Mike Moss: The Modern Day Troubadour Defying Pop Conventions
Defying typecasts, Manchester born Mike Moss is an anomaly in the modern world of manufactured pop. Yet with his diverse musical roots - from hanging out with the Uncle who toured with Ivor Emmanuel, to the mosh pits of Manchester’s rock clubs - he is emblematic of a new wave of self-made artists, combining innate musical talent and production savvy.
Born of a healthy disrespect for musical genres and market fixations, his debut album, Cold World Plastic Dream, was released to a string of rave reviews and comparisons were soon drawn to artists such as David Bowie, Muse, and U2. However, much like these musical heroes, the sound and the voice that emerges are inimitably Mike Moss. Indeed, the album is refreshingly multidimensional, woven together by an ear for pop melodies, tight orchestration and heartfelt lyricism. From the clarion call of It’s Time, to the pulsing beat of Emotion Machine, Moss toys with expectations and eschews the mainstream, all the while keeping the songs fresh and accessible.
Buoyed by the success of Cold World Plastic Dream, Moss embarked on a follow-up EP, Start with Love, and Forgive the Rest. Collaborating with bandmates Mike Jones and Myke Wilson (Texas, Dust Junkies, 808 State), classical and contemporary composer Naomi Shead, and renowned sound engineer Steve Boyce-Buckley (808 State, Peter Hook, Lisa Stansfield, Eric Clapton), Moss honed a fresh, innovative sound. Recorded at the legendary Gracieland Studios in Manchester and Meserole Street Studios in Brooklyn, New York with Brooklyn-born producer Robbie G, the EP showcases Moss's evolution as an artist.
The new material is driven by the dynamic rhythm sections of Myke Wilson and New Politiks drummer Lou Vecchio, blending contemporary rock and pop with the synthesized sounds of Giorgio Moroder and Paul Oakenfold. Tracks like "Whispers" and "Again & Again" channel influences from U2 and Muse, while "Madiba" draws from diverse sources such as the Soweto Gospel Choir and Massive Attack. Despite the varied influences, Moss's distinctive vocal style and accessible sound remain ever-present.
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Mike Moss has headlined numerous shows and supported notable acts like The Futureheads and Kid British. His tracks have climbed to No.2 in the UK University Student Radio Chart and received airplay across the UK and the US. With songs like "Drop In The Ocean," "Emotion Machine," "Be The Way," "Not This Time," "Morning Call," "Higher You Climb," "Whispers," and "Madiba" in his repertoire, Moss has made multiple guest appearances on BBC Radio, including BBC Introducing.
With new music set for release in 2025, Moss continues his journey as a modern-day troubadour. Accompanied by blues-pop rock guitarist and close friend Benjamin Hall, Moss is crafting a new sound that promises to captivate audiences - think rock-influenced emotive pop music, and you won’t go far wrong.
“There’s something refreshing about Mike Moss as an artist. He doesn’t sound like anybody else but there's a hint of familiarity in his music that make his songs instantly likeable and incredibly playable.”
Dean Jackson, BBC Radio
"If this album is any indication, Moss has a way with a pop melody that captures the imagination. There isn't a song on the album that doesn't have an absolutely infectious hook, the kind of hook that could well land a song on many a pop hit list."
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Seattle Post
"There is little production work done to Moss's vocals, which are absolutely stellar. Bouncing through styles with the greatest of ease, Moss has the chops to hang with anyone on the music scene."
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Jamsphere
"I would define Mike Moss as a modern day troubadour. He spins his stories and weaves his tales with a perfectly etched, quartz voice. His music is both retro and modern, containing a certain nostalgic component, which adult orientated music lovers will adore"
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