TESTIMONIAL
"Marshall Block is a leading professional in the art of recording because he knows how to work with artists equally as well as work with technology. Many times, I'm recording at his studio in the early morning on a deadline after playing four gig's in Fenton, and he is still able to inspire the best out of me behind the guitar or microphone."

Michigan critics and fans have deemed “One Way Road” the songwriter’s best song so far, and one can hear why. With a unique opening arpeggio played on a down-tuned acoustic and personal lyrics sang in a reflective tone, the song captures Mike Vial’s overall mood of his twenty-something years: “Maybe there’s only one way to go/if life is just a one way road,/It’s better to take it too fast than too slow…” The summer of 2009 brought Mike to the road, just like the anonymous speaker of the song intended: Mike moved to historic Downtown Howell, Michigan; he toured playing 50+ regional gigs across the Mitten, including Craig Carrick’s Noreastr Festival, Farm Fest, Manisee’s Homegrown Festival, the Crofoot Ballroom, and Trinity House; he even met his now fiancee while performing at a festival in Owosso, MI; and lastly, he crossed the Blue Water Bridge to start a new record with Dan Achen, producer and owner of Catherine North Studios in Hamilton, Canada. Indeed, 2009-2010 was where the tunes changed for Mike. ”It’s been an exciting year of my life,” Mike Vial said. “I decided to dedicate more time to songwriting and performing, and I walked out with a new focus on my music career!” Mike V. and Michael Chambers laying down tracks for "Kalamazoo" at Catherine North Studios. That focus led Mike to Dan Achen’s recording studio, Catherine North. Set in a picturesque, old church, complete with a stain glassed facade. Dan and his team built an impressive resume, including Feist, City and Colour, the Coppertone, and Spirits. Mike immediately felt at home working there too. By February 2010, Mike Vial’s sessions began to take shape with Nick Skalkos of Spirits playing drums and Michael Chambers, engineer at Catherine North, playing piano and bass. Dan Achen even played a subtle percussion track on “Change Your Tune.” Songs written solo acoustic were finding new life under a full band. Dan Achen offering advice for Mike Chambers's bass line in "Only the Rain Knows Why." Sadly, in March 2010 Dan Achen died of a heart attack while playing hockey, a loss stunning the family, friends, and musicians who loved him. “Dan made a lasting impression on me in the year we worked together,” Mike said. “Dan was irreplaceable because he not only had a great ear in the studio, but a great heart. He mentored young musicians. To paraphrase one of Dan’s friends, his power was giving us power.” Later in 2010, Mike Vial and Michael Chambers finished up the record they started with Dan at Catherine North Studios, and now the roads move forward with another set of songs as a snapshot of Mike’s life. If life is a one way road, Mike is heading in the right direction, inspired by the musical mentors who took that road less travelled. Natalie and Mike, two creatives who have fallen in love! Most importantly, 2011 will bring more time for Mike to write. There appears to be more for him, as a teacher and musician, to reflect upon after a his eighth year blending two jobs, teaching and music. And one of those things will be planning a wedding! Bio written by Benny Birthalot, April 2011. Other notes: Mike Vial has worked with Marshall Block of Real ii Reel. He has studied under music professionals Trish Mroz, Chris Blackmer, Ken Andreoni and Kate Hart. He has been teaching English at Holly High School since 2003. Mike is currently piloting a nonprofit idea called the Great Lake Effect. His goal through the project is to promote Michigan’s local music scenes, stimulate local Michigan economy, and raise money for Michigan philanthropies–one song at a time.