MiG Ayesa: The Journey

MiG Ayesa's road to becoming a recording artist has been quite a journey...MiG has starred in Ben Elton and Queen's We Will Rock You in London and the Asia Pacific, been voted to the Top 3 of CBS-TV's reality show Rockstar: INXS, and performed on tour around the U.S. Other impressive legs of MiG's journey have included releasing a stellar first album (Universal/Decca), having his music video "She Loved" on MTV-Asia, and his original song, "Like a Child's First Step" played on the CBS daytime drama Guiding Light.

To some artists, the only acceptable journey is standing-room-only concert halls every night, and girls screaming their name as they emerge from a private jet. But is that what true success really means? No - a very loud, emphatic, and resounding no.

Sometimes an artist doesn't find himself on the expressway to stardom he mapped out for himself, but instead on the scenic route. It may seem like a colossal wrong turn that adds time to the trip, but in reality it's the perfect road. Instead of speeding along on a straight highway, and seeing nothing but the car ahead, the scenic route offers snow-capped mountain peaks, blankets of white sand beaches, and skies painted with dazzling sunsets.

Beauty lives on the scenic route, from the freedom to enjoy solitude without a bodyguard, to being able to look into the eyes of people you've touched with your kind nature and original music. There are artists who don't have the freedom to go where they want without being chased down by photographers, and who never get the chance to see and feel how they touch others. MiG has those chances. He has touched numerous lives by signing every autograph, talking to every person who has waited to see him after a show, and treating people with respect and warmth.

Signing an autograph


Relating to the audience - photo by Cammy


Because of those actions, the remarkable music MiG has created has had more of an impact. Music that comes from the heart has even more power to touch people and make a difference, but people have to know the heart first.

Many have come to know MiG's heart. That's why he has so many people behind him. They believe in MiG's talent, and they believe in MiG. And many truly love MiG for the person he is, not because he's been on TV, or his name has been in lights. Some artists will never experience that kind of passion and support - a driving, never-say-die attitude that will make MiG's successes even sweeter.

Putting his heart into a song at Eight Mile Creek in New York


The expressway and the scenic route both reach the same destination. The secret is to recognize all the beautiful views that are found on the journey. There will be bumps and roads paved with broken promises, but over every horizon another panoramic view awaits. Giving up is never an option, because the final destination may be just around the next bend in the road. When MiG reaches the destination he so deserves, many of the people he's shared his heart with along the way will be there celebrating with him.

Keep the light shining, and pass it on.

Team MiG

MiG Ayesa: What We Need

When MiG Ayesa is rockin' and rollin', he makes hearts race and energy levels soar into the stratosphere. Audiences who saw MiG belt out the songs of Queen in We Will Rock You can attest to that fact, and throngs of viewers of CBS's Rockstar: INXS would agree MiG Ayesa commanded the stage in convincing style. There's a more mellow side of MiG too, and both styles have the spellbinding power to help you escape your cares and lose yourself in the music.

Sometimes losing yourself for a while is what you need most. Music can be soothing, it can lift you up and give you strength to face tomorrow. When an artist sings with passion and feels the words he's singing, the music can touch you, change you. The words and notes MiG Ayesa weaves together flow into the deepest and most empty parts of your soul, and refresh it like a spring rain. Even if in a small way, you're a better person after hearing it. It gives you hope, which you in turn will give others through your attitude and the choices you make. It reminds you that things are better than they seemed yesterday.

I went to see MiG perform at Eight Mile Creek in New York City several days ago, and was so touched by the person he is and by his performance. I've seen him on numerous occasions, and every time he seems more special. MiG has an incredible voice that is most impressive without the frills and masking of backup vocals or heavy instrumentals that many artists need. His voice stands on its own and captures you. MiG is genuine, a kind and loving person who deserves to be on a stage with millions watching every night. On this night MiG was in an intimate setting, and everyone in the full house was fortunate to experience it. He has a unique gift for connecting with people.

Music from the Soul


MiG Coaxing the Keys


The combination of MiG's unlimited talent, a giving heart and a great sense of humor made for an unforgettable night. It was also a pleasure to hear MiG sing with some other talented artists, including Luke, Gitano, Sara and Nate. I can't wait to go back to Eight Mile Creek for another Thursday night of MiG and friends, great food and an inviting ambiance (240 Mulberry St. in Soho - call ahead to make sure MiG will be there). Many thanks to Andrew and Luke for taking such good care of us.

MiG at the Mike


MiG took requests and sang favorites by Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, the Beatles and more. They would've been impressed, because MiG is a professional, and he puts so much into every song he sings. Every song was fabulous. Yet the biggest treasures of the evening were MiG Ayesa originals. The consensus by reviewers and fans on MiG's first album was that the originals were outstanding. That hasn't changed. We need an album of MiG originals. Whether it was Blown Away, I'm On My Way, She Loved, or others, they were beautiful. I could hear them a hundred times, and it still wouldn't be enough. There's something about MiG giving you a glimpse into his soul through his own creations. You experience an indescribable connection, and feel something inside of you has changed.

Warm Smile, Warm Heart - photo by Mary Beth



A Man With Style


It would take a label with vision to recognize an artist who can transform people. Maybe it's hard to see because there are so few artists who can do it. Some labels want an easy buck and follow the same tired old formula...others may see things as they could be and invest their dollars and experience into becoming a label that discovered what others may not have seen. One thing we need in today's world is an artist with class and sincerity we can believe in, who has the ability to communicate a belief in tomorrow and a love in today through his music and his personality. The world is longing for it. Every day, more people are realizing that man is MiG Ayesa. He's unique, and he's relevant. Now we just have to shine a light on it so more people can feel it.

For more photos and recaps, visit the Team MiG Global Forum.

Keep the light shining and pass it on,

Team MiG

MiG Ayesa: The Man's Got Style

MiG Ayesa has style - and not just one style. There's the MiG Ayesa who rocked the lights out with his portrayal of Galileo in Ben Elton and Queen's We Will Rock You. There's also the MiG Ayesa who handled classic rock songs with energy and ease on the CBS reality show Rockstar: INXS. MiG Ayesa has the musical talent, creativity and stage presence to make just about any song sizzle. Rock and roll seems effortless for MiG, yet he surely packs a punch.

MiG rocking the house in We Will Rock You - photo by Donald Chin


MiG excels at these styles, yet there's another MiG Ayesa...the man who has a style all his own. You see it when you hear an original song from MiG's debut album. You also see it when you watch his "She Loved" video on YouTube or MTV Asia. You can't help but see it when you catch a live MiG performance.

When MiG Ayesa sings his heart out for an audience, he really does sing his heart out. There's so much of him in the words and notes. MiG shares it all with you. I marvel at how he can maintain a style that's so appealing and unique, and still create song after song that's fresh and intriguing. They're all so different, yet similar in style.

Expression - photo by Cammy D.


Perhaps MiG's style especially connects with others because there's a vulnerability about it. His voice is so true, so open, without being masked by loud music, boisterous back-up singers or gimmicks. He exposes every note for all to hear. As if that's not enough to embrace, MiG opens a window to his soul with lyrics and melodies that express his feelings about life and love. That kind of vulnerability is irresistible and lasting. I want to feel music, not only hear it. I also want to trust that an artist is genuine and sincere, and not simply "singing at" the audience. One can feel the difference. When the artist adds good humor and connects with those listening, it all comes together for a magic experience.

A Light Moment - photo by Kay


The MiG Ayesa we know, with his warmth and winning style, will be performing Thursday nights at Eight Mile Creek in Soho, New York City beginning February 12 at 7:30 p.m. It will be intimate, moving and memorable. There isn't a better type of venue to experience all MiG Ayesa's style has to give. It will be just you, MiG, and the music. If you're ready for a great voice and sensational music that makes you feel something, don't miss it. You may meet some new friends there from Team MiG who traveled from throughout the U.S. and Canada, because we can't bear to miss out on too many chances to see MiG and enjoy his very special style. I think after you see MiG Ayesa, you'll feel the same.

Keep the light shining,

Team MiG

MiG Ayesa: Top 10 Rockstar Moments

MiG Ayesa dropped jaws on Rockstar: INXS with his singing, ability to capture a crowd, and musical prowess. And MiG Ayesa didn't stop there...he turned heads with his respect for fellow rockers and a charm that should be illegal. MiG made one great impression after another. It's a tall order to choose the best of the best. Yet since we're on the subject, I'll give it a whirl. Behold my view of MiG Ayesa's Top 10 Rockstar Moments. Some may surprise you...

#10 - Expecting to be in the Bottom 3
As the show neared its completion and the remaining rockers were asked if they thought they were in the Bottom 3, MiG raised his hand. It seemed extremely unlikely that would happen, and it didn't, but MiG's humility was touching.

#9 - Sharing the Spotlight with Marty and Jordis
It was MiG Ayesa Day after MiG performed Baby, I Love Your Way, and he earned the encore. When MiG took a seat at the piano and started to play, he stopped and asked the ultra-talented Marty Casey and Jordis Unga to join him. They had given excellent performances, and MiG was more interested in celebrating their accomplishments than in stomping out the competition.

#8 - What You Need
When MiG got his shot at singing an INXS song after finally hitting the Bottom 3 (when only 4 rockers remained), he nailed it. That was worth waiting for! MiG laid it on the line, and then raised the roof.

#7 - Need You Tonight
All who got to hear the audio of MiG's Need You Tonight can count themselves among the lucky. It was one steamy song. I can't imagine it being sung any better. Of all the INXS songs MiG has sung on the show or live, that one will always be my favorite.

#6 - Paint It Black
Although Paint It Black is a classic, MiG's arrangement was incredibly interesting and creative. To me it was more dramatic and he uncovered layers of the song I hadn't noticed before. When he extended his arms to the side and the music stopped mid-song, it took my breath away.

#5 - All Right Now
I've always liked this song, but never as much as when MiG Ayesa sang it. That night I thought MiG had it all...the voice, the energy, the moves, the stage presence. He commanded the song, and has every time he has sung it since.

All Right Now from atop a chair - Chicago


#4 - Baby, I Love Your Way
MiG knocked it out of the park with his rendition of the Peter Frampton song. MiG combined a beautiful arrangement and dazzling vocals as he played the grand piano and brought tears to the eyes of those listening. Peter Frampton even called MiG to tell him how impressed he was.

#3 - Home In Me
MiG has questioned his decision to sing Home In Me rather than a more upbeat original. INXS had likely already made up their mind they wanted a bad boy, so the song choice didn't matter. What did matter was the comfort Home In Me brought. Although the song is about loss, it continues to give hope and comfort. The effect of the song lives on. It was the perfect choice.

#2 - Lola
The song had appeal, but when MiG sang it, it suddenly had some sizzle. It was the first episode of Rockstar: INXS I had seen, and it offered quite an introduction to a man named MiG Ayesa. It was a standout performance, and MiG served notice he was a rocker to be reckoned with.


Singing Lola in New York - photo by Wanda


#1 - Bohemian Rhapsody
There were shockwaves when it was revealed MiG had decided to sing Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody. Some were concerned INXS would dismiss MiG as a "theater guy" since he had sung the song in We Will Rock You. I was ecstatic. To me, someone who has performed in theater and in bands is "on" every night, knows how to deliver to a crowd, and is a consistently great performer. MiG's choice of Bohemian Rhapsody was the ultimate show of strength. He selected a song he loved, and it made a statement - "I'm MiG Ayesa. I'm not going to lie, manipulate or play games to win. This is where I've been, and this is who I am."

INXS didn't choose MiG. We did.

Keep the light shining,

Team MiG

MiG Ayesa: More Than Words

The list of artists I want to see perform at least once is a long one, but the list of artists I want to see perform every chance I get is short. It's no surprise the name that tops the list of those I want to see often is MiG Ayesa. So what is it about MiG Ayesa's performances that keep him at such lofty heights on the list? And what is it about MiG Ayesa's personality that makes his gigs something you never want to miss?

One of the best ways to explain may be to give an example. A few days ago, MiG did a short set in Bergenfield, New Jersey with Hotdog Band. A number of people from Team MiG went to the gig...some even traveling from other states. They had a fabulous time - because of MiG's performance and personality. MiG sang mostly his original songs, including She Loved, One Sunset at a Time, Blown Away and I Need You Here, which thrilled the Team MiG crew. MiG's originals have a combination of meaningful lyrics and creative melodies, and he delivered every song with such emotion and feeling. MiG also delighted the crowd when he teamed up with Kim Bargamento to sing More Than Words. You can see a video of their duet on Team MiG Global's YouTube Channel.

Sound Check with MiG Ayesa (photo by Donna)


MiG at the Mic (photo by Wanda)


The music stopped the Team MiG crew in their tracks, but they were completely floored by how kind and down-to-earth MiG was. MiG's nature is truly his greatest strength. It's ironic that the more gentle he is, the more power he has to make a difference in others' lives. MiG has always taken time to talk with people, sign autographs and pose with them for pictures. In fact, he sometimes checks the picture to make sure it turned out and will be a nice memento! The Team MiG contingent chatted and joked with MiG, and took photos throughout the evening.

MiG Ayesa Singing His Heart Out (photo by Donna)



MiG Ayesa Lighting Up the Room (photo by Wanda)


By the time the evening ended, they were already talking about the next performance. They looked forward to another gig, and to spending time with someone they genuinely care about. And you can bet MiG will be the same next time. It's rare to have a connection between an artist and his fans that's so special and lasting. Maybe it's because fans have a deep admiration, respect and love for someone who sincerely returns those sentiments. It has to be more than words.

Keep the light shining and pass it on,

Team MiG

MiG Ayesa: Reflections

As one year fades away and another has burst on the scene, it's the ideal time for reflection. Today that reflection centers on MiG Ayesa. Looking back, MiG won a legion of fans when he was in bands, in shows, in We Will Rock You, and on the CBS reality show Rockstar: INXS. I remember the first time I saw MiG, which was when he sang "Lola" on Rockstar: INXS. He was quite the show-stopper! He followed it up with one killer performance after another. The votes poured in for MiG week after week, and he earned his way to the Final Three.

On Rockstar, MiG's talent was undeniable, his stage presence and versatility unmistakable. But there was something else...something that grabbed people and wouldn't let them go. Here was an immensely talented artist, separated from family and friends, alone in a new country, getting very little sleep and performing on a world stage. And what did MiG do? In spite of the pressure, he stayed true to himself. MiG Ayesa had the courage and class to pat his competition on the back rather than stab them in the back. He didn't try to win at any cost. He chose to treat both rockers and fans with warmth and integrity. Perhaps that didn't make enough waves for some reality TV junkies, but it made a tidal wave of an impression on many in the TV audience. There was no bigger winner than MiG.

MiG gained countless fans after Rockstar just by being himself. He connected with every audience, took time for every fan, and treated everyone at gigs like they mattered. That's the way people should be treated, but that behavior isn't something you often see from an artist who has graced our stages and screens. No one creates talent, but is blessed with it. It can be nurtured and developed through hard work, but it's not created. Some forget that, and it leads to egos on overdrive. When an artist treats fans like real people, it's refreshing because it's classy, it's humble, and it makes a very special connection that lasts. When MiG treats fans with respect and kindness, it reflects back on him, because it inspires genuine affection, loyalty, and a passion to tell others about MiG. When you combine that with his incredible voice and the beautiful music he creates, it's magic. It makes MiG stand head and shoulders above so many others, and is a story waiting to be told.

MiG signing autographs for fans at a meet & greet session.


MiG sharing a laugh with fans.


When one makes such an impact on others through warmth and accessibility, it brings a lot of responsibility. It's challenging to always be on your game, in spite of disappointments or misunderstandings that can occur. No one can always say the perfect thing, or always do the perfect thing. But I believe MiG will give it his best try. When MiG shares his heart, he shines the brightest. It brings out the light in others as well, and the impact grows and grows. An interesting thing about light...its radiance reaches in all directions, illuminating even the unlikeliest of destinations...and when you reflect it back, darkness has nowhere to hide.

Because of the person and artist MiG is, fans travel hundreds of miles to see him perform. In fact, some will be traveling to see MiG do a short set January 16 in New Jersey as a special guest of HotDog Band. If you can get there, don't miss it! You'll see firsthand why Team MiG cares so much about MiG, and puts so much into spreading the word to the world. Read more about MiG's gig.

Help keep the light shining for MiG and his growing number of fans. Pass it on.

Best wishes for a bright 2009!

Team MiG

MiG Ayesa: His Act of Kindness

Sometimes what seems like one simple act of kindness touches more people than you could have imagined. It influences others, and ignites one flame of hope after another. MiG Ayesa is a man responsible for many acts of kindness. When fans have attended his performances, MiG has treated them with respect and warmth. He's eagerly agreed to autographs and photos, no matter how long it's taken. Today though, I'm thinking of another act of kindness by MiG that continues to make a difference, and it might make a difference for you, too.

A few years ago, MiG willingly gave of his time and talent to perform at a benefit for the Salvation Army in London, England. Surrounded by a first-rate orchestra and a choir with a multitude of divine youthful voices, MiG gave what to me was the most beautiful performance of Christmas songs I've ever heard. The voice was stunning, the arrangements impressive, yet the light in MiG's eyes is what made the performance unforgettable.

If you watch the video on YouTube, you'll see what I mean. There's a link to it in the right column of this blog (Video of MiG Christmas Songs). Thanks to Mary Beth of Team MiG for posting the video. Although the video screen caps below aren't the sharpest of images, they show the sincerity and joy that came through in MiG's performance.





In addition to raising funds for the Salvation Army that night, more good came from MiG's act of kindness. Team MiG members donated hundreds of dollars to the Salvation Army as a Christmas gift for MiG. It expressed our feelings for MiG, and helped a great organization help others in need. In addition, seeing the love in MiG's performance touched some people very deeply and made a positive impact in their lives.

An act of kindness does just as much for the person giving as the person receiving. That's where part of the joy in MiG's eyes came from. He gave of himself, and the lyrics meant something to him. Now, maybe his act of kindness can reflect back on him again. Maybe it can show the world the special person and performer MiG Ayesa is. It can refresh the memories of those who haven't kept up with MiG since Rockstar: INXS, or since MiG starred as Galileo in We Will Rock You and sang the fabulous music of Queen. It also can lead others to discover MiG.

And maybe when MiG's next album is released, you'll buy it or download it. When he performs, maybe you'll go see him. Or maybe you'll request his songs on the radio, or tell others about this supremely talented artist. It will help MiG achieve the dream of being a successful recording artist that he's chased for a long time. And you'll get the benefit of some amazing music, and experience MiG's kindness for yourself if you meet him.



It's Christmas, so perhaps that will spark interest in our own acts of kindness. Donate to the Salvation Army or another worthy charity. Volunteer your time soon to help someone who needs it. Or tell someone you care, and strive to make your actions match your words. You never know how much a simple act of kindness can enrich the lives of the giver and the receiver...and what your act of kindness can ignite.

Help keep the light shining for MiG. Pass it on. And don't miss the video...it will remind you what Christmas is all about.

Merry Christmas!

Team MiG