SimpleTruth by Mikuak Rai

It became very clear, one afternoon, sneaking away to play his cassette tape of Purple Rain for the thousandth time, that he, too, would one day share his songs with the world. However, during the years of high school and college, Mikuak, in pursuit of an education, diverted away from performing or even writing music; and, it was not until he left Howard University after his sophomore year, in search of something more, that music reappeared in his life. This time it was absolutely personal, and music served as a vehicle for self-inquiry and spiritual discovery.

In 1997, Mikuak (then known as Matthew Payne) co-founded The Movement, the longest-running weekly open-mic production on the East Coast, which continues to offer a platform to thousands of amateur and renowned artists including Jill Scott, Raheem DeVaughn, and India.Arie. Ever the performer at heart, and with a deep need to create and express, he co-founded and sang lead vocals with Moya, a Washington, DC-based progressive funk-rock-soul outfit that gained critical and popular acclaim throughout the region during the late 90s into the Millennium. In addition to playing a number of high profile gigs, including DCs Millennium Celebration and Taste of DC, Moya served to influence the musical direction of many up and coming DC artists and bands.

As a performer, Mikuak has contributed songs to various compilation albums, and as a songwriter, he has co-written, composed, and produced for a number of DC artists. In early 2004, Mikuak briefly performed in a jazz & world music ensemble called Hi-Fi, which included vocalist Ayanna Gregory, hip-hop duo HueMan Prophets, and jazz pioneer Brother Ah. Through his writing, music, and activity as a performer and event promoter/producer, Mikuak helped initiate and perpetuate the contemporary urban arts renaissance in the heart of the nation's capitol. Through the power of spoken word and song combined with an evolutionary, cutting-edge sound, Mikuak's affect on the music and creative arts scene of Washington, DC is indelibly etched.

Folk artist, truth seeker, spiritual warrior, planetary steward, and world-bridger...this describes not only his purpose, but also the nature and intention of his music. His first solo release, "SimpleTruth" (BEarth Tones Music/SoulFolk Innertainment), takes listeners on a veritable guided meditation through a kaleidoscope of thought and emotion, set to the backdrop of natural, acoustic piano. This recording represents a return to the Source - live, organic, soul-filled artistry...elegant simplicity. Love, awareness, forgiveness, and awakening are the prevalent themes of this album.

With a soothing vocal presence, poignant lyrics, and soulful sincerity, Mikuak's sound and content have been compared to that of the late John Lennon and Donnie Hathaway as well as Gil-Scott Heron, Bill Withers, Ben Harper and John Legend to name a few; though, with one listen, it is clear that singer, songwriter, musician, and composer Mikuak has crafted a style all his own. As he sings on the albums first song entitled Rainbow, "It's time to shine that light and break out from the norm"; and, that is just how Mikuak intends to be...free from the norm, free to shine.

Please email soulfolk2013@yahoo.com for booking info and other inquiries. Visit www.cdbaby.com/mikuak to listen to more samples and to purchase "SimpleTruth".

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