Most of the fun stuff is on my Youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNWxrs7-dVlY1J-H5NzINg

 
Or on my Instagram page:
https://www.instagram.com/miksreaction/

Indie Resonant Voice made me their featured artist, here is the very flattering article they wrote:

Meet MIK’s Reaction

An introspective Voice in Australia’s Independent Music Scene

By Rich Allen
 

Inspiration for songwriting comes from the full spectrum of human emotion, pain, joy, hope, heartbreak, and everything in between.
As a songwriter and passionate music lover, I’ve always believed that the most authentic songs are born from moments of raw honesty, those times when life’s complexities pour out through melodies and lyrics, creating a profound connection with listeners.
 

I remember a quiet evening walking down a street at dusk, feeling overwhelmed by a mix of longing and gratitude. The sky was painted in shades of orange and purple, casting a warm glow that seemed

to slow time itself. In that stillness, I felt an overwhelming sense of connection, as if the universe was whispering stories of resilience, hope, and renewal.
That visceral, genuine moment sparked a realization: the deepest stories we tell through song are woven from our most profound emotions, pain, joy, hope, despair, and everything in between.
It’s from these moments, whether filled with sorrow or exuberance, that the most powerful songs emerge, offering listeners a mirror into their own inner worlds.

This understanding has profoundly shaped my appreciation for artists whose work captures that depth of emotion.
One such artist is “MIK”, the Australian singer-songwriter behind “MIK’s Reaction”. 

His music is a vivid reflection of this truth, an honest tapestry woven from personal stories, social commentary, and emotional truths.
Despite debuting relatively late, with his first tracks emerging in 2021, MIK has quickly established himself as a compelling voice within Australia’s vibrant independent music scene.

Based in NSW, MIK’s journey into music is as layered and rich as his genre-blending sound, which spans indie, folk, pop, rock, country, blues, and beyond. His artistry is rooted in authentic storytelling,

each song acting as a window into his life experiences, social consciousness, and resilience.

From his early days performing in bands like Jambaroo to rediscovering his passion later in life, MIK’s unwavering commitment to honesty and emotional depth shines through every note he creates.

​

What makes his music especially compelling is his ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and socially relevant, creating a powerful connection with his audience on multiple levels.

His approach is entirely DIY, handling songwriting, recording, and production in his home studio, which allows him to stay true to his voice, his message, and his artistic vision.
It’s this authenticity that makes his music resonate so deeply with listeners who crave genuine, heartfelt art.
Whether singing about love, social justice, or personal growth, MIK’s work reflects the full range of human emotion, an ongoing testament to how inspiration often flows from the depths of our most sincere

and vulnerable feelings.
 

An Artist’s Journey , From Youth to Resilience
 

At 58 years old, MIK humorously describes himself as "possibly one of the oldest musical debutants," highlighting a lifelong passion for music that finally found its voice later in life.

His early years were marked by a vibrant musical chapter, performing with his band Jambaroo into his twenties. Those days were filled with the raw energy of youth, the thrill of live performance,

and the camaraderie of creating music with friends. However, as life often does, it threw obstacles his way. Disillusionment, shifting priorities, and personal challenges temporarily pulled him away from the

stage and studio. The demands of everyday life, coupled with setbacks that can derail even the most passionate artists, led him into a hiatus, yet, despite that, the fire to create and express himself

never truly extinguished.

​

What’s inspiring is how this hiatus only deepened his understanding of himself and his craft. The years away from performing gave him perspective, allowing him to reflect on what he truly wanted his music to say. When he reignited his passion for songwriting later in life, it wasn’t just about self-expression, it became a platform for advocacy, storytelling, and connecting with others on a profound level.

​

Inspired by legendary artists like Cat Stevens, Nick Cave, Paul Kelly, and Angus & Julia Stone, MIK weaves these influences into his genre-blending sound, spanning indie, folk, pop, rock, country, and blues,

creating a tapestry that’s both familiar and uniquely his own. His music is characterized by maturity, resilience, and a deep understanding of the human condition, often exploring themes of personal growth,

social justice, cultural identity, and the importance of hope amid adversity.

​

His approach remains entirely DIY: handling songwriting, recording, and producing from his home studio. Each release becomes a genuine reflection of his artistic vision, a heartfelt, unfiltered expression

that invites listeners into his world. This independence allows him to resist commercial pressures, emphasizing emotional truth and storytelling over trends. His work embodies a commitment to honesty,

making each song a heartfelt conversation with his audience, an invitation to reflect, empathize, and find solace in shared human experiences.

​

The Power of Song, Deep Reflections on Love and Loss

​

Among MIK’s extensive catalog, two songs stand out as particularly influential in shaping my understanding of the human condition: "I Think of You" and "12 O’clock Again."

These tracks exemplify his remarkable ability to explore complex themes like love, memory, impermanence, and existential longing, topics that resonate universally, yet are often deeply personal.

​

"I Think of You" is a poetic meditation on the paradox of love—the fleeting, ephemeral nature of relationships and the indelible marks they leave on our hearts. It’s a sonic journey that invites us to see beauty

in impermanence, recognizing that even as love fades, it continues to shape our identity and emotional landscape. The gentle melodies and introspective lyrics evoke nostalgia and reverence for transient moments, reminding us that within fleeting love lies infinite meaning. It teaches us that even in loss, there’s growth; in impermanence, there’s beauty.

The song’s delicate arrangement and heartfelt lyricism evoke a sense of reverence for the transient nature of life and love, encouraging us to cherish each moment.

 

"12 O’clock Again" delves into solitude and the cyclical routines of human longing. It questions the fabric of love and existence, exploring how attachment can be both a source of pain and a catalyst for growth.

The haunting refrain and reflective tone encourage acceptance of life’s impermanence, finding liberation in surrender and understanding that suffering is woven into our capacity to love.

Both songs challenge us to embrace change, not with despair, but with reverence for the silent spaces where our deepest truths reside. They remind us that the human experience is a dance of attachment and detachment, an ongoing process of growth, loss, and renewal, and that peace comes through acceptance.

​

These songs are more than personal expressions, they are reflections of the universal human experience. They serve as poignant reminders that love, loss, longing, and resilience are threads woven into the

fabric of daily life. For me, they exemplify how songwriting can serve as both a mirror and a window, reflecting our inner worlds while opening a lens to others’ journeys with empathy and understanding.

​

MIK’s Artistic Philosophy , Authenticity and Social Consciousness

​

Beyond his captivating melodies, MIK embodies resilience, purpose, and a deep sense of social responsibility. His work often reflects this through the power of his lyrics and song choices,

most notably through his heartfelt cover of Archie Roach’s "Took The Children Away," a powerful tribute addressing the ongoing trauma of the Stolen Generations and advocating for

Indigenous rights and reconciliation.

His commitment to social justice isn’t just a theme in his music; it’s woven into his very identity as an artist, an artist who believes in using his voice to raise awareness, spark dialogue, and inspire action.

​

A true DIY artist, MIK handles most aspects of his craft, writing, recording, producing, and even creating visual content, within his home studio. This approach emphasizes honesty, emotional depth,

and artistic independence, demonstrating that perseverance and authenticity can thrive regardless of age or circumstance. His music is not driven by commercial success but by a genuine desire to

tell meaningful stories. It’s a testament to the idea that creative fulfillment is accessible at any stage of life, a message that resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced, trend-driven industry.

​

His dedication to social issues and cultural narratives is evident in his lyrical choices and cover songs, which often serve as calls to action or moments of reflection. His music becomes a bridge, connecting personal stories with broader social narratives, encouraging listeners to think critically and act compassionately. His authenticity and unwavering commitment to truth make his work resonate deeply with audiences

seeking depth, honesty, and purpose.

​

Connecting Through Music and Message

​

While MIK may not be a mainstream household name, his impact runs deep in the hearts of his listeners. He actively engages with his audience through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook,

TikTok, and others, sharing behind-the-scenes insights, glimpses into his creative process, and social commentary.

His genuine interactions foster a sense of community rooted in shared values and mutual respect. His music, often compared to Australian storytellers like Nick Cave and Paul Kelly, embodies a heartfelt blend of personal narrative and social awareness, creating a space where listeners feel seen and understood.

​

His journey reminds us that meaningful art does not require mass recognition, it requires honesty, resilience, and a deep commitment to truth.

Through his songs, MIK invites us into his world, rich with lived experience, hope, and a profound understanding of the human condition. His work encourages others to find their voice, share their stories,

and embrace their unique journeys, emphasizing that everyone’s lived experience holds intrinsic value.

​

The Transformative Power of Sharing Our Stories

​

There’s a moment I will never forget, one that beautifully exemplifies how music and storytelling are far more than mere art; they are acts of healing, connection, and reclaiming our voice.

A few years ago, I attended a Singer Songwriter Festival . Among the attendees was an elderly woman, gentle and reserved, who had once been a singer in her youth but had long since put her guitar aside.

Life’s twists and turns had quieted her voice, leaving behind a quiet longing that seemed to linger in her eyes.

That evening, I performed one of my songs, a heartfelt reflection on loss, hope, and resilience. As I sang, I noticed her watching intently, a flicker of recognition passing across her face.

When the final note drifted into silence and the applause faded, she approached me quietly, her hands trembling slightly. With a voice thick with emotion, she told me that hearing those lyrics had stirred something deep within her, reminding her of her late husband, with whom she had shared countless melodies, laughter, and love through music.

​

She confided that over the years, she believed her voice had faded along with her memories, that it was too late to sing again.

But that day, inspired by a simple song, she found the courage to reach for her old guitar. Sitting beside me, she gently strummed the strings, and with trembling hands, she began to sing, a song she hadn’t performed in decades. Her voice, imperfect but raw with genuine emotion, filled the room with an authenticity that no polished recording could ever replicate.

In that moment, I realized something profound: storytelling through music isn’t just about melodies or lyrics; it’s about opening a door, giving space for our deepest feelings to be seen and heard.

It’s about vulnerability, reclaiming our power, and summoning the courage to share our truths. That elderly woman’s act of singing again became a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that our stories, no matter how long they’ve been silent, are always worth telling.

​

Your story matters. Your voice matters. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone quietly carrying a song within, your experiences, your joys, struggles, and resilience, are vital threads woven into the greater tapestry of humanity. Music and storytelling give us the language to honor those stories, to bridge generations, and to remind ourselves that we are never truly alone.

​

So, I invite you, whether through song, words, or simple acts of honesty, to embrace your own journey. Share your story boldly, sing your song unapologetically, and listen with an open heart as others do the same. Because in those shared moments of vulnerability, we find our collective strength. We discover hope. And we come to understand that our stories, big or small, are the lights guiding us through the darkness.

​

In closing, if you’re searching for a sincere, socially conscious artist whose music embodies resilience, hope, and storytelling rooted in Australian culture, “MIK’s Reaction” is a compelling voice to follow.

His heartfelt songs, genre-blending sound, and unwavering dedication to authenticity make him a vital figure in the independent music scene.

His work demonstrates that true artistry springs from vulnerability, perseverance, and staying true to your vision, even when faced with adversity.

​

Explore MIK’s Reaction's music on Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp, and stay connected through his social channels, you never know which heartfelt story or powerful song might ignite

your own journey of reflection and growth.

​

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/miksreaction/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MIKsReaction/

Twitter https://twitter.com/MIKsReaction

Mastodon/Bsky https://bsky.app/profile/miksreaction.bsky.social

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@miksreaction

Bandcamp https://miksreaction.bandcamp.com/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMNWxrs7-dVlY1J-H5NzINg

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0LS00Hi5R6PcZ9mfPTjSMg?si=MRpWaEUrS-OIvPem9TUQQg

Apple Music https://music.apple.com/au/artist/miks-reaction/1580011678

​

Until Next Time Let The Magic of Music Enrich your Life!

​

 

 

 
Took The Children Away is my cover of Archie Roach's powerful and poignant song that addresses
the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Australian families who were forcibly separated during
the era of the Stolen Generations.

Archie Roach wrote and performed this song as a way to share his personal experiences and shed
light on this dark chapter in Australian history.
"Took The Children Away" has had a significant impact in raising awareness of these issues and
advocating for reconciliation and justice.

There will be a referendum in Australia very soon, to decide whether we allow Aboriginals to have a
voice in Parliament, and so I thought that now was a good time to remind Australian's what happens
when THE FIRST Australian's have no voice.

I hope you will help me to spread that message because, actually, the stolen generations still
continue now.
 

https://gyro.to/TookTheChildrenAway

​

https://youtu.be/YawVV4WbgfM

​