What can I say, I love working with musicians who are swimming in the depths of raw talent and exude passion in every facet of their life and creativity. Needless to say, I get the pleasure of collaborating with such genuine ingenuity with just about every virtuoso who comes into contact with myself and my art and lives to be a part of the boundless force of creative exploration. Pushing out respective visuals for such recent hard hitting songwriters such as Mike Surber is not only a duty but an honor that leaves ripples in the still waters of my creative soul. I had the pleasure of producing an iconic cover for Surber’s first solo release The Long Con. To know Surber’s music is like being a parasite in the mental corridors of Jack Kerouac while binging with Allen Ginsberg the day JFK died. It all harkens to a time, a place, a scenario of losing oneself in a world of familiar ideals and yet balking at the formidable present and all it’s so called glory.
Mike Surber is a singer and songwriter from the Pacific Northwest. Originally from Eastern Oregon, Mike has sought out an eclectic existence, moving where his art is best served, which currently is in Eugene, Oregon. He has lived in Portland, Seattle, New Orleans, and La Grande, among others and has had 26 different jobs. He also has an elaborate collection of vintage typewriters which serve as breeding ground for many of his songs.
Surber just finished recording his first solo album, The Long Con, released in June 2012. Surber’s sound is best described as singer-songwriter with a rock edge grounded in Americana roots. The album was produced by Typer Fortier and features some of Eugene’s most talented musicians. Mike, being an advocate of art, collaborated with Nick Beery (also known as The Beery Method), whose artwork is featured as the album cover for The Long Con.
Mike Surber is also one of the founding members of Sons of Guns. Sons of Guns are a four piece rock band that was formed in Seattle. They have released 3 albums, have shared the stage with Blitzen Trapper and Finn Riggins, and performed at numerous music festivals–including this year’s inaugural Tree Fort Festival in Boise, Idaho.
Check out the insightful article about Mike Surber from SSG Music.
The Long Con is hot off the press! Get your digital copy now. For all your vinyl lovers there will be a special limited release coming soon as well.
Hats off to The Long Con and Mike Surber!