Mohawk Radio

Storm Doris fucked my garden fence up last week and tossed my wheelie bin across the street. Up to 80 MPH winds lashed the UK. The slag. Well, I am here to warn you good folk of Hurricane Mia. She’s powerful, loud and will tear your ears off with her mighty roar. But it’s all good.

No, I’ve not been drinking. I’m talking about the force that is “bad ass rock chick” Mia Page, the Bermudan lass who moved to Manchester in 2012 – just because she liked Oasis and The Stone Roses. I kid you not. Almost as soon as her feet touched Manc’ soil, Mia answered an advert for a singer and hooked up with some well-known local players for a meet in a coffee bar and then a rehearsal.

These guys knew they’d struck gold as soon as she opened her gob and stripped the paint off the walls. “Mia, you are hired. Everyone else, please go home.” Think Cher meets Carol Decker and that gal from Evanessence, then turn up the volume to a Spinal Tap 11 – and add Dobley! Perhaps a dollop of Joan Jett’s aggression and attitude there too.

Mia and her newfound friends formed Mohawk Radio and began gigging to build a loyal fan base. They made their first EP in 2014 and gained airplay, got better gigs and increased the fanbase. After winning a prestigious national competition and being invited to play for the US Ambassador at his private residence in London and playing dates in the US including SXSW in Texas, they were invited by the Bermudan President to perform for him and his VIP guests at a dinner party in New Orleans. They have also entertained the Man City fans at the Etihad stadium twice before a game.

That mutha of a voice!

So, with lots of gigging experience under their belts and a batch of hot new songs written by Mia and the boys, they were chomping at the bit to go back to the recording studio and make magic. Which is just what they did by hooking up with heavyweight engineer and producer Clint Murphy, who has worked with Manic Street Preachers, Kimbra, Melanie C, 50 Cent and many more. The result is the five-track musical Molotov cocktail that is “Shoot From The Hip”. It is quite something. The songs are there, the production values faultless. The musicianship exemplary, but………That mutha of a voice hits you like a Japanese bullet train coming head on.

The first single, “Eyes Wide Shut,” kicks things off and you know you have been well and truly Mohawked within seconds. There’s a bit of a clue to Mia’s onstage persona on the front cover; where she’s leathered up, wearing Tom Cruise’s Top Gun style aviator shades, long dark hair swept across her face and slinging a rifle across each shoulder. Don’t mess with Miss Mia!

Dangerous Diva or Pussy cat? “I’ve always wanted to be a bad-ass rock chick. The boys say I have the biggest balls in the band. I do not disagree with that. I am kind-a like Hell on Wheels on stage, but more Mary Poppins in my normal life. I love to take care of the boys and I really care a lot about them, and the people that are involved in the project. I put water in their bag when we are on tour and Aspirin, make coffee and sandwiches for them…” Any thoughts of her holding wild after-show parties and drinking the night away with the chaps is not on the agenda though. Mia doesn’t drink; “I can’t handle it.”

Funny thing is; Mia’s main influences as a singer and fronting a band are both men; Freddie Mercury and Robert Plant. She feels there is room for a larger than life character with a big voice fronting a band today. And she has staked her claim with “Shoot From The Hip,” and the band’s take-no-prisoners shows thus far. The word is getting out there; they just sold out a headline show at Manchester’s famed Deaf Institute, and were turning folk away.

Does Mia see herself as the same kind of larger than life character as ‘Percy’ Plant and Queen legend Freddie? (As I ask her this on the ‘phone, a dog barks loudly in the background and Mia has to go sort him out. “Oh, that’s just Freddie my dog, named after Freddie Mercury.” How spooky the dog knew who we were talking about!!!) “I do. Yeah I do, 100%. While I have the female sexual prowess so to speak, I think they were more androgenous, and I feel that way about myself and the way I portray my character as lead singer of Mohawk Radio.

“There hasn’t been a band with a kind of Freddie or Robert-fronted, charismatic, really big, really brash, massive voice – but yet can pare it back – for a good while now. There hasn’t really been a band like that for a long time. While we are a modern rock band, we are kind of harking back to the golden years of rock and roll”.

So how does this new EP compare or differ from their first EP “Halfway To Heaven”? “The recording quality – no disrespect intended to anyone – and how we have developed as a band. We were lucky enough to go in with Clint Murphy this time. We were ready for stepping up to that level. The writing was stronger. It is evolution. Where we come from and where we are now; I guess it is a natural progression of a band.

“They didn’t understand me for the first four months (Mia laughs), they didn’t understand a word I was saying! There’s chemistry now as a band and as people. Working with Clint was a step up the ladder by ten rungs. Oh my God, it is incredible. He is the fifth member of the band and really pushed us. He’s like a match that ignites the flame; he’s so creative. We really clicked with him. Clint wrote with us on ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ too”. That cut is the band’s – and mine – favourite track.

“We kick ass”

What do they want this EP to say about their band? “That we kick ass”. They really do, but there is light and shade too away from the big rocking numbers; with “Ready To Love”, to they show they can pull back and that Mia can also dial it down and sing with control, just as well as her innate powerhouse vocal.

Mia’s performing background is in musical theatre, since she was a young girl. Her Dad was a touring musician on the road with the likes of Bryan Adams and Heart, as their opening act. She was actually born on tour, so Mia will tell you she has been doing music since she was “in the womb”! She also rejected it for a while as a youngster.

But the pull was there in her blood, and she went back for another fix. She returned to music in her early 20s in her native Bermuda, and then in Toronto where she went to University, studying Media and Communications with a minor in Philosophy. After Uni’, she formed her own band for a year and called it Mohawk Radio, after a pair of comedy star pals’ hit comedy show featured a long-running sketch called Radio Mohawk.

After clearing all her student loans, Mia had a desire to move to the UK, but to Manchester in particular. “I love Oasis and the Stone Roses and most Northern music. The whole of the UK has got a grip on the music industry and has always been cool to me. Those musical heroes of mine from up North are rock Gods to me, and so it was a natural fit to come to the UK. I had a friend from Uni who lived there and I came to visit her, and thought it was pretty cool. Both my sisters live in London and my brother lives in Edinburgh, but London was too full on for me. I love the North, and its rough around the edges vibe, which appeals to me and my personality”.

So, in late 2012 she made the move, when she was 25. She formed the band with the guys from the advert, and kept the wolves from the door temping at creative agencies in-between band duties. Drummer Dave Quinn is a professional welder, makes his own drums and has his own drum company. Bassist Conor Marsh is an Astro Physics student at Manchester Uni. Guitar man James Gregory is a buyer at a construction firm.

Does a desire to be famous drive and motivate Mia? “I don’t feel like I want to be famous. I just would like to be able to make a living off of our music and be able to connect with people by storytelling and rocking out. Yes, it would be nice to have recognition and accolades, but what does being famous even mean anymore? There’s people who just shake their arse on TV and they’re famous. Robert Plant, Zeppelin; they’re famous”. So, summing up then; Fuck fame, you just wanna rock out and be a bad ass rock chick. Have I got that right?

In 2015 the band went in for a contest called “Parliament Rocks The House” which was politicians making a noise about protection of artist’s rights and copyright. The national attention this got attracted hundreds of eager bands to enter, but there was only one victor, and that was Mohawk Radio. Bravo.

“Oh, it’s a girl!”

We discuss being “a girl” in this male dominated business, and if it is an advantage or disadvantage. “Sometimes people think I am gonna be a Diva, which is fine, because when you meet me it is obvious I am not. I don’t know if sexuality has much to do with it. In some ways, it encourages people to come to the shows, which is great. Sometimes you hear, ‘oh it is a girl’, when they see us come on to the stage. But I have also had instances where I have been asked to leave from backstage, because they thought I was some band member’s girlfriend”. Ouch! I hope she’s given those two guns back, the next time anyone starts that shit again.

The first thing that hits you from the first few bars of the opening cut on this EP, the single “On Your Knees,” is the utter aggression and sheer wall of power from this incendiary band. Then there’s THAT voice that tears at your spleen. Not so much an instrument, as a weapon of mass distraction!

But the material is as strong as the pipes and the playing too. It is retro, but not at all dated. But Mohawk Radio is not just a singer with a big voice and backing band. There is palpable chemistry here and with all four of them still in their 20s, there’s enough energy to power a whole wall of Marshall amps.

The phrase ‘shoot from the hip’ is defined as: “To be brutally honest, to tell it like it is, to pull no punches.” Just about sums up Mia and the chaps nicely, methinks. They’re coming…brace yourself! - Music Republic Magazine

Mohawk Radio shoot from the hip at this gig to launch their new EP and provide with a lifetime of sunshine...

Words: Anthony Firmin, Photos: Cai Dixon

Tonight’s the night for Mohawk Radio with what is possibly the most important day so far in their career - a sold out show at the Deaf Institute and a brand new EP released too, namely Shoot From The Hip. Before the main event, however, there were a trio of interesting and complementary acts to entertain us…

Due to her early start I only manage to catch the last song of Liverpool based singer/songwriter Katie Mac’s set, a song which slowly elevated to a wonderful peak and so she becomes another artist I will definitely need to see again. Ideal Forgery describe themselves as an alt-rock band, and their list of influences suggest as much, but their music is not as angst driven nor as intense; their songs come across gracefully but with an inner strength. The final warm-up act is Jess Kemp and I am really enjoying her powerful indie pop whom our photographer describes as “amazing”. Her voice is powerful and evocative, another must see artist.

It must have been at least five years ago when I stumbled upon the Mohawk’s opening for the legendary George Borowski (although I think everyone ended up as equals when the running order became somewhat mangled) and I have religiously followed them since. Through periods of silence and uncertainty, US tours, a line-up change and now this EP.

And tonight, like a juicy steak on a flaming grill, Mohawk Radio are sizzling. From old favourites like Lifetime Sunshine through to the new material like On Your Knees, the band is giving it 100% and the crowd are with them 100% of the way. They play straight rock unashamedly with a commercial edge; is it both infectious and addictive. Even during the final song, Eyes Wide Shut, singer Mia Page’s distinctive vibrato vocals are bang on target and the band remain tight.

Surely, as this south Manchester band move forward, their eyes cannot be anything other than wide open and the world needs touch that dial and tune in to Mohawk Radio! - Manchester Rocks

Tonight The Deaf Institute is hosting is the launch for Mohawk Radio‘s latest EP, Shoot From The Hip, the band have toured relentlessly and built up an impressive following, this has resulted in tonight’s show being completely sold out, an even more impressive feat when you consider that Mohawk Radio have done everything on their own terms. The crowd for tonight’s sold out show is certainly an eclectic one, boasting an intriguing mix of everything from indie kids to old rockers, this diversity is reflected in the quartet of bands that are on display tonight, a line up that makes tonight as much a showcase for the thriving musical environment in the North West of the UK as it is an event to celebrate the release of Mohawk Radio‘s latest EP.


Tonight’s journey to catch Mohawk Radio at the Deaf Institute didn’t start well, gridlock near the venue means that I’m running late, when we finally reach the venue the combination of new Converse and a wet pavement leads to further drama, but ripped jeans are in fashion and a few more scars aren’t going to make much difference at my age. I dust myself down and finally limp into the venue to catch the tail end of the opening set by Katie Mac. From the brief snatch I manage to catch it’s clear she possess a soulful voice, one that is backed up by a quartet that channels the more introspective side of indie. As their final number builds to an impressive crescendo I find myself wishing we’d managed to get here earlier .

The Deaf Institute is packed to capacity for tonight’s Mohawk Radio show, this is even more impressive when you consider this is a totally DIY affair, artists with a label backing frequently play this venue to smaller crowds, and its to their credit that they’ve achieved this on their own terms. Three quarters of Mohawk Radio take to the stage and kick things off before vocalist Mia Page joins them onstage and their set starts in earnest. Mohawk Radio deliver the kind of hard edged alt rock that, as good as they are on record, really is at it best when experienced live. Mohawk Radio channel the best of rock, and they are a rock band at their heart, but they channel this with a harder edged sensibility more akin to alt rock and grunge that gives them the kind of cross genre appeal that most bands would kill for.

Mia Page has a striking vocal delivery, when you couple this with a razor sharp band you inevitably have a winning formula. On Your Knees, the lead track from their latest EP, sounds even better live, Mia Page works the stage like she’s playing to an arena crowd, whilst the band provide a rock solid backing. Their set varies between their upbeat heavier numbers and the softer side of their material, whilst the studio versions of these tracks didn’t appeal to me as much, live they are transformed into crowd pleasing foot stompers. The whole set is delivered with a joyful zeal, and there’s something about this band that makes you feel they are destined for bigger venues and crowds.

Mohawk Radio were incredible tonight, the level of showmanship on display is normally reserved for bigger venues and established acts, as a result their impressive set passed by in a blur. I’ll be honest, as much as I liked the Shoot From The Hip EP I wasn’t expecting to enjoy tonight as much as I did, the unrestrained hedonism of their rock influences, combined with their alternative roots, makes for an irresistible combination, and I feel privileged to have caught Mohawk Radio at this sold out intimate show. It’s not often you see a band with this kind of stage presence in a venue of this size, and on the basis of tonight’s show I’d recommend that you to tune into Mohawk Radio as soon as you get the chance. - The Punk Site

his Manchester 4 piece, that is Mohawk Radio, may not be widely known outside that Northern Conurbation, but if this 5 track is anything to go by, that will soon change exponentially. Guitarist James Gregory, and drummer Dave Quinn, were Guns ‘n Roses heavy rock acolytes. Mia Page arrived from Bermuda, with strange accent and a love of Stone Roses and Oasis. Invited to a rehearsal, she gelled immediately with James and Dave, and Mohawk Radio merged from chemical chain reaction that followed. Conor Marsh brings his bass to add depth and threatening thunder to Dave’s percussive power.

The 5 track simply explodes into life from the off, with 'On Your Knees’, a full on rock song, that’s nearer to Guns than the soft rock of Stone Roses. What comes over straight off, is the velvet smooth, warm, but powerful voice of Mia.

'Eyes Wide Shut’, eases the throttle, its a roller coaster of a song with surges of powerful drumming pulsating bass, and soaring vocals, electrifying guitar that keeps it on track, a more interesting and involving song, I can hear the crowds joining in to the eyes wide shut chorus line.

Mia drops down a gear for a more melodic, 'Ready To Love’, but you won’t suffer withdrawal symptoms, as the guitar burst through with the ascending drums, to lift the tempo and continue the ear attack.

'Even’, isn’t quite that, its like driving along a highway and then hitting an array of rumble strips. The song is effervescent, bubbling with pent up energy, you know its going threaten then break the surface with unstoppable energy.

The final cut is, 'Deserve’. Opening with punctuating piano, and electronica, the sound builds, Mia’s moody lyrics work the rhythm up, as the band kicks in, a shorter, sharp track that closes, what is, an anthemic collection of songs.

To quote Mia, 'I always wanted to be the kick-ass rock chick and blow everyone apart’, if her sound is an indication of her stage presence, then she has probably achieved that. Dave Quinn’s drum attack seizes control of the rhythm and shakes it to its foundations, with full full support from Conor. James Gregory throttles every ounce of electrifying energy from his guitar, to create that wall of sound on which Mia can stand and strut, to 'Shoot From The Hip’. The bands code is 'To be brutally honest’, 'To tell it like its is’, 'To pull no punches’, brutal honest and punchy seem a good way to sum up this EP.

Its recording pedigree is also top drawer, with Clint Murphy in control, his CV lists Manic Street Preachers, amongst others.

Over to Mia for the final comment, 'Music is an addiction, and there’s no cure for it’. I’ll second that, if solid walls of rock, riven with deep fissures of punchy lyrics are your thing, you had better switch channels to Mohawk Radio. - Rhythmn & Booze

The 229 Club in London contains two venues based in the International Students House (a charity, dating back to 1965, which helps students study in London).

Not that you would know the venue was there, as the entrance is via the street straight down some steps (or at least the entrance to the smaller ‘Venue 2’ is which is where we were tonight).

Like the venue, Mohawk Radio have an interesting history. Lead singer Mia Page hails from Bermuda and yet finds herself singing with three lads from Northern England. Swapping the Bermuda sun for the Manchester rain may seem odd but to make it in the music business there are few cities with more musical history than the home of the Stone Roses, Smiths and Oasis.

Page is definitely the main focus. No surprise at all as she is a force of nature with a strong voice and even stronger stage presence. Tonight the crowd are up for it, the 229 may be small but the atmosphere is an alcohol-fuelled Friday night kind of one. It is helped by an enthusiastic hardcore group of Mohawk fans (apparently from Weston-Super-Mare) making a lot of noise. The band respond in kind and fly through their set.


Page really is a big presence up front with bundles of enthusiasm and energy. It’s not all about Page though. The band, Conor Marsh on bass, Dave Quinn on drums and James Gregory on guitar have bucketloads of potential and with songs like ‘Two Million Heart Beats’, ‘Lifetime Sunshine’ and new single ‘On Your Knees’, the group have much to offer.

2017 will be a big year for the band with the release of five-track EP, Shoot From The Hip, in February with the launch party at this very venue. I’ll be at the bar with the Weston crew. See you there. - Music Scramble

New rock band Mohawk Radio are soon to become another “Mancunian” artist ready to part of its musical heritage. Their style is just another rock and roll band but that being said it would be selling the band short and untrue. - Rock Bands of LA