On The Contrary

Hailing from the sandy beaches, humid temperatures and not so luxurious area’s of what some call “Paradise” (South Florida), On The Contrary is the brainchild of 23 year old Mike Valdes. Think a darker, more ambient version of Something Corporate mixed with vocals reminiscent to those of Copeland’s Aaron Marsh. The end result is the music of Mike Valdes, a.k.a. On The Contrary. Currently booking and playing shows under his solo demo “The Bedroom Demos”, Valdes is well on his way to the life he’s always imagined: one complete with tours, sweaty vans, and records. Though he may not be the easiest guy to miss, one blink too long is all you need to be just another fan on the bandwagon.

- Julio Anta

“Listening to his music on Myspace, it sounds very unrefined, but you can hear the potential shining through. Some better quality recordings (hint hint: I'd like some record label to pick him up so I can get some) and he'll be turning much more heads. I easily find myself tapping along to the songs and wishing I knew the words. You can only buy his music at shows currently, and he’s a little too far south for me to get to see him right now, but when I do you’ll hear all about it. I’m particularly fond of Everything Hurts, I’m sucker for pretty piano and pained lyrics. One day, he’ll be playing on the radio and you’ll thank me for pointing him out now. Trust me.”

— Megan S., Twisted Fates