Press

Levi's Haus of Strauss Los Angeles Outfits Americana, Country Artist Mike Aiken for 2012
(PRBuzz.com) February 13, 2012 - Levi's continues to support Americana, Country, Roots artist Mike Aiken by once again outfitting him for the 2012 touring season. Haus of Strauss marketing stylist Jessica Gosda warmly welcomed Aiken for a custom fitting at their Los Angeles location.

Haus of Strauss is the Levi's® brand's Los Angeles studio, where they share product with the movers and shakers of music, movies and TV.

Northwind Records' artist Mike Aiken continues to amass an impressive list of career accomplishments with his most recent EP, Almost Christmas, hitting #3 on country charts and #18 Top 40. Aiken's most recent full-length album, Hula Girl Highway, was certified as an IAIRA International #1 record. Aiken also organizes philanthropic projects, including Smithfield Music's Aiken & Friends Fest, an Americana/Roots festival benefitting youth music education.

To view this press release in its original format, please visit https://www.prbuzz.com/entertainment/58440-levis-haus-of-strauss-los-angeles-outfits.html#.TzlZH6LNqFI.email

Smithfield Music's Aiken and Friends Fest wins a Sunnie Award
Award Given to Music Festival for Cultural Contribution and Inspiration

/ PRBuzz.com / January 6, 2012 - - The Suffolk Sun, the Virginian-Pilot tabloid that focuses on Western Tidewater has awarded Smithfield and Isle of Wight events with "Sunnies" - prizeless awards bestowed upon folks who worked diligently last year to make us smile, laugh, dance, cry or think. They are given annually, by a secret selection committee to those creative types who brighten our world, who dazzle and inspire us, who contribute to our world view and sense of history, art and culture in Western Tidewater.

One of the 2011 winners is Smithfield Music's Aiken & Friends Fest, organized by singer/songwriter Mike Aiken along with Jim and Elaine Abicht to annually raise money for youth music education. This event brings in the region's and country's most revered and acclaimed roots Americana musicians and songwriters. The weekend long festival features songwriters' and guitar workshops and intimate concerts along with outdoor performances featuring an array of new and longtime musicians and groups. Word is spreading throughout the country about this quality musical event.

The 7th annual festival takes place September 28-29, 2012 in Smithfield, Virginia. For information about the festival visit AikenAndFriendsFest.com.

Mike Aiken's Almost Christmas CD Spinning on SiriusXM, Hits #3 on Charts
Aiken's Almost Christmas CD Succeeds at Radio this Holiday Season

Norfolk, VA / PRBuzz.com / December 16, 2011 - - Christmas came early for Mike Aiken when his latest release, Almost Christmas, was added to Siruis XM Radio Margaritaville, hit #3 on the New Music Weekly Country chart and landed on the Americana charts. Almost Christmas is Aiken's fifth CD and first holiday project on Northwind Records. Mike calls it his "six-pack of holiday cheer." "My goal was to record a warm and rootsy holiday record, staying true to me and my favorite time of the year," says Aiken.

"Aiken has spent a lot of his time and music in a tropical sense of mind, and his first holiday offering reflects this. There's a laid-back feel all over this disc, which could very well alleviate the stress that goes along with the season. It doesn't matter if you can see pine or palm trees outside your window ...you will find this a very warm and enjoyable holiday experience," says Chuck Dauphin in his review of Almost Christmas in Music News Nashville.

Tracks include three originals, "Almost Christmas," "Christmas Schooner" and the instrumental "Stocking Stuffer," as well as three classics recorded in Aiken's own style, "Mele Kalikimaka," "Here Comes Santa Claus," and "Christmas Island." Almost Christmas was recorded in Nashville at the legendary Creative Workshop Studio and is available for purchase through online outlets and retail stores.

Find more on Mike Aiken at MikeAikenMusic.com.

For interviews, music and photos, contact Northwind Records PR email or 757-635-0240.

Mike Aiken Band at Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa October 30
Aiken & Friends First Concert at Landmark Florida Venue

Norfolk, VA / PRBuzz.com / October 18, 2011 - - Northwind Records' recording artist Mike Aiken will bring his Americana/country/roots, Aiken & Friends concert to Skipper's Smokehouse for one night only, Sunday, October 30th in Tampa, Florida. Music starts at 5 p.m. at the legendary venue known for its alternative, laid-back atmosphere. Skipper's reputation and atmosphere fit seamlessly with the Mike Aiken Band's vibe.

Mike Aiken has amassed a remarkable list of career accomplishments, including multiple Top 30 singles on Indie Country, Euro-Americana, and Euro Indie Hot Disc charts (#1 single, "No Fishin' Pole"). Aiken's most recent album, Hula Girl Highway, was certified as an IAIRA International #1 record. After much demand Mike is scheduled to release his first holiday album, Almost Christmas,this fall. He is founder of the successful Aiken & Friends Fest, an Americana/Roots music festival benefiting youth music education.

Labeled as "Americana's Jimmy Buffett", referred to as "a floating John Prine crossed with Ry Cooder", a Mike Aiken show offers a troubadour who can relate on a personal level with the audience and then transition to a high-energy show without losing the intimacy of the singer/songwriter. Tampa is sure to love the energy that Mike and his band bring to the stage. As part of the fun this event will also host Tampa Bay's Meeting of the Minds pre-party.

Advance tickets are available at the Skipper's Smokehouse website. Aiken's special guests include Homemade Wine and Scotty Bryan. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Skipper's Smokehouse is located at 910 Skipper Road, Tampa, Florida 800-594-TIXX (8499).

Find more on Mike Aiken at mikeaikenmusic.com.

For interviews, music or high res. photos contact: Northwind Records PR (allison.pr@northwindrecords.us) or 757-635-0240.

Mike Aiken Band Takes the Stage in Fort Myers, October 29
Concert to Support Riverdale High School Athletics Department

Norfolk, VA / PRBuzz.com / October 18, 2011 - - Mike Aiken, county/roots Northwind Records recording artist, will be bringing his high energy, crowd pleasing band to perform for one night only in Fort Myers, Florida on Saturday, October 29th. The concert will kick off the Aiken's Florida tour and will take place at 7 p.m. in Riverdale High School Auditorium. This special event, open to the public, is put on by the Riverdale High School Athletics Department in support of their programs.

Mike Aiken has amassed a remarkable list of career accomplishments, including multiple Top 30 singles on Indie Country, Euro-Americana, and Euro Indie Hot Disc charts (#1 single, "No Fishin' Pole"). Aiken's most recent full album, Hula Girl Highway, was certified as an IAIRA International #1 record. 2011 brought the 6th Annual Aiken & Friends Fest, an Americana/Roots music festival founded by Mike to benefit youth music education. After much demand Mike is scheduled to release his first holiday album, Almost Christmas, this fall.

Aiken is no stranger to the world of sports, having recently been chosen by Sports Illustrated for writing one of the top 40 sports songs of all time. His song "Chesapeake" earned him this honor for its tribute to the nautical lifestyle for which Mike is known. Fans love the energy that Mike and his band bring to both recorded projects and live performances. An adventuring sailor as well as a musician, Mike gives his audience a unique experience by combining laid back storytelling with an exciting getaway to a world of sand, surf, and sun.

Riverdale High School Auditorium is located at 2600 Buckingham Road in Fort Myers, Florida. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance by calling 239-694-4141, extension 285.

Find more on Mike Aiken at http://www.mikeaikenmusic.com.

For interviews, music or high res. photos contact: Northwind Records PR or 757-635-0240.

Aiken and Friends Fest Recognizes Sponsors with Green Room Party
Festival Sponsors Learn How Donations Benefit Community, Treated to Acoustic Set by Founder, Mike Aiken

Norfolk, VA / PRBuzz / August 16, 2011 - - On August 11, Smithfield Music's Aiken & Friends Fest sponsors attended the Green Room Party, an intimate pre-festival gathering to thank them for their generous donations and share with them how their support benefits the community. Festival founder Mike Aiken delighted guests with a special acoustic set sharing a few brand new songs in addition to requested favorites. Smithfield Music's Aiken and Friends Fest is an Americana/roots music festival, or "celebration of songwriters," that benefits youth music education. The sixth annual festival will be held September 30th and October 1st in Smithfield, VA. The festival focuses on education and songwriting, and the proceeds generated go to help children receive music lessons, instruments, and scholarships. This year's sponsors include Takamine Guitars, Ovation Guitars, Smithfield Foods, NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International), Eagle 97, Smithfield Tourism, Northwind Records, and many more.

This year's Aiken & Friends Fest will begin with an intimate songwriters in-the-round concert in the Smithfield Little Theater on Friday, September 30. This concert features songwriters Mike Aiken, Steve Williams, and Sherrie Austin, who will share their original songs and stories. The music continues on Saturday, October 1, on two outdoor stages, and will feature performances by the Ray Wylie Hubbard Band, the Mike Aiken Band, the Patty Reese Band, the Caleb Hawley Trio, the Muckrakes, Sherrie Austin, Win Winslow, and the Americana Lovebirds. Educational festival events include a songwriters' workshop with Mike Aiken, Sherrie Austin, and Steve Williams, a guitar workshop with Ovation Guitars Chop Shop guru Matt Smith, and an Indie Music Promotion workshop with Northwind Records president Amy Aiken.

This rural small-town Virginia festival brings music fans and artists together in historic downtown Smithfield along the Pagan River. Smithfield has a very active music scene thanks to Jim & Elaine Abicht who head Smithfield Music, the non-profit entity whose proceeds benefit music education. Tickets, sponsorship opportunities and festival details for Smithfield Music's Aiken and Friends Fest are available at aikenandfriendsfest.com.

Smithfield Music Announces Final Lineup for 6th Annual Aiken and Friends Fest
Americana/Roots Festival Welcomes Ray Wylie Hubbard, Mike Aiken, Patty Reese, Sherrie Austin, Caleb Hawley and more to Smithfield, Virginia September 30 - October 1.

Norfolk, VA / PRBuzz / August 2, 2011 - - In its sixth year, Smithfield Music's Aiken and Friends Fest benefits youth music education through an Americana/Roots festival, or "celebration of songwriters." The festival organizers are pleased to announce the lineup of performers for this year's festival, which will take place on September 30th and October 1st in Smithfield, Virginia. Jim Abicht, head of Smithfield Music, the non-profit entity whose proceeds benefit youth music education, says, "The partnership between myself, Mike Aiken, and Smithfield/Isle of Wight Tourism is very special and successful. We work hard to bring top tier talent to the Tidewater, Virginia area, and we're very excited about this year."

The 2011 Aiken & Friends Fest will begin with the intimate songwriters in-the-round concert in the Smithfield Little Theater on Friday, September 30. This year, it features songwriters Mike Aiken, Steve Williams, and Sherrie Austin, who will share their original songs and stories. The music continues on Saturday, October 1, on two outdoor stages, and will feature performances by the Ray Wylie Hubbard Band, the Mike Aiken Band, the Patty Reese Band, the Caleb Hawley Trio, the Muckrakes, Sherrie Austin, Win Winslow, and the Americana Lovebirds. Educational festival events include a songwriters' workshop with Mike Aiken, Sherrie Austin, and Steve Williams, a guitar workshop with Ovation Guitars Chop Shop guru Matt Smith, and an Indie Music Promotion workshop with Northwind Records president Amy Aiken.

Smithfield Music's Aiken and Friends Fest is a rural small-town Virginia festival. Smithfield's director of tourism, Judy Winslow, adds, "We are very proud of our involvement in the Aiken and Friends Fest. The festival has really grown in the past six years and continues to showcase great music as well as the warmth and hospitality of historic Smithfield. It's an incredibly fun weekend with some of the friendliest people you'll meet!"

Tickets for Smithfield Music's Aiken and Friends Fest are available at aikenandfriendsfest.com.

This year's festival sponsors include Ovation Guitars, Takamine Guitars, Smithfield Foods, NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International), Eagle 97, Northwind Records, and many more.

Mike Aiken Announces Final Lineup of 6th Annual Smithfield Music's Aiken and Friends Fest
Americana/Roots Festival Founder Welcomes Ray Wylie Hubbard, Patty Reese, Caleb Hawley and more to Smithfield, Virginia September 30 - October 1.

Norfolk, VA / PRBuzz / July 25, 2011 - - Mike Aiken, Americana/country/roots national recording artist and founder of Smithfield Music's Aiken & Friends Fest, is pleased to announce the lineup of performers for this year's festival which will take place on September 30th and October 1st in Smithfield, Virginia. Aiken says, "The fest is growing and just gets bigger and better from the educational seminars to the caliber of the lineup. We're bringing in old friends - Americana legend Ray Wylie Hubbard Band from Texas, Nashville songwriter, Steve Williams and new friends like award-winning blues rocker Patty Reese from DC. I can't wait to hear the talent!"

The 2011 Aiken & Friends Fest will lead with the intimate songwriters in-the-round concert in the Smithfield Little Theater on Friday, September 30 featuring songwriters Mike Aiken, Steve Williams, and Sherrie Austin who will share their original songs and stories. The music continues Saturday, October 1, on two outdoor stages and will feature performances by the Ray Wylie Hubbard Band, the Mike Aiken Band, the Patty Reese Band, the Caleb Hawley Trio, the Muckrakes, Sherrie Austin, Win Winslow, and the Americana Lovebirds. Educational festival events include a songwriters' workshop with Mike Aiken, Sherrie Austin and Steve Williams, a guitar workshop with Ovation Guitars Chop Shop guru Matt Smith and a Music Promotion 101 workshop with Northwind Records president Amy Aiken.

In its sixth year, Smithfield Music's Aiken and Friends Fest benefits youth music education through an Americana/Roots festival, or "celebration of songwriters." This rural small-town Virginia festival introduces music fans and artists to each other in historic downtown Smithfield along the Pagan River. Smithfield has a very active music scene thanks to Jim & Elaine Abicht who head Smithfield Music, the non-profit entity whose proceeds benefit music education. The partnership between Mike Aiken, the Town of Smithfield and Smithfield Music is healthy and the festival continues to grow.

Find more on Mike Aiken at mikeaikenmusic.com

Find more on the festival at aikenandfriendsfest.com or
Allison Berwald (allison.pr@northwindrecords.us), Northwind Records PR 757-635-0240

Mike Aiken featured in Sports Illustrated 's Top 40 Best Sports Songs
Singer/songwriter Mike Aiken's song Chesapeake chosen by Sports Illustrated

Norfolk, VA / PRBuzz / July 12, 2011 - - Mike Aiken, Norfolk-based Americana/country/roots artist on Northwind Records, was recently featured in a Sports Illustrated article about the top 40 sports songs of all time. In the July 4th issue, Greg Kelly ranked Aiken's song "Chesapeake" as number 33 on "The Ultimate Play List," a list of songs about sports chosen for their superior music and lyrics. Kelly acknowledges that there are a multitude of songs about sailing, but he also states, "nobody sings about the nautical life better than Aiken."

Aiken says, "I'm proud to be included on the list with such distinguished artists. I write from what I know and have experienced. The Chesapeake Bay is one of my favorite sailing grounds in the world. I am lucky to know her." Mike's music reaches into various genres of music, including country, Americana, roots, rock, calypso, and folk. As a seasoned sailor, his lyrics tell stories of life, love, and wanderlust against a maritime backdrop. "Chesapeake" is on Aiken's 2003 release, Getaway.

Aiken is signed to the Indie label Northwind Records. Northwind is proud of its working relationship with Mike Aiken; together they have amassed a remarkable list of career accomplishments, including multiple Top 30 singles on Indie Country, Euro-Americana, and Euro Indie Hot Disc charts (#1 single, "No Fishin' Pole"). Aiken's most recent album, Hula Girl Highway, was certified as an IAIRA International #1 record. Aiken also organizes philanthropic projects, including Smithfield Music's Aiken & Friends Fest. An Americana/Roots festival, it benefits youth music education. Mike is also an active endorsee for Takamine Guitars, Ovation Guitars and Mandolins, and Levi's Jeans.

Mike Aiken Decks the Halls of Recording Studio in July
Northwind Records' Mike Aiken To Record Christmas Project for 2011 Holiday Season

Norfolk, VA / PRBuzz / June 28, 2011 - - Mike Aiken, Norfolk-based Americana, country, roots artist on the Northwind Records label, will be entering the studio in Nashville in July to begin recording a long-awaited Christmas project. Aiken states, "Fans and radio have been asking me to record a Christmas project for years, and I have always loved the Christmas season. So it's time to borrow Santa's hat, bring in the elves, and have some fun!" Mike plans to include both original compositions and holiday standards; he has already asked his fans for their input on song selection. The forthcoming record is slotted for digital release in the holiday season of 2011.

Aiken is signed to the Indie label Northwind Records. This record will be Northwind's first holiday release. Northwind is proud of its working relationship with Mike Aiken; together they have amassed a remarkable list of career accomplishments, including multiple Top 30 singles on Indie Country, Euro-Americana, and Euro Indie Hot Disc charts (#1 single, "No Fishin' Pole"). Aiken's most recent album, Hula Girl Highway, was certified as an IAIRA International #1 record.

Mike's music reaches into various genres of music, including country, Americana, roots, rock, calypso, and folk. As a seasoned sailor, his lyrics tell stories of life, love, and wanderlust against a maritime backdrop. Mike Aiken also organizes philanthropic projects, including Smithfield Music's Aiken & Friends Fest. An Americana/Roots festival, it benefits youth music education. Mike is also an active endorsee for Takamine Guitars, Ovation Guitars and Mandolins, and Levi's Jeans.

Since much of Mike Aiken's music revolves around the sea lyrically, fans may wonder if Christmas will be given a nautical or Caribbean twist for some of the cuts on the new album. "Well, I don't want to give too much away," Mike says, "like every good Christmas package you'll have to wait for the surprise inside. But I can tell you this... it will put you in the spirit!"

Find more on Mike Aiken at mikeaikenmusic.com

Northwind Records helps motivated artists chart their course through today's music industry. Contact them at northwindrecords.us or 757-635-0240.

Contact: Allison Berwald, Northwind Records PR, allison.pr@northwindrecords.us

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Northwind Records Public Relations Department Welcomes Belmont Graduate Allison Berwald
To view this press release in its original format, please visit https://www.prbuzz.com/entertainment/53602-northwind-records.html

Norfolk, VA / PRBuzz / June 22, 2011 - - Northwind Records, with offices in Norfolk, VA and Nashville, TN, is proud to announce the addition of its newest employee, Allison Berwald. Allison will be Northwind Record's public relations assistant in the publicity department. "We are extremely excited to have Allison on the Northwind team. She brings the fresh energy, professionalism, and music business writing skills that our Indie label's known for," stated Amy Aiken, President of the Indie label. Allison re-joined Northwind Records in early June after an internship with the label in 2008. She is working primarily on internet publicity and PR from Nashville, TN.

Ms. Berwald graduated from Belmont University in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. While at Belmont, she received multiple awards for writing and community service. She has been working in the education and non-profit fields since then, and she states, "I am happy to be back at Northwind Records; the staff members are such a pleasure to work with and are truly passionate about their mission and their artists' music." Allison's varied background in music business studies, music performance, student organization publicity, and academic writing makes her a valuable addition to Northwind Records.

Founded in 2002 by Amy Aiken, Northwind Records was founded to promote Americana, country, and roots artist Mike Aiken's career. The Indie music label has successfully grown during a time when many large labels have crumbled. Its mission? Northwind Records helps motivated artists chart their course through today's music industry.

Northwind Records is proud of its working relationship with Mike Aiken; together they have amassed a remarkable list of career accomplishments, including multiple Top 30 singles on Indie Country, Euro-Americana, and Euro Indie Hot Disc charts (#1 single, "No Fishin' Pole"). Aiken's most recent album, Hula Girl Highway, was certified as an IAIRA International #1 record. Northwind Records is a proud sponsor of Smithfield Music's Aiken and Friends Fest, an Americana/Country/Roots festival benefitting youth music education.

Northwind Records has a strategy for growth and is sure to attract attention for its Indie business practices and talented artists. By hiring fresh young talent like Allison Berwald in its publicity department, Northwind Records is definitely positioning itself as the Indie record label to watch.

Find Northwind Records at http://northwindrecords.us or contact the Indie label by phone: 757-635-0240.

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Contact: Amy Aiken, Northwind Records, 757-635-0240, info@northwindrecords.us