CDBaby Editor's Pick

"A confessional piano-pop album about divorce doesn't sound like a very cheery audio affair, but thankfully this keyboard wiz (who currently performs with Miley Cyrus) has the good sense and talent to set his lyrical melancholia to bright, bouncy melodies. Behind the earnest, emotive vocal delivery and aching falsetto there is infectious optimism. Mike Schmid's sound is reminiscent of a smoother Ben Folds Five, a more ambitious version of The Fray, or Scott Fisher if he were to use more electronic elements in his production. This album is a must-have for any fan of modern, dreamy pop-rock."

Source: Chris, at CDBaby

This One Gets Under Your Skin

It took me a little while to fully appreciate [The House We Built]. Now, I find myself picking up this album more and more whenever I ponder what to play. It's sweet, smooth, lovely, and sometimes a little bitter. Basically, it's like chocolate, and we all know that chocolate is a drug that makes people happy....

Source: Henk-Jan Lammers, CDBaby Listener

Superbly Compelling...

"Whether playing traditional piano or adventurous synthesizers, Schmid's performance is thick with passion. [His] vocals are crisp and alluring, exactingly accessible to all walks of life. The lyrics describe how each day can be a struggle, a sentiment that certainly everyone can understand. Here, though, the high cost of living concerns more than just battling waning finances. The central theme involves the rewarding and debilitating effects of living with love. Mixing the verve of Ben Folds with the passion of Billy Joel and tossing in a dash of the intelligence of Aimee Mann, this album is a rewarding and satisfying gem that outshines the majority of music dominating today's homogenous radio airplay."

Source: Sonic Curiosity

Hidden Pop Gem...

"Mike Schmid is his own songwriter. With relative ease, the album zig-zags across genres, from "At Gunpoint"'s dark electronic feel, through to the bombastic love song "To Show You My Love." The High Cost of Living is a hidden pop gem and certainly worth a listen."

Source: The Phantom Tollbooth

Pop-Rock Masterpiece...

"It was his command of melody and brave sense of songwriting that caught me so offguard and swayed me. I dare say his call to fame will be this tremendous pop-rock masterpiece."

Source: Smother Magazine

A 10 out of 10!

Mike Schmid, on [The House We Built], has placed his heart & soul on the table for all to observe. Nowhere is this more apparent than on the track, "Little Noah". So often we don't hear the 'male' side of dealing with not being around their children more. It was a beautiful, honest letter to a son that a door will always be kept wide open. The whole album is a wonderful listening experience. Instead of the harsh, biting words so many fight back with against their spouses of 'they said, I said' pains, Mike has simply answered, "if you're not happy then let's find a way to both move to the next part". This is a perfect album, start to finish.

Source: Dave C. Duncan

TAXI Raves...

"Incredibly strong songwriting and extremely compelling musical and vocal performances. Very contemporary and melodically accessible. Gives me chill bumps. Fantastic." "Stunning... Beautiful, honest lyrics, moments of melodic genius, and a strong singer/songwriter identity. This artist is definitely worth a second listen. Goose-bumps all the way. " "Really very effective music. It put me in that "zone" where only good music can. Great vocal throughout and very well written." "Very impressive. You've obviously mastered your craft and have, as far as I can see, all of the important bases (melody, lyrics and vocal performance) covered beautifully. You definitely have the goods." "Your vocals are excellent and I was really able to hear your unique vocal persona come through in this superior recording. You do a wonderful job of developing a great song concept into a beautifully crafted, emotionally stirring lyric. Vocally, you put this across with an effortlessness that belies your excellent vocal chops and persona." "Very talented, with a a beautiful feel for writing thoughtful lyrics and lovely, simple melodies." "You definitely have a great command of how to structure songs that carry a sense of independence from the rest of the pack yet still remaining very commercially viable." "WHO ARE YOU?? Where have YOU been?? Great job!!"

Source: Various TAXI Reviews (Independent A&R Company)

A Perfect 10...

"Wonderfully written, amazingly playful to the ear and superbly crafted...Deserves at least a perfect 10 because that's what it is. There is absolute truth to the lyrics here. A wonderful album that will be on my top 10 of 2006."

Source: CDBaby - DJ Darkboy

Great...

"I went looking for this CD because I heard the song 'Born Yesterday' on a TV show and thought it was great. I bought it for the one song and ended up loving the whole thing. It's been in my CD player ever since."

Source: CDBaby - Krista Powell

Rare...

"A rare combination of talent...an amazing writer, singer, producer and performer. Imaginative and beautiful."

Source: CDBaby - Deb

Worth the Wait...

"...Worth the wait. The lyrics really hit home. You can't help but connect with this CD. BUY IT NOW!!!!"

Source: CDBaby - Aaron Michael Danna