BRADFORD'S music scene has always been a vibrant tapestry of talent, with past luminaries such as Terrorvision, Smokie, Gareth Gates, and Zayn Malik contributing to its rich history. Potentially adding to this legacy is Mike Brooks, known to his growing fanbase as Bontempi Love Organ.
For more than 30 years, Mike has diligently worked in post rooms and archives at companies in Leeds, but his passion for music has always been the rhythm driving his days and nights. Now, on the verge of turning 50, he is finally exposing the world to his music which is leading to some interesting results.
One of the most significant moments in Mike's journey came recently when the critically acclaimed band The The praised his track Horrible Like Us' on YouTube with the comment, 'Captivated and thrilled!'This recognition is a pretty big deal, considering the influential status of The The in the music industry.
Formed in 1979 by Matt Johnson, The The is known for its eclectic style and socially conscious lyrics, blending post-punk, new wave and alternative rock. The band's impact on the music scene has been profound, with albums like Soul Mining and Infected achieving critical and commercial success.
Mike's journey into music began in his teenage years, experimenting with various instruments and sounds. Influenced by a diverse range of artists, including Meat Beat Manifesto, Paul Hardcastle, The Shamen, Aphex Twin, and Global Communication, he crafted a unique sound that is both nostalgic and innovative. His moniker, Bontempi Love Organ, pays homage to the classic home keyboards that first sparked his musical interest.
In the quiet moments of his post room job, Mike would scribble down melodies and lyrics, his mind always humming with the next great tune. Over the years, his modest home studio grew, filled with synthesizers, drum machines and recording equipment. Despite the demanding nature of his job, Mike's dedication to his music has never waned.
Currently hosted on YouTube - he only started sharing his music a few weeks ago - Mike's music is a testament to his eclectic taste and talent. Tracks like Rhodes Trip, with its smooth, summery vibes, and Shark Infested Custard, a laid-back tune with a G-funk influence, demonstrate his ability to traverse and blend genres seamlessly. Each piece is a reflection of his life experiences, filled with the highs and lows of someone striving to achieve his dreams.
Looking ahead, Mike is excited about his future projects. He plans to release more music, including a series of tracks under the Selected Works Volume Two and Three collection. Each release promises to deliver the same level of creativity and passion that his growing fanbase has come to love.
In addition to his solo projects, Mike is also exploring collaborations with other artists and producers. He believes that music is a communal experience, and he's eager to see how his sound can evolve through these partnerships as well as exploring ways he can play his music live and showcase his talents, hopefully during the Bradford City of Culture 2025.
*Mike's music can be accessed on YouTube
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