Live in peace Render all vocals (1)(4)

A tale of resilience for our times
Mick on vocals & sticks, Rob on guitar, banjo & backing vocal

I've Endured

An emotional acoustic song about departure, memories, and holding on to what matters. “One More Hug” is a tribute to friendship, family, and the strength to say goodbye — just for now.

One More Hug (Radio Edit)

So a bit about this track for all you unexpected but welcomed new listeners out there.

As the first verse goes, I wrote this song in 2015  - a while ago now I know! I had just worked for a summer in the US, and made some absolutely amazing friends. I honestly think Americans are friendlier than us cold staring Londoners, I felt such warmth from all the people I met that summer. I then returned to university, living in a mice infested house and cardboard walls that frosted up in the winter. I felt a vast contrast between summer in the US and winter back home. I had a lot of time to myself as a student, and after listening to Agape by Bear's Den (check it out) I became obsessed with tuning my guitar in Open D tuning. I came up with a riff that's not in this version, but earlier ones, and started singing, thinking about all the friends I'd made on the other side of the Atlantic, who I probably would never see again.  The words Don't You Forget came to mind.

Somehow I figured out how to layer guitars in garageband and came out with a creaky student room demo. I'd written songs before, but this felt like the actual first song I wrote. I instantly sent it to anyone who would listen, and within my friendship group it became somewhat of a cult classic that we'd often refrain on nights out.

It then faded for me, then in third year, I held a BBQ for some friends, and had a request to play this song. Reluctantly I blew the dust off my guitar and tuned up (or down in the case of open D), and outside, as the sun set on the day and on our time at university, standing on the precipice of everything after, in my back garden in Bristol I gave a rendition of this song that will stick with me for the rest of my life. Not just because of the poignancy of the time and of the chorus, but because, for a lot of the people around me, I could look at them and honestly feel comfortable, because I knew that what happened in the US wouldn't happen here, we were closer, knew each other better, and I knew we wouldn't lose each other. 

After that day I knew I had to re-release this song, but give it the justice in production it deserved. I took it to Natural Habitat studios where a very talented up and coming producing - Joey Walker - worked his magic, and we threw a load of guitars at it, and a banjo for good measure. I love Mark Knopfler's guitar playing, so that's where the country electric guitar comes from. 

Listening to the song for me, it brings back these memories, driving through old dusty roads in a pick up truck, dingy university rooms, good company, and I hope that it brings some of this nostalgic optimism to your ears like it still does for me. If you've read to the end of this then feel free to drop me a message, I'd love to hear from you. 


Regards,
Asher

Don't You Forget

In their second EP, Michael Barrow & The Tourists takes a deep dive into roots rock and vintage soul. Get ready for some organ, groovy bass lines, funky guitar licks, and soulful vocals.

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Album credits:
Music By: Michael Barrow, Trevor Harmon, Mark Lanham Zach Collier, Reed Perkins, Alessandro Improta

Lyrics By: Michael Barrow, Trevor Harmon, Mark Lanham, Zach Collier, Reed Perkins, Alessandro Improta         

Published By: alexrainbirdRecords

Produced By: Michael Barrow, Trevor Harmon, Zach Collier, Reed Perkins, Mark Lanham, Alessandro Improta, Brian Zieske of Off Axis Audio

Mixed By: Brian Zieske of Off Axis Audio, Ryan King of June Audio

Mastered By: Michael Barrow & The Tourists

Musicians and Instruments: Michael Barrow (Vocals, Backing Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Trevor Harmon (Electric Guitar),  Mark Lanham (Electric Guitar) Zach Collier (Organ, Piano, Synthesizer, Sequencing), Reed Perkins (Drums, Percussion), Alessandro Improta (Bass)        
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Something New

Track 01 - Years Ago
Track 02 - Bittersweet
Track 03 - Elijah
Track 04 - Highway 16

Years Ago - EP

Bittersweet

Atlantis

Supermoon (Single Version)

So Sweet

Rooftops

Ready Or Not

This is a song that at its very core captures a concoction of positive feelings; freedom, happiness, love.

It is a healthy emotional outpour from deep within the soul sparked by a desire for connection and authenticity.

I wrote it when I came back from touring Europe last year (2019) and was high on the elation of performing as well as going through some profoundly positive personal changes. 

I broke away from toxic people, spent more time with my family, was surfing more than ever,  busking a heap in the top park of Byron and re-carving a path that felt right for me.

I want this song to be an anthem for hope, optimism, compassion and being true to yourself.

Supermoon (Single Version)

Jacob Wylde