Labor Of Love Music
The Official Website Of Raleigh, NC Musician
Mike Williams
Welcome to the Music of Mike Williams!
In late 2011, Mike decided to write, record and produce his debut album Leaving Dystopia which was released in February 2013 and remastered in December 2022. Leaving Dystopia continues to be widely listened to across the world. In 2018, Mike released his follow-up album, Hollow Moon which contains 8 original songs. Hollow Moon was remixed and remastered in November 2023. In May 2023, Mike released his third album No More Gods, consisting of 10 original tracks. In December 2023, Mike released two compilation albums: A Decade of Rockers and A Decade of Blues and Ballads. The collections span ten years of his original music from 2013 to 2023. Both albums can be purchased on Bandcamp.
Mike plans to release another 10-song album sourced from 17 unreleased demos written by his late stepdaughter. The initiative is expected to take a year to complete with a target date of March 2027, and will be dedicated to her memory and talent. Kate, you are loved and missed. Since February 2013, when Mike released Leaving Dystopia, his catalog of songs has been streamed 8.7 million times on major streaming sites as well as receiving 507,000 listens on Soundcloud and 28,000 plays on Reverbnation.. For a deeper look into Mike's musical journey, check out this engaging interview: From Tom Dooley to Yesteryear: A Lifetime in Music - Q&A with Mike Williams. All of Mike's music is available for listening on Soundcloud, Reverbnation, SoundClick, HearThis.at, and all major streaming sites. Mike's music can be purchased on Bandcamp and Reverbnation. Mike's unique style and fusion of influences shine through in his refreshing and relevant collection of songs, which he hopes will help awaken your inner spirit. Enjoy!
Mike Williams is a seasoned musician and songwriter based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Klaatu, and the timeless sound of classic Chicago blues, he has been crafting original music since the late 1970s.
During the 1980s, Mike actively pitched his songs, seeking a recording or publishing deal in the industry. By the 1990s, however, he grew disillusioned with the increasingly formulaic demands of major labels. Turning inward, he and his brother began writing and recording their original material in a dedicated 4-track home studio, building a rich catalog of unreleased work.
In December 2025, Mike released Love Roller Coaster, an 8-track collection that dives into the ups and downs of relationships—the highs, heart-pounding twists, emotional drops, and unexpected turns that define love, connection and sometimes breakup. Curated from Mike's previously released catalog, it includes standout tracks like his top-streamed song of 2025, "Wrecking Ball". The digital version is available for streaming and purchase on Bandcamp (high-quality downloads and streaming). The vinyl edition (8 tracks) is currently available and can be ordered from Elasticstage (ships from the UK).
Mike completed recording all tracks for Yesteryear in February 2026, wrapping up an ambitious nearly 22-month project. The Yesteryear Project revives previously unreleased original songs and demos written between 1979 and 1992—archival material originally captured on 4-track and 8-track machines, reel-to-reel tape, and cassette. These songs have been faithfully revisited and re-recorded in full 24-track detail, reimagining them with fresh perspective while preserving their original melodies, spirit, and essence. The album features a core of 10 songs, plus Mike's new 2026 composition "Mr. Charles" as a special bonus eleventh track. The digital version (11 tracks) is now available for streaming and purchase on Bandcamp. The vinyl edition (also 11 tracks) is also available can be ordered from Elasticstage (ships from the UK).
If the PayPal donate button is not available in your country, you can still make a donation by purchasing Mike's music at BandCamp.
Mike's music can be purchased on Bandcamp
Yesteryear
(Feb 2026)
11 tracks
Digital: $9+ USD (streaming + download)
Vinyl (12"): Currently available – Elasticstage ($38.90)
Love Roller Coaster
(Dec 2025)
8 tracks
Digital: $9+ USD (streaming + download)
Vinyl (12"): Currently available – Elasticstage ($38.90)
Mike's music can be purchased on Bandcamp
With the Yesteryear Project now complete and released (February 2026), Mike has turned his focus to two meaningful upcoming albums.
Kate's Tribute Album (Target: March 2027)
Mike is honored to fulfill a promise made to his late stepdaughter, Kate, by bringing her 17 unreleased demos to life as a 10-song album. Before her passing, Kate shared these heartfelt recordings with the intention of collaborating on them. This project, dedicated to her memory and remarkable talent, will respectfully reimagine and produce her songs with care and authenticity. Kate, you are loved and missed. The work is expected to take approximately one year, with a target release in March 2027.
Yesteryear Part 2 (In Development)
Following the success of the first Yesteryear album, plans continue for a second volume of re-recorded archival material from the same 1979–1992 era. This project has been thoughtfully placed on the backburner to prioritize Kate's tribute, but remains an active part of the queue and will move forward in due course.
Updates on both projects will be shared here and on Bandcamp as progress continues.
Mike's music can be purchased on Bandcamp
Compilation Album - Released Dec 2023
Compilation Album - Released Dec 2023
Mike's music can be purchased on Bandcamp
Complete Album - Released May 2023
Complete Album - Released Feb 2018 | Remastered Nov 2023
Complete Album - Released Feb 2013 | Remastered Dec 2022
For a deeper look into Mike's musical journey, check out this engaging interview:
From Tom Dooley to Yesteryear: A Lifetime in Music - Q&A with Mike Williams.
Talking Music and Songwriting
Old-School Music in a Digital Age
Please Support Independent Artists
In 2021 and 2023, Mike brought together independent songwriters and musicians from across the world to create a unique listening experience and to promote the talents of indie artists. Click on the images below to listen to the playlists on Odysee. Enjoy!
2023 Great Indie Artist Playlist
100 Artists • 100 Songs • ~6.5 Hours of Indie Music (Audio)
2021 Great Indie Artist Playlist
70+ Artists • 70+ Songs • ~5 Hours of Indie Music (Audio)
Quick Links
Do you collect vintage Beatle vinyl?
Check out Mike's The Beatles US and UK Labels Quick Reference Guide
All songs on Leaving Dystopia were written, recorded, and produced by Mike Williams, except "Working Class Hero" (written by John Lennon, published by SONY/ATV SONGS LLC). The tracks "Rainy Day" and "Don't Let Go" on the No More Gods album were co-written by Mike and his wife.
All of Mike's music was recorded on a Tascam 2488neo 24-track digital Portastudio. Although the 2488neo is now discontinued, if yours needs repair we highly recommend TAP Electronics in Buena Park, CA — one of the few shops still servicing this model (phone: 714-562-7400). On a personal note, Mike also owns the newer Tascam DP-24SD and DP-32SD models — excellent machines, but they don't quite match the 2488neo's unique workflow. Before scrapping your 2488neo, it's worth giving TAP a call!
Mastering is handled through LANDR and Mike's music is published via TuneCore.
Mike is also an avid collector, builder, repairer, and refurbisher of electric guitars. Check out his archived DIY Guitar Talk YouTube channel.