Mike Murray

NAME: Mike Murray

AGE: 29

HOMETOWN: Kalispell

EDUCATION: Flathead High School graduate

INSTRUMENT(S): Guitar, bass, drums and piano

CONTACT: www.mikemurraytunes.com

www.facebook.com/mikemurraymusic

https://soundcloud.com/mike-murray-tunes

Murray is a musical staple in the Flathead Valley, playing live shows in different local venues consistently every week. And Friday he rounds out the bill of 10 finalists for the Singer/Songwriter Showdown.

Murray has been writing material for years, and has released two solo albums. He said that his main sources of inspiration are difficult or emotional experiences.

“I have found for me that creativity drops off when life is good,” Murray said. “I’ve found that painful experiences tend to create the best songs.”

His major musical influences include a lot of rock ‘n’ roll artists, which is reflected in his sound. He has been particularly impacted by Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Stevie Ray Vaughan, James Taylor, Ray LaMontagne and Ryan Adams.

Though performing is nothing new for Murray, this will be the first time he’s ever actually competed as a singer and songwriter.

“I’m not very competitive,” he said, laughing. “But I figured, what can it hurt? It will be good exposure, and a good platform for a wider audience to hear my music and my songs.”

Murray is looking forward to the event, having the chance to meet some new artists and the chance to “come together with like-minded people.”

This year, Murray’s band The Left Ready plan to record and release a second EP. They are also working on regional tour plans. Murray said that he will continue to play shows locally as well.

—SJ