Mike Biggar

Artist Information

Biography

MIKE BIGGAR - COUNTRY ROCK FROM CANADA'S EAST COAST

The name says it all: Mike Biggar is larger than life. In personality, vocal dynamics and sheer stage presence – he commands notice and makes an unforgettable impression. Infectious Country-Rock melodies are heavily spiced with lyrics of life, love, and struggle - and they have people talking and wanting more. Whether fronting his band ‘THE BIG COUNTRY BREAKFAST’ or playing an intimate solo gig armed solely with his acoustic guitar, Biggar's music entertains, entwines, and enraptures.

An ardent live performer, Mike Biggar’s on-stage demeanour mingles a disarming, relaxed humour with soaring vocals, intimate lyrics and a powerful, keenly focused performance energy, making instant fans of those who drink the musical potion of his songs. His soulful voice charms and enraptures listeners' ears and his honest delivery draws them into the world of his critically-acclaimed songwriting. Powerful, punchy country-rock anthems with generous helpings of hooks and smart writing sit opposite his intimate ballads, taking listeners on a ride of musical peaks and valleys.

Biggar's initial EP (self-titled) in 2009 was followed in 2010 by "The Season", his Christmas holiday album, which showcased a multi-tasking Biggar singing, drumming, playing guitar, arranging and handling production chores on re-imagined holiday standards and fresh original tracks, After garnering enthusiastic nationwide airplay, Biggar earned the laud of his home province’s colleagues and public music fans In October 2011 when he was awarded the 2011 Music New Brunswick Award for ‘Spiritual Recording of the Year’ and nominated for the SOCAN Songwriter of the Year in NB. These accolades were quickly followed by a new holiday single and first video release in December 2011. Amid a burgeoning performance schedule and a steadily growing brand as a soulful East Coast roots rocker, Biggar's winning ways continued in April 2012 when he was awarded the 2012 East Coast Music Award for 'Gospel Recording of the Year' for The Season.

Biggar's new album "FEELS LIKE NOW" is set for release on Busted Flat Records in Spring 2013 and features a robust collection of original songs including co-writes with well known country music songsters as Chris Cummings and Larry Wayne Clark.

Winner - 2012 East Coast Music Award - Gospel Recording of the Year (The Season)
Winner - 2011 Music New Brunswick Award Winner - Spiritual Recording of the Year (The Season)
Nominated - 2011 Music New Brunswick Award - SOCAN Songwriter of the Year
Finalist - 2011 Galaxie Rising Star (NB)

Instrumentation

Matt Cook - Bass Guitar
Matt Hayes - Fiddle
Grant Heckman - Lead Guitar, BGV
Chris Lozier - Drums
Kevin Schyf - keyboards, BGV

Discography

- Album "Feels Like Now" release: Spring 2013
- Radio Single "June Night" released: June 2012
- Radio Single "Fare Thee Well This Christmas" released: Dec. 2011
- Album "The Season" released: Nov. 2010
- EP "Mike Biggar" released: Oct. 2009

Official Website

http://www.mikebiggar.com

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Bandcamp
• YouTube Channel
• Maple Music

Audio

• June Night
  Listen  
• Longing For Home
  Listen  
• Christmas With You
  Listen  
• Fare Thee Well This Christmas - Mike Biggar
  Listen  
• The Season
  Listen  
• Angels We Have Heard on High
  Listen  
• Go Tell It On The Mountain
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Longing For Home
• Wonderfully Made
• You Knew What You Were Doing
• Christmas With You

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• Biggar Solidifies His Credibility [+ Show ]
  

  New Brunswick's music industry celebrated the past year of achievements recently at the second annua...New Brunswick's music industry celebrated the past year of achievements recently at the second annual Music NB Awards in Moncton and one of the Valley's best known and loved musicians was the recipient of a lot of attention.
  
  Mike Biggar of Rothesay was nominated for two awards at last month's Music NB Awards.
  
  Singer/songwriter Mike Biggar was nominated for SOCAN Songwriter of the Year and Spiritual Recording of the Year, nabbing the trophy for Spiritual Recording with his Christmas CD The Season.
  
  Biggar spoke with KV Style shortly after his win. He credits the Music NB Awards with giving the fledgling provincial music industry a much needed shot in the arm.
  
  "After a few years of kind of being in limbo, Music NB kind of got rebooted and Jean Surrette put the feelers out about an awards show and the feedback was positive," he says.
  
  This year marks the second year for the Music NB Awards but Biggar says this year was a big step forward.
  
  "Last year was good but it was pretty basic... at least we had something. This year was great, a big upgrade and the atmosphere was great. Winning actually means something and we had good crowds. I played the SOCAN Songwriters Circle and we had a full house. Now we've got something really special."
  
  For Biggar and fellow New Brunswick musicians an award means something extra to put on the resumé and is a big help to grow the fan base, book more gigs and sell more CDs. Biggar sees this happening already.
  
  "We just ordered stickers for my Christmas record that say 'Music NB Spiritual Recording of the Year.' It's stuff like this that helps with your credibility and makes it easier to book shows and break into new markets. The public recognizes accomplishment and an award like this solidifies your credibility. Now I've got radio stations calling for my disc."
  
  Fans of Biggar can catch him live at a couple of shows coming up over the next little bit. He'll be on the bill Nov. 17 in Sussex and Nov. 19 in St. Stephen with Chris Cummings and Aaron Pritchett. He's also got his big Christmas show happening Dec. 9 at the Interaction School of Performing Arts with lots of guests and surprises.
  
  Biggar is also working on a CD of new material and hopes to have it ready to launch in March of next year.
  
  On a side note, Mike would like to thank his fans for their support on his journey with Simply for Life as he trims down his recognizable frame. When asked about it, he doesn't resist the opportunity to get a joke in.
  
  "People on my website and Facebook have been great. I'm down 41 pounds so far and everyone's been so supportive. I wish they cared about my music as much as they do my weight."

• Musician Sees Opportunity in NB Music Awards [+ Show ]
  

  Musician Mike Biggar has made a big impression on the provincial stage. Mike Biggar has been nomi...Musician Mike Biggar has made a big impression on the provincial stage.
  
  Mike Biggar has been nominated in two categories for the NB Music Awards, which are scheduled for Oct. 13-16 in Moncton.
  The rock/soul artist, who works at the Bayview Credit Union in Sussex by day, has been nominated for two Music NB Awards.
  
  His Christmas Album 'The Season' helped earn the Rothesay artist a spot in the running for Socan Songwriter for the Year and Spiritual Recording of the Year.
  
  The list of nominees was released a couple weeks ago and Biggar said he found himself anxious to see the results.
  
  "You're just trolling Facebook waiting to hear the first person say the list is up," he said laughing.
  
  The NB Music Awards are pretty new. This is only the second year for the event, but Biggar sees it as an opportunity to celebrate New Brunswick talent and give emerging artists a boost.
  
  "This is an important part of getting credibility at home, so when you go away from home you get credibility, too."
  
  Biggar's Christmas CD had a lot of radio play nationally last December. With original songs such as Fare Thee Well This Christmas, he found himself influenced by traditional gospel rather than any version of Frosty the Snowman or a certain red-nosed reindeer.
  
  He was in the ministry for a number of years and went to seminary school after high school.
  
  "I've always been around traditional and religious music. As much as I love to rock, I've got a lot of that in my background-a lot of gospel music," Biggar said.
  
  The idea for the album came about as a result of a charity partnership he formed with the Bayview Credit Union.
  
  "There was an opportunity to combine a little bit of my day job with my dream job and do something to benefit a charity," Biggar said.
  
  "It was win, win, win. It was good for me, it was good for Bayview and it was good for the people we were helping - the Joshua Group in Saint John."
  
  At the moment he and the band are working on more Christmas songs that they plan to add to their next pressing of the disc.
  
  The Season was a follow-up to a self-titled EP of six songs Biggar recorded in 2009. Next up, he's planning a new EP he's hoping to have released in March.
  
  In the meantime, he'll be busy playing live shows around the province and will be taking part in Music NB Week itself, in the Socan Songwriters Circle on Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. at Moncton's Empress Theatre.
  
  Joining him will be fellow Kings County musician Jessica Rhaye, a Hampton native, who was nominated for Best Visual Artist.
  
  The award show will take place later the same evening at the Crowne Plaza Ballroom in Moncton at 8 p.m.
  
  Until then music lovers will also get the chance to vote for the Fan Favourite Award. Anyone who wants to support Biggar by casting a ballot can find out how on his website, www.mikebiggar.com.
  
  Biggar said he's flattered by the nominations and excited about the possibilities it could open up to him.
  
  "It helps add strength and speed to your drive as an artist. It represents your development in the industry."
  
  But industry recognition is just one benefit of getting an award.
  
  "It's the best way I can think of to get the word out to the public about your music," Biggar said.
  
  "You can hit the Internet and put your music out there. In one sense it's never been easier to put your music out there, but it's harder to get it heard. You are just one ripple in a huge ocean. This is a way to really make some distinction."
  
  Sussex-born Mike Erb and his Erban Photo have also been nominated for Best Visual Artist and Hampton's Vintage Bar and Bistro Lounge are in the running for Best Event, Festival or Venue.
  
  Music NB Week will take place from Oct. 13-16 with a conference and a number of showcases for nominated artists. For more info, check out www.musicnb.org.

• Bob Merseraeu - Biggar is Better This Christmas [+ Show ]
  

  CBC NB Music Journalist Bob Mersereau features Biggar's full-length Christmas CD in his weekly music...CBC NB Music Journalist Bob Mersereau features Biggar's full-length Christmas CD in his weekly music review, Nov. 2010.

• Fresh approach to Christmas music [+ Show ]
  

  ROTHESAY - Mike Biggar is challenging everyone who plugs their ears when holiday tunes begin playing...ROTHESAY - Mike Biggar is challenging everyone who plugs their ears when holiday tunes begin playing on the radio each year to listen to his new album The Season.
  
  "The challenge I give people is to give it a shot," Biggar said. "It will appeal to people who are not fans of Christmas music."
  
  Biggar, of Rothesay, is an East Coast artist who describes himself as an acoustic roots rocker.
  
  He will be releasing his second album tonight at The Blue Olive on Rothesay Avenue beginning at 8 p.m. Cover charge is $5 at the door and a portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the Joshua Group, a local charity that helps needy children and families in the area.
  
  Biggar will be joined by musical friends Rik Reese, Stephanie Mainville, Dann Downes, Grant Heckman, Allen Scott and his wife Laura McNeil.
  
  The musician said the event will be like a variety show because the night of music from his new Christmas album will be "peppered with solo performances."
  
  "It should be a lot of fun," Biggar said.
  
  His new album features a new spin on six traditional Christmas songs, which include O Holy Night, The First Noel and The Little Drummer Boy.
  
  "I grew up not being a great fan of Christmas music. I was one of those people who was glad when it was over and the Christmas records were put away," Biggar said. "It's odd for me to do a Christmas record. People who knew me would say, 'You weren't a fan of Christmas songs especially the ones that get stuck in your head'... I wanted to write stuff that was, at least from my perspective, a fresh approach to the Christmas season."
  
  The album also includes four original songs. Biggar said he co-wrote two of the songs with "country hit maker" Larry Wayne Clark. The song Treasures was written by his wife and is based on a coming-of-age story she heard on a radio show, he said.
  
  Biggar said his song Christmas With You is about how even though he does the same things every holiday season it always feels fresh when he is with his wife of 20 years.
  
  This Season will be on sale at tonight's show and at Backstreet Records.

• Biggar & Better Than Ever [+ Show ]
  

  http://herenb.canadaeast.com/music/article/839475 Dropping by the NB Beat home offices earlier th...http://herenb.canadaeast.com/music/article/839475
  
  Dropping by the NB Beat home offices earlier this week the Saint John based singer/songwriter is all smiles, handshakes and laughs. He's a genuinely nice fellow whose musical career has ramped up considerably after taking a detour from the faith-based music of his past to his roots-inspired Big Breakfast Special EP of secular music released earlier this year.
  
  Biggar turns interview questions into hilarious stream of consciousness humour. Veering in and out of topic he has the ability to discuss the spiritual element of his music followed by a non-sequitur about his thought process sounding something like sneakers in the dryer. What's notable is that he's equally sincere in either conversation. Perhaps that's what makes him one of New Brunswick's more engaging and up and coming entertainers.
  
  He's currently riding a wave that has seen his presence on the local music scene in and around Saint john expand since he decided to record three songs for the CBC Rising Star contest.
  
  "We wanted to get into that contest so we recorded three songs. Unfortunately we weren't chosen as finalists but at least I had some songs in the can. We figured we'd add another two and we'd have an EP ready to go."
  
  Biggar has been using the EP as a calling card to attract interest from venue owners and festival organizers, Since launching the project in January, Biggar has also been attracting a growing following as a live attraction. He's been hosting Hampton's Vintage Bistro's Sing it and Wing it series on Wednesday nights and along with his manager Jeff Liberty has been looking for new and unique opportunities to play his music.
  
  "I decided to hunker down and take on the Sing it and Wing it events. We knew it would start to grow and that's what's happening now. We've got some talented teenagers who come with original material as well as some baby boomers who have had the fire rekindled. Vintage is a great venue but it's getting harder and harder to find other places to play these days. Now we are sort of looking at creating our own venues by pairing up live music in places that never had it before. We contacted Liz at Urban Deli in Saint John and asked if she had ever considered music at her restaurant. She said she had so last Saturday I was the first live act there. It looks like people had a good time and lots of food and suds were coming out of the kitchen so I'd say it was a success. It's fun, it's like we are inventing a scene."
  
  In fact, with the music industry and the economy in such dire straights, Biggar sees this as a time of opportunity for an act of his stature.
  
  "Nobody knows what to do, record companies are failing, nobody buys singles anymore and there are no more 'stars.' I think we're going to see the emergence of regional successes. We're doing this kind of old school. I think that local artists like myself have the opportunity to make careers for themselves. We are going to be the only artists playing in your city and we're local. It's like the 100 mile diet."
  
  Biggar's debut EP features five original blues- and roots-based compositions that showcase a talent for heartfelt songwriting. The songs are well composed and reflect on Biggar's journey away from his roots as a contemporary Christian musician. He notes that the move hasn't changed much about his songwriting and that religious or not, his music has always been about being honest to his emotions.
  
  "Music has always held a spiritual and divine element for me, it's very inspiring. It's something that brings joy to people's lives. It's never about the mission of writing a song or playing a show, it's about the experience. I've learned enough about myself as a musician that once you flex those muscles you kind of want to keep exploring and see what's around the next corner."
  
  Mike Biggar will be looking around a lot of corners over the coming months. Along with his regular gig at the Vintage, he's got work coming up with Heckman and Downes, will appear on a Christmas benefit disc and also has opening gigs with indie darlings the Sun Parkour Players and Astrid Young (yes, Neil's sister). He'll also be working with Jay Semko (Northern Pikes) and has a unique Everly Brothers tribute with New Brunswick's singin' Mountie Jim Hadley.
  
  You can learn more about Mike Biggar at his Reverb Nation page. Mike Biggar's Big Breakfast Special is available at Backstreet Records in Saint john and Fredericton. The Vintage Bistro in Hampton, Urban Deli in Saint John and as always, off of the stage at his live shows.
  

• Local Venue Owner Raves [+ Show ]
  

  Mike Biggar has been a Vintage Bistro (Hampton) favourite and crowd pleaser since we opened our doo...Mike Biggar has been a Vintage Bistro (Hampton) favourite and crowd pleaser since we opened our doors in June 2009. He never fails to surprise and delight us with his immense vocals and unique song writing ability, not to mention his addictive sense of humour, transforming every audience into immediate fans. Whether performing solo, in duets, songwriter circles or as an opener for other artists, Mike Biggar is definitely “Bigger that Life” at Vintage.

Setlist

- June Night
- Tell You Another
- We're Us
- If You Catch Hell
- Feels Like Now
- Wonderfully Made
- Holy Hiding Place
- Since I Met You
- My Space
- See You, Know You, Love You
- Let's Just Drive
- This Ain't All
- My Heart is Longing for Home
- Better Men
- While the Getting's Good
- Leaving These Days
- Gotta Be Fine
- We're Just People
- Lean Upon My Shoulder
- You Knew What You Were Doing

Basic Requirements

Calendar