Don't give up
Keep going strong
You'll get out of this mess
You'll keep moving along

Don't give up
Keep going strong
You'll get out of this mess
You'll keep moving along

The strength within you
The strength you got
The strength you seek
The strength you lost

Was gone
Was over
Was done
Was finished

Don't give up
Keep going strong
You'll get out of this mess
You'll keep moving along

Don't give up
Keep going strong
You'll get out of this mess
You'll keep moving along

Is finally, back
It's you get back
You don't lack
You don't crack

Don't give up
Keep going strong
You'll get out of this mess
You'll keep moving along

Don't give up
Keep going strong
You'll get out of this mess
You'll keep moving along

Don't Give Up!

If your uncle looked like Kenny Rogers, Santa Claus, and an almond farmer all rolled into one, singing 1980s synth pop vibes, that would be me.

The almond farmer part is personal because my great uncle worked the Northern California groves when I was a kid in the 80s, and his hard work and humble way of living has always stuck with me. He lived to 95, wore a beat-up old hat, and was a man I looked up to. I treat my songs the way he treated his orchards of almonds, with care, patience, and dedication.

My real father abandoned my family when I was just 3. Thank God I was raised by a loving mother, a devoted grandmother, and a strong older sister who always looked out for me. I lacked the father and grandfather love many kids grow up with, so I looked to my uncles and great uncles for guidance. They are gone now, but their strength and lessons live on in me and in my music.

I chose 1980s synth pop, pop, post punk, with a dash of reggae, blues, and country rock because it makes me feel like a kid again, and this kind of music always inspires me to tell a story. Every track I create is built to carry emotion and memory.

Most people call me Mike or Michael. Some know me as MDRJR here on SoundCloud, or simply Uncle Mike. However you see me, the guy with the white beard, red t shirt, and trucker hat, I hope what you hear feels genuine, creative, and healing. My beard is part of who I am, a way of embracing how we were made, and a reminder to carry myself with authenticity.

I did not get here without scars. I have lived through people taking from me, abandoning me, giving up on me when I had nothing left to give, and taking advantage of my kindness. Those experiences damaged my confidence and left me struggling with self-belief. I was told to conform if I wanted to survive, and for a long time I listened. It took me 51 years to finally decide to believe in myself. Now I write songs to help others believe sooner, to hold on to their worth, and to share kindness in a world that needs daily repair.

I decided to make music more of a movement to heal others rather than chase fame. I am just a normal guy with pain from the past and a strong desire to help others avoid that pain. I grew tired of seeing people lose hope and lose their lives to suicide, and I wanted to do something to help people feel better about themselves and change for the better.

For many years I tried to make it on my own as a guitar player, bass player, and singer, but I never really had a worldwide audience. That all changed in Summer 2024, when I began sharing my songs consistently here on SoundCloud. In just one year, my music has reached listeners around the globe and crossed millions of plays. This journey has shown me that it is never too late to be heard, and that authentic songs connect across every border.

I have been writing songs for over 35 years, and this is my ongoing journey. When I perform live, I want the whole crowd to be my backup singers, because the power of these songs belong to the world. I read every comment, and the ones with real meaning stay with me. Your words matter as much as the music.

I appreciate every real comment from listeners, your words mean as much as the music. But if you’re here just to sell me something, I’m not interested. If you’re here to enjoy the songs, welcome.
Much love to everyone who connects with these songs. Thank you for being here.

MDRJR / Mike / Uncle Mike