Our Recap Of Mike Haggith's Newest Live-Stream!!

Much sooner than last time, here's our extended recap of prolific local/Thompson, Manitoba alternative/hard rock solo musician Mike Haggith's newest live-stream from this past Sunday! Simulcast on both Mike's Facebook page and YouTube channel to commemorate hitting 100 subscribers on that platform (thanks to an upgrade to his StreamYard account), the 100 minute live-stream starts with Mike doing some routine maintenance, setup, and explanations for new viewers, given that YouTube-only fans may not know what these are. Regarding the episode proper, Mike acknowledges his recent marriage and the end of his Ukraine charity drive last month, before bringing in the episode's special guest, namely ex-Shit Liver singer/bassist Mike Kyle, who currently performs acoustic folk music with his solo project Sibling. Be advised that the dreaded webcam halts and pops are very prevalent on Mike Kyle's feed.

The interview starts with Mike Haggith praising Mike Kyle's music, with Mike Kyle discussing his musical background, appreciation for Sault Ste. Marie, artistic influences, recent hobbies and activities, plans for 2022, and there's even a fan question from the chat, which has to be new! After acknowledging a contest for live viewers to win a CD copy of The Din's posthumous live album "Technically Live" (to be reviewed on the SMS this month!), we finally get into some music at around the 25 minute mark, starting with Mike Kyle playing two brief Sibling originals named "Food For Thought" and "Chasing Rabbits". The interview portion of the episode resumes with lengthy discussions about Mike Kyle's evocative lyrics, artistic inspirations, avenues to promote his music, and his current visual art projects, before Mike Haggith finally plays some music of his own.

If you're tuning in for this Mike, he begins 48 minutes in with his new song "Twist of Fate" from his upcoming album "All The Best In All You Do", and unfortunately, the webcam halts and pops are an issue (if less so) on Mike Haggith's feed too. Is this StreamYard's fault, or did Mike change his camera setup from 2021? Afterwards, Mike does reveal that he is thinking about getting merchandise made for his next album beyond albums during the responses to live viewers in the chat, followed by a rendition of his familiar original track "MorningStar". Mike Kyle comes in next with his new (and fittingly named) song "Palindromes", which is the current song he's most proud of, followed with Mike teasing his upcoming musical plans, plus his recent following of local hip hop music, which he has incorporated on some of his Sibling-era originals. Mike Haggith next dives into the share contest for last month, so who had the most engaged share of all?

Ironically, it was Sainte-Marie/Bad Chug guitarist Jacob Quarrell, the guest of honour in the February 2022 episode, and as he had the most engaged social media share of that live-stream, he got to pick Mike Haggith's mandatory cover for last month. Mike Haggith is very coy about what song he was nominated to tackle, and that's because it's "The Birthday Song" by comedian Jon LaJoie (let's just say that the innocent vibe at the start takes a turn!) Next, Mike Haggith asks Mike Kyle again about his future plans, while Mike Haggith did tease that he's going to review one of Mike Kyle's albums in his YouTube album review series. The draw for the winner of the "Technically Live" CD is next, with the winner being ex-Bizotic frontman/No Arrow bassist Brad "Gortium85" Griffith! Mike Haggith also manages to figure out how to get live comments on the feed like on Studio Live Today near the end.

As for Shit Liver, they get the most discussion in the last 10 minutes, and only sparingly come up beforehand, but Mike Kyle does talk positively about the band & their tour runs, and gives some brief insights, with Mike Haggith even plugging the local goregrind scene that peaked in the mid-2010s. While musically a very slight episode (only 6 songs total), and the downgrade in audio quality since 2021 is unfortunate, this is an entertaining episode that lets Mike Haggith stretch his interviewer muscle, and if you haven't followed Mike Kyle's solo pursuits, do so, as he's a very creative artist with a distinct voice! It'll be interesting to see how the April live-stream goes, but give last month's a watch below!

That's all for today, but stay tuned for this month's "Where Are The New Albums? post on the site tomorrow! Thanks everyone!