For almost as long as I can remember, Mike Tramp has been a part of my musical life and musical journey.
Whether that be with White Lion, Freak of Nature, or as a solo artist, his music has been a constant joy that I have been able to turn to.
In my younger, formative years, it helped create the musical landscape that I have developed and enjoyed ever since and now some 34 years later, it has the ability to take me back to a bygone time and resurrect memories of a happy, carefree youth that at the time felt like it would go on forever but now seems like a somewhat different life altogether.
The year 2021 is going to be a very special year for this particular great Dane. He will celebrate 25 years as a solo artist, his 60th, yes 60th birthday and a return to the stage that kickstarted a career that now spans over 43 years, as he competes to represent his native Denmark in the 2021 Eurovision song contest, a competition he first represented them in way back in 1978 with his first band Mabel.
‘Everything Is Alright’, a brand new, previously unreleased track is yet another majestic song from this internationally recognised solo artist and songwriter.
Mike, who has been incredibly productive during the lockdowns of the last year, is giving to the world yet another exquisite track that continues his two decade long tradition of heartfelt and personal work which reaches out and connects on a human level with others.
He says, “As far back as I remember, my focus have always been to be the best me, and not a bad copy of someone else. With each song I write, each album I record and the many shows I play. I come closer and closer to that goal, and today I feel I can honestly say, I have arrived. “Everything Is Alright” confirms that in every way.
It is abundantly clear that the quality in the song writing is showing no signs of dropping. In fact, much like a fine wine, Mike Tramp seems to be getting better with age.
The lyrics just pour out from his mouth like a freshly opened, well-aged bottle of Rioja that comes with true providence of being a classic vintage grape.
The songs simplicity is a captivating thing of beauty, yet it holds you from the opening chord, almost mesmerising as it meanders along, not letting go until the last note fades out. ‘Everything Is Alright’ is a totally honest song, written directly from
the heart, which given the heritage of Mike Tramps song writing should come as no surprise. After all, this is the man, that early on his career, set his lyrical stall out with sublimely wonderful tracks like When The Children Cry, Little Fighter and Farewell to You.
If the world is a true and just place and Denmark holds one of its greatest musicians close to its heart, which I sure they do, this song will see Mike Tramp victorious in his quest to represent his homeland on the Eurovision stage and we can all revel in the glory in seeing one of rock music’s great song writers perform in front of a worldwide TV audience of hundreds of millions.
What a great gift that would be for the man as he celebrates 60 years on this planet and for us as his fans, but it won’t be the be all and end all for him as at this point in his life as he says ‘Everything is Alright’.
With that thought in mind I found these quotes from Mike on his social media which sums up perfectly how he feels about the song, the contest and where he is at with his career, firstly, “Still at the end of the day, the quality and strength of the song is what will decide if it survives once the Dragonfire has burned out….I hadn’t planned to be part of this Song Contest, but knowing that for the past 25 years, since I stepped out as a solo artist and stood my ground and been true and loyal to my songs and who I am.
I have written “Everything Is Alright” like I write my other songs, for me and for you.
And when I step out on stage in front of lights, camera and a TV audience. I will approach it like I have every time I’ve taken the stage the past 10 years. Except I won’t be selling my T-shirts and Albums after the show.
Enjoy the song everyone, it’s only rock’n’roll, but rock’n’roll is my life.” and finally “In 2021, I can be 100% true to myself and not have to put on any mask – I am who I am. All 8 songs are there to win, but the moment you deliver and sing a song without compromising on yourself, only in that moment can you leave the stage as a winner – no matter what the jury thinks.”
‘Everything Is Alright was released on the 10th February on Target and also heralds the issue of a brand new Mike Tramp compilation album of the same name which is due for release on the 21st May 2021.
Mike Tramp online
Website – www.miketramp.dk
Facebook – www.facebook.com/miketrampofficial
Merchandise – www.targetshop.dk/miketramp
Review by Darren Smith for MPM
