Based out of Brooklyn NY and home to Setting Sun, Quitzow, Landing on the Moon + more..., Young Love Records is an artist run label that's inspired by DIY spirit and labels like Merge, Sub Pop, and Saddle Creek, Young Love Records has come a long way since it began. Now distributed by Red Eye Distribution (Kill Rock Stars, Barsuk, Warp etc...) and expanded into 5 bands and international touring, YLR is selling many records worldwide, We are still run by artists in a creative and fun way. It’s just music after all, and it’s supposed to be about a good time.

Fangradio is Neil Finn’s audio stream on Mixlr. He pulls from the archives, plays covers, takes requests and is joined by Liam, Elroy and Sharon Finn, Crowded House and special guests from time to time. More information and media at www.fangradio.com

The Romantics:  Mike Skill first picked up a guitar at age 13. Through his over 50 years of experience with the instrument it has become second-nature. With his guitar, Skill’s lyrics and chords have become icons of popular culture and transcended generations of listeners. 

He is known best for his work in “The Romantics” as a founding member and principal songwriter. Everyone has heard a song by Skill with hits like “What I Like About You,” “Talking in Your Sleep” and “One in a Million.” Today, his vision continues with new solo releases. His new music digs into his Detroit roots and adds his years of experience to the mix.

Skill’s interest in music began in his parent’s car where he listened to the hits of the 50’s and 60’s on the radio. He formed his first band in junior high school and booked venues around the eastside of Detroit, MI, where Skill grew up. Music consumed his free time through high school. After graduating, Skill, Bobby East and Jimmy Marinos formed another band. In their rented storefront studio, they crafted originals to pair with the covers in the setlist. 

Detroit proved to be an influential home for Skill. To the east, New York City grew as a center for punk rock. To the west, California wrote the pop and folk music of the day. Between the two was Detroit. A factory town and once among the most bustling cities in the country, Detroit was a center for innovation. This was also a historic time in the city, where income disparity and racial inequality came to a head. Skill was all the wiser to the current events at the time.

Skill and Marinos set their heading for New York City with a newly formed band, the “Motor City Rockers.” They played the historic CBGB club, where Iggy Pop, Todd Rundgren, Andy Warhol and countless others hung out. That gig served as a great motivator and started the ball rolling for “The Romantics.” 

Skill and Marinos recruited Wally Palmar and Rich Cole to join this new band of theirs. Their goal: always create new, original music and create an iconic look and sound. “The Romantics” played their first gig on Valentine’s Day 1977 (how fitting). They opened for the legendary MC5 at the My Fair Lady Club in Detroit. 

The band honed their look and sound under Skill’s creative vision. They were an early contributor to the new wave and power pop music that hit the airwaves during the late 1970’s. Through the 1980’s, Skill continued this vision. “The Romantics” released hit after hit, most of which are still relevant and beloved today. Skill, Palmar and Cole continue to tour the world and play their hits live. 

As with any artist, Skill saw his writing style evolve over his 40 year career. While different from “The Romantics,” his new releases are informed by the band’s catchy lyrics and driving beats. What you’ll find in these songs are the same strong lyrics that get stuck in your head (in the good kind of way) and raw guitar sound Skill has always written. His new music is also informed by the 40 years of life he’s lived since the creation of “The Romantics.” Some of the songs even reference his childhood in Detroit, like his single “67 Riot” about the Detroit riots in the summer of 1967. His signature riffs reference the roots and founders of rock and roll: Chuck Berry, Buddy Holly and BB King. Listen closely and you’ll notice the deep and thoughtful lyrics he writes. Each line is like a piece of poetry.

Skill’s is constantly writing new music from his home in Portland, OR or while on the road traveling. His most recent work was recorded in Detroit at Pearl Sound Studios with Producer Chuck Alkazian. He is an active member of the music industry as both a performer and attendee. The past few years has seen his charitable work increase, as well, playing benefit concerts and fundraising for various initiatives.

A 4pc Indie-Pop band (Guitar/Bass/Drums/Keys) from Atlanta, GA.  Strong hooky songs with guitar drive and keyboard gloss, powered by a big rhythm section.  Sounds like a band you've heard, but can't remember where...

No Earplugs is following