Mike Corrado: Press

As Lt. Col. Michael Corrado adds years to his resume by serving as a Marine Corps operations officer for the Wounded Warrior Regiment at Marine Corps Base Quantico, he also has more responsibilities which can take time away from other activities.

One thing he doesn’t neglect, however, is his life as a musician.

Corrado visited Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to kick off an opening performance for the Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band concert at the Goettge Memorial Field House, Saturday.

Corrado, who is known for his widely popular single “Stand,” which was picked up by Country Music Television and Great American Country Television, has opened and closed for bands and artists such as John Rich, Black Eyed Peas and Bon Jovi all across the country.

This time he came back to perform in a more familiar setting.

“This is where I served my first five years in the Marine Corps,” said Corrado. “In addition to having a sense of home, these are the folks that I went down range with, and this is my family.”

Corrado’s life journey and passion for music are woven together, and the melodic stories he sings have touched the hearts of many listeners.

There are many ways to tell the Marine Corps story and music is Corrado’s way of doing so.

“I want to tell these stories from my perspective but from their perspective as well,” said Corrado. “So, it’s just one of those situations where you’ve got to get it right.”

One of the songs Corrado played was “Still in the Fight,” which was recorded in Greenville, S.C., and inspired by the stories of the wounded warriors he got to know.

“There are guys that are still in the fight,” said Corrado. “Although they may be far from the battlefield, they are still in the fight – the fight to recovery. You write what you know, and not all my songs have to do with the military. But, I have experienced a lot of things and I have gotten to meet some amazing people. I think their stories need to be told, so I’m trying to do that.”

Balancing his life in the Corps with being a musician can be demanding at times, but he continues to write and perform every chance he gets.

After completing his first five years of active duty, Corrado grabbed his guitar and hit the road for a four-year tour across the country, performing at more than 200 concerts and events.

Corrado returned to active duty after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and deployed with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division to Afghanistan. He said he’s happy to be back in the fight.

“I was living out of a van,” said Corrado. “Now, it’s a little different, because the longer you’re in the Marine Corps, typically the more responsibility you get, and therefore, the more time you put in is required.”

As he progressed throughout the Marine Corps, he got to meet new people and experience new things. These experiences have added to the repertoire that made Corrado the artist he is today.

Corrado said a portion of the proceeds from his music go to the USO and Wounded Warriors family centers, which are programs where families heal right along with their service members.

He continues to keep himself busy and still finds the time to help others.

 “The feedback I get from the music is pretty powerful,” said Corrado. “I’ve gotten emails from people that said they used my songs at ceremonies or funerals for their sons (and daughters).”

He continued, “One father that lost his son said, ‘I understand why my son wanted to serve, and your songs have helped us with the healing process.’ That’s powerful – that’s therapy. This is something I just enjoyed doing and I never thought I’d be where I am today     (musically).”

Marine Victory
Opening for one of rock’s biggest acts might fray the nerves of just about anyone, but not Marine combat veteran Lt. Col. Mike Corrado, a reserve integration officer with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and frontman for the Mike Corrado Band. The group recently won a local competition among 50 bands to perform in one of two opening act spots for Bon Jovi at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii. The group was one of five selected by a panel of Grammy- winning judges and then by viewers of a local Hawaiian TV station. “It was an amazing experience
to share the stage with a band that has been such a dominant force in music for over a quarter of a century, ”Corrado says. “They could have their pick of larger national artists as a support act for this show, and it’s great that they gave an independent artist an opportunity like this.” Corrado (514ce, 554ce, T5-S1,
T5C1-12, XXXV Baritone) is no stranger to the big time, having opened for such acts as John Mayer, the Black Eyed Peas, Train, Vertical Horizon, the Wailers and the Derek Trucks Band. His prolific songwriting career began as a cadet at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, when he picked up his first guitar. Now, years later, Corrado claims six studio albums and one DVD to his credit. In 2005, his poignant lyrics garnered the attention of audiences around the world when he released “On My Watch Tonight” off the album Falling Awake. The song tells the story of a Marine’s journey from boot camp to the front lines and features a little help from multi-platinum artist Edwin McCain. At its debut, the song was featured nationally on CNN, Rolling Stone magazine and on multiple cable Music-on-Demand channels. Corrado is now busy working on his seventh album, Stand, with acclaimed producer Noel Golden (Edwin McCain, Lee Ann Womack, Willie Nelson). “I cut all the tracks with my Baritone-XXXV, which offered me great flexibility with lower register tunings,” shares Corrado, who was planning an April release. www.MikeCorrado.com

Ongoing Giving Contribution — “Lucky One” song by LtCol Mike Corrado

May 3rd, 2011

“Lucky One” is a song released by singer/songwriter and active duty Marine, LtCol Mike Corrado. The song is about those who may not only bear the physical scars of combat and service but those struggling with invisible scars that can hide deep inside. With “Lucky One” Corrado hopes to help raise awareness for those dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He also want to let our nation’s heroes know they are not alone, that there is help and there is hope. Delivering the message through music, Corrado also intends on educating not only service members but the communities they come from. Corrado says, “Especially in the case of our Reserve Marines and service members who return to their civilian jobs and schools after deployments, it’s important for the Marine and those around him or her to recognize the warning signs of PTSD and depression and encourage them to get help.”

“Lucky One” has been featured on the Marine Corps Social Media sites. Check out the “Lucky One” video below. A second version of the video has been given as a public service announcement for the DoD/VA National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Mike just released the live/acoustic version of the song to iTunes and all major download distributers from which 100% of proceeds benefit the Semper Fi Fund. Download now by clicking here or by visiting CDBaby.com. For more info on Mike Corrado, please go to MikeCorrado.com or connect through his Facebook and Twitter pages. Checkout the “Lucky One” video!

In addition to “Lucky One,” Corrado previously released a song called “Stand” which is featured on CMT and American Forces Network, you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHnh1N8vn8A

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Editors Note: Adapt and overcome: many Marines have applied this motto to cope with the stresses of combat and returning home. Some hunt. Some write stories or blogs. Many wrap themselves up in their hobbies. Lt. Col. Michael Corrado uses his musical talents to send a message to Marines dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
____________________

I have been playing music my whole life. It’s been a great way for me to express my thoughts and share stories with others. There are many ways to tell the Marine Corps story and one of the ways I do it is through music.

I’ve had the opportunity to share the stage with some of the biggest names in music (Bon Jovi, John Mayer, Black Eyed Peas, Edwin McCain) as well as perform for Wounded Warriors, Gold Star Families and other military events.

Although many of my songs are not about the military, the ones that are like “Stand”, “On My Watch Tonight” and “Start Saving Me” have struck a chord with military audiences and mainstream audiences as well.

Being a Marine, it’s easy to draw inspiration from people I have served with, deployed with and my own experiences.

“Lucky One” is the story of a service member dealing with the effects of PTSD and combat stress after losing three close friends in an IED blast.  When he returns home, his mind continually relives the moment while those around him say how lucky he was to have survived.  In this case, he doesn’t feel like the lucky one as he deals with the effects of combat stress and finds himself on the verge of an irreversible decision.

Sound check went smoothly. The overall mood of the band is excited, yet relaxed. The head honcho gives a brief rundown near the side of the stage to minimize mistakes. “Just go out there and play your best,” he says. “It’s just like rehearsal but with better sound.” Footsteps rattle a metal staircase in the dark. Instruments are now in their hands, and the place lights up like a set of high
beams. The lead singer is not only a Marine officer, but a man with a soulful, musical passion. Two months ago he would’ve never guessed he would be the opening
act for a rock legend. “I didn’t even know he was going to be playing tonight,” said Amanda Clarke, a concert attendee. “Me and my husband used to hear him on the radio back in North Carolina, and I recognized his music.” Lt. Col. Mike Corrado, reserve integration officer, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and his band won a local contest to score one of two opening act spots for Bon Jovi at the Blaisdell Arena Feb. 12. A panel of judges narrowed the search down to five bands that each
played on local TV station KHON’s morning show. A week before the concert, viewers selected two winners to open for the back-to-back Bon Jovi concerts. “I’m honored to be picked,” Corrado said before the show. “The Grammy award-winning judges saw something in me, now I just have to do the best job for me and other Marines.”
Corrado is the lead singer and songwriter for The Mike Corrado Band. His band includes electric guitar player Jason Nobriga, keyboard player Ikaika Tecson
and four members of the MarForPac band: Staff Sgt. Chazz Harbison, bass player;
Sgt. Matt Cole, drummer; Staff Sgt. Keith Algeo, saxophone; and Cpl. Bill Watson,
trombone. “I am pretty excited,” said Cole, percussion section leader, MarForPac
band. “This is the biggest show I have done, musically, and it’s an honor that
[Corrado] asked me to play.” Corrado first grabbed a guitar back in
1992. He attended The Citadel Military College of South Carolina for drums and
percussion but found it impossible to bring his drum set back to his barracks.
“That’s where I first started writing music,” Corrado said. “It was a great way
for me to get things off my chest.” He started a band with other Marine
musicians at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Corrado soon mixed concert tours with tours
of duty overseas as he progressed in his Marine Corps career. His music also reflects his time in the Corps. Corrado’s new CD is scheduled for release in April and features a song called “Lucky One” that is about post traumatic stress disorder. “On My Watch Tonight” is an inspirational song from when Corrado
was called back into active duty during the war in Iraq. In his musical career, Corrado has played alongside John Mayer, Edwin McCain and Derek Trucks. Recently, he opened for the Black Eyed Peas during last year’s Bayfest here on Marine Corps Base Hawaii. He is scheduled to play at this year’s Bayfest, as well. “I’m just a guy playing a guitar on a big stage,” Corrado said. “This experience reminds me of my priorities and perspectives as a musician.”

Marine set to open for sold-out rock concert
2/10/2010 By Cpl. Cristina Noelia Gil, Marine Forces Pacific


CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii — While many musicians can only dream of performing on the same stage as rock band Bon Jovi, one Marine with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific will soon be adding that to his list of accomplishments.
The Mike Corrado Band, led by Lt. Col. Mike Corrado, is one of two bands who recently beat more than 50 competitors in the “Opening Act Contest” for a chance to perform before a sold-out crowd and open for the popular rock band Feb. 12.

“I have been a fan [of Bon Jovi] since their early years,” Corrado said. “These guys have been around for more than 20 years and they’ve been a strong force in music, so it’s an honor to even be considered in the same sense.”

Corrado’s band includes electric guitar player Jason Nobriga, keyboard player Ikaika Tecson and two members of the MarForPac band: Staff Sgt. Chazz Harbison, bass player, and Sgt. Matt Cole, drummer.

Upon returning to Hawaii from recording his second album, Corrado was surprised to learn his band was one of the finalists. The judging panel said the band’s submission had instant impact on them, touching them with the sincerity and realism of Corrado’s lyrics and vocals.

“What we loved about Mike is his passion for music. His voice is a cry; it’s the voice of America,” said singer and entertainer Jimmy Borges, one of the judges. “His lyrics are heartfelt and they tell a story that we can all relate to.”

As the concert date nears, Corrado and his band promise to show rock fans what set them apart from dozens of other competitors.

“We’re going to bring the best show we can possibly bring,” said Corrado. “You only get a few chances to shine, so we’re definitely making the best out of it.”

Mike Corrado is returning to his musical and military roots.

The country music star will make a special stop in Eastern North Carolina with a Saturday afternoon performance this year for the 24th annual North Carolina Seafood Festival in Morehead City, which will be held Oct. 1-3 in downtown Morehead City.

Corrado, who joined the Marine Corps in 1992, fell in love with music at an early age. He got his firsthand experience at both in North Carolina.

“The whole duality of being a musician and Marine came from my first duty station at Camp Lejeune and my first full band performance as singer-songwriter was in Eastern North Carolina,” Corrado said. “Both music and military all blossomed from there. That’s why I have such a deep connection to the Carolinas.”

He first hit the music scene in 2005 and gained national radio and television airplay after releasing the song “On My Watch Tonight” from his 2005 album “Falling Awake.”

“When I started out playing music, I had just come off active duty and went on the road full time,” Corrado said. “I didn’t have any songs about military until after 9/11.”

“On My Watch Tonight” tells the story of a Marine’s journey from boot camp to the front lines and quickly became an anthem for service men and women around the world. 

“After 9/11 I was mobilized back to active duty, part of the song came from the heart and I think it came through in the song,” Corrado said. “It just affected people in a good way. I had a lot of response from folks all around the world who said how much they appreciated it and how much they healed and got through deployments and boot camp.”

Corrado has shared the stage with John Mayer, The Black Eyed Peas, Hootie and the Blowfish, and most recently opened for Bon Jovi’s worldwide Circle Tour. Corrado said that his latest album, “Stand,” is a continuation of his salute to service members past, present and future and their families. A portion of sales of from his CDs, T-shirts or merchandise through his website benefits wounded warriors.

Corrado has been stationed in Hawaii since the summer of 2008 with his wife Kate and their two daughters. He said that he always looks forward to visits to the east coast and particularly the Carolinas to perform.

“Although [Hawaii] is a beautiful place I’m looking forward to moving back to the mainland next summer,” he said.

Corrado said the best part of his military and music career is the ability to impact the lives of others.

“I think it’s been a pretty amazing outlet for me to be able to express different feelings and stories of others who don’t get that opportunity,” Corrado said. “I get to meet a lot of people…and kind of take their stories and wrap them up and express a thought that hopefully people can relate to. I hope it helps them in some way.”

Dateline
CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii —

Many artists have written songs about the emotions service members face in the heat of war, the pain of loss and bonds of friendship, but few have lived through it.
Lt. Col. Mike Corrado, a future operations officer with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, sings from experience through his pop-rock-style music and shares the thoughts of his brothers- and sisters-in-arms with the world.

With musical influences such as Edwin McCain, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Sting and the Allman Brothers, Corrado expresses his creativity and individuality.

“I like to take what I like from various musical genres and mix them together,” said Corrado.

The Rochester, N.Y. native was commissioned in Dec. 1992 upon graduation from The Citadel in South Carolina.

While stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C. as an infantry officer, Corrado began performing at bars and clubs between deployments and in his spare time.

Corrado met his wife, Kate, an Air Force reserve flight medic, at a performance.

“(Music) is what he loves doing,” said Kate. “I support him 100 percent. I can’t let his passion die.”

In 1997, Corrado left the Marine Corps to pursue his music career.

After several years of touring, both as a headliner and as a supporting act to some of the biggest names in the music industry, Corrado’s fifth CD was due for release Sept. 12, 2001.

An East Coast tour was also scheduled to support the release.

Then the world changed on Sept. 11, causing the cancellation of the tour.

As a result of the terrorist attacks, Corrado was called back into service from the Individual Ready Reserve.

In 2005, Corrado was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq for 12 months.

Though he was in the heart of a combat zone, he still found the time and inspiration to write and work on future projects, Corrado said.

“Mike likes to observe his surroundings,” said Kate. “He picks up on the things others take for granted and gets creative.”

While in Iraq, Corrado made the decision to stay in the Corps and eventually joined the active reserve program.

Corrado’s patriotism and enthusiasm are very evident to those around him.
“His passion is obvious,” said Jack Frutchey, a friend of Corrado and a fellow musician. “The patriotism in his music is sincere.”

In his song, “On My Watch Tonight”, Corrado tells the story about a Marine’s journey from boot camp to the front lines, one that many have embraced as an anthem to their lives or as consolation in the grieving process for a loved one, he said.

Corrado gets satisfaction from knowing he influences many people and spreading the Marine message through his music, he said.

Radio play and features in Rolling Stone Magazine and CNN have brought his music and message to the mainstream.

Through his Web sites, mikecorrado.com and www.myspace.com/mikecorrado, Corrado gets many e-mails from high schoolers asking about the Marine Corps and advice on becoming a Marine.

“I love being able to offer advice and represent the Marine Corps for people looking to join,” Corrado said.

Families of service members and grateful citizens also send messages of gratitude for helping them understand what inspires men and women to serve.

“I get calls from people thanking me for helping them comprehend why their sons joined the service,” said Corrado. “I also had a family play the song at their son’s funeral.”

After three and a half years in the making, Corrado’s newest CD, Start Saving Me, has recently been released.

“People whose lives are solely dedicated to music can put an album together in just months,” Corrado said. “It takes a little more time when you have more commitments.”

Start Saving Me, the title track for the new CD, is a follow-up to “On My Watch Tonight”.

In the song, Corrado sings about the emotional rollercoaster military couples endure, he said.

Corrado wants to continue to help people heal through his music, whether it is from the loss of a loved one, the pain of separation, or other stressful times, he said.

“I hope to give people a three-minute vacation, an escape from stress, through my songs,” he said.

During his tour at MarForPac, Corrado anticipates learning about a different part of the Marine Corps than he has already seen.

“Of course, he has his priorities; his family, the Marine Corps, then his music,” said Kate. “No matter what he does, everything ultimately goes back to his music.”

Not everyone fully understands the lives of men and women in uniform, but Corrado sings it out when he puts down his rifle and picks up his guitar.

ROLLING STONE

...Marine Maj. Mike Corrado, 38, who oversaw security at the military base in Fallujah, is one of the few established musicians on To the Fallen. A singer-songwriter who has played shows with John Mayer and Derek Trucks, he says music helps him share his experiences. "I got a call from the parents of a Marine who was killed," he says. "They thanked me for helping them understand why he wanted to be in the Marines."

A visit home
January 17,2008
TIMMI TOLER
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Nearly two years ago, Mike Corrado left for Kansas City. Duty called and the Marine, who had recently returned from Iraq, took his station as the Inspector-Instructor and Commanding Officer for Headquarters Company, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division.

Since then, he's been on CNN, he'll be on an upcoming episode of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," he's got a song featured on a new television series, he's won first place for a moving music video, he took the stage in Chicago for wounded heroes and he's got a new CD and a new baby on the way.

But on Sunday, he's coming "home" to wrap up work on his new CD and to perform a couple of shows.

"I am so excited. This will be the first time I have been back since I moved," said Corrado. "I have been receiving a lot of e-mails and requests to come back and do some N.C. shows. I can't wait to see all my friends and to do the shows in Wilmington and Emerald Isle."

Corrado got his start along the shores of Emerald Isle and Topsail Beach in the early '90s. The Citadel graduate formed a band out of other musical Marines stationed with him at Camp Lejeune. Their sound blended jazz, funk and soul with down-to-earth lyrics and quickly netted a fan base.

For most of that decade, the band packed clubs and got airplay on local radio stations (back when local radio stations actually played local music). The band released several CDs and stayed booked with nearly 250 shows a year.

But after 2000, commitments to the Marine Corps, the tragic events of 9/11 and the War in Iraq took the musicians their separate ways.

Corrado kept writing and working on projects, penning "My Watch Tonight" not long after 9/11. The song is revered among military service members. CNN featured the song on their "I-Report: Caught on Camera" year-end special which included interviews, pictures and videos from Iraq. Corrado also took first place for famecast.com's national video competition for the song which featured a slideshow video.

And it is a staple when Corrado performs for those who know what it's like to wear the uniform. He recently played a benefit concert for the Wounded Heroes Fund in Chicago for a dozen wounded service members from Brooks Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

"Motorola flew these guys ... to Chicago on their leer jet. They were treated like kings for a week, as they should be," said Corrado. "It especially hit home ... we had many friends and comrades in common."

Corrado's new CD "Start Saving Me" is set to drop this spring. The title track is about military service members and their families. "They are the ones being strong, keeping the home fires burning and keeping it all together while loved ones are away," said Corrado. He considers it the companion piece to "My Watch" which was written for those in uniform. "Saving Me" is for those who love the ones wearing the uniform. "While their hero is off saving the world, at the end of the day or the end of the deployment, they could use a little saving too," said Corrado.

After all, Corrado knows both sides. Kate, his wife of six years is an Air Force flight medic. They welcomed daughter Olivia three years ago and have a new addition on the way. Corrado understands the difficulty of balancing the commitment to family and military - particularly during deployments. The new CD will also feature "I Still Believe," a song he wrote about the struggles of keeping a relationship together.

"Of all the songs on the CD, this is the only one I actually wrote while deployed to Iraq. I actually recorded the first demo in a building used as surge morgue on Camp Fallujah. It was a quiet place with decent acoustics which, thankfully, remained empty the entire year I was deployed," said Corrado.

He'll put final touches on the CD in studios in Wilmington and, in between, play The Whiskey at 10 p.m. in Wilmington Saturday and The Emerald Club at 9 p.m. in Emerald Isle Sunday.

Joining Corrado will be his longtime friend and guitar player Tommy Brothers, frontman for the band Machine Gun whose drummer John Wade and bassist John White both appear on Corrado's new CD.

"I am particularly pumped about the Emerald Isle show. We got our start in Topsail and Emerald Isle so it will be great to go back and see everyone," said Corrado, noting that keyboardist Adrian Duke will be also be onstage for the Sunday show which they will record live.

"Just for fun, we'll be doing a live recording, possibly for release later this year, we'll see. Last time we played the Emerald Club, it was a blast and everyone was there," said Corrado.

The new television series "Whittaker Bay," filmed in Wilmington, will feature Corrado's signature tune "Damn" recorded early in his career in 1998 and revised for Corrado's last CD - his first solo project - "Falling Awake" released in 2005. The show, which airs on WGN Superstation, will feature the song on its Jan. 26 episode.

And on Feb. 10, Corrado will appear on an episode of ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." The show, hosted by Ty Pennington, came to Kansas City and built a home for a staff sergeant who is now medically retired due to injuries sustained in Iraq.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the show air. It was an amazing process what the (show's) folks did," said Corrado. "(It) will be very moving, that's all I can say."

In addition to all of the above, Corrado is also writing and recording for TV and film projects. He's excited about getting the new CD out and he'll showcase some of the new material at his dates around the area.

Coming home to North Carolina is good he said, but being home is better. That, and continuing to explore music.

"My daughter is 3 now and my wife and I have another ... due in April. With all the instruments I have around, I think we'll start a band," Corrado said. "The world needs a new Partridge Family."


Contact Timmi Toler at 910-219-8458 or ttoler@freedomenc.com.




Want to go? Mike Corrado will be performing at The Whiskey, located at 1 South Front St. in Wilmington, on Saturday at 10 p.m. For more info, call 910-763-3088. He will also perform at The Emerald Club, located at 8102 Emerald Drive in Emerald Isle, on Sunday at 9 p.m. For more info, call 252-354-2929. Find more information about Mike Corrado at http://www.mikecorrado.com and http://www.myspace.com/mikecorrado

By Jessica Gaspar, staff writer

Messenger Post

Mar 01, 2008

When he was younger, Mike Corrado fell in love with the sound of tapping drums. The beat and rhythm inspired him to be a musician.

But, then he picked up a guitar while attending the Citadel — a military college.

“Being in a military school and trying to write, I needed some kind of melodic instrument that was small and somewhat quieter than the drums,” Corrado said.

Then, he fell deeper in love with music and the art of writing.

The Marine and Rochester native writes and performs music across the country. Most recently, one of his songs has been featured on a nationally released CD called “To The Fallen Presents Rock: Volume I” — a tribute to soldiers who have died in combat.
Corrado is still in active duty and so, much of his music is written from a soldiers’ perspective.

Though, the song featured on the CD, called “Start Saving Me,” is written from the perspective of a military spouse.

“Basically, they're the ones that are kind of holding everything together and keeping the home fires burning while their loved ones are out saving the world, so to speak,” Corrado said. “At the end of it, they could use a little saving, too.”

Corrado, who currently lives in Kansas City, Mo., was born in Rochester and lived in Chili until he was 9. When he got older, his parents lived in Pittsford for a spell before settling in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., though he still has relatives in the Rochester area.

After college, Corrado, 38, joined the Marine Corps. and now lives in Kansas City, Mo. After playing drums all his life, Corrado picked up a guitar 15 years ago.

“Being in a military school and trying to write, I needed some kind of melodic instrument that was small and somewhat quieter than the drums,” he said.

Since forming his self-titled band, Corrado has toured with national acts such as John Mayer, Train and Vertical Horizon.

There's nothing more humbling for Corrado than getting an e-mail message from someone he doesn't know, telling him how meaningful his music has been.

“It's just great knowing you struck a chord with someone,” he said.

A fan of Corrado’s turned him on to Sean Gilfillan, CEO and co-founder of “To The Fallen.” Gilfillan was impressed with Corrado's style. “Start Saving Me” struck a chord with him.

“We need to concentrate on ... our family and our children and our relationships,” Gilfillan said. “A lot of times that gets lost in the fold.”

Corrado will continue playing his music across the country. In the past, he's played at venues in North Carolina, Texas and California. He's got a tour date in Missouri next month.

He enjoys meeting fans in person just as much as he enjoys hearing from them online.
“From the touring side, it's being able to meet different people, see new places and connect in person,” he said.

Fast facts

The CD “To The Fallen” has released three CDs so far. Rochester native Mike Corrado has been featured on the rock version.
COST: $14.99
WHERE TO BUY: www.tothefallenrecords.com
MORE INFO: To hear some of Mike Corrado's music, take a peek at his MySpace page www.myspace.com/mikecorrado

Military Songwriters Contest

On My Watch Tonight
An Interview with Mike Corrado
Q: Tell me about your military service.

A: I had served with the Marines for 5 years before I left active duty to pursue a music career. I went on tour performing 200-250 dates a year as a headliner and playing a ton of opening spots for acts like Edwin McCain, John Mayer, Train, Vertical Horizon and more. I was touring from 1997-2001 until the 9/11 attacks when I was called back to active duty. While back on active duty, I still managed to play acoustic shows and a handful of full band shows. I continued to write and record and released my latest CD “Falling Awake” one week before I was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq for a year. The CD contains the single “On My Watch Tonight” which I was lucky enough to have Edwin McCain sing background vocals on.

Q. Where did “On My Watch Tonight” come from?

A: “On My Watch Tonight” is about the journey of a Marine from boot camp to the front lines. It tells the story from the Marine’s perspective and why it is we serve, “I’ll brave the cold, the rain the pain and the bullets, so you don’t have to.” It’s about the people back home continuing on with life and enjoying the liberties we are afforded while brave men and women in the armed forces “deal with the hate.” The song has really taken on a life of its own. I get hundreds of e-mails from military members, spouses, families and veterans telling me how the song has affected them or how it has gotten them through difficult times. It is quickly become the new anthem for the men and women of the armed services.

Q: How has your experience been with the songwriting contest?

A: It’s been great. I signed a publishing deal and teamed up with the folks at www.rehearsals.com. I had seen a commercial for the contest on Armed Forces TV while deployed to Fallujah. When I entered, I never would have thought I would have done so well or that I’d be on a plane to Los Angeles to film a live video on an amazing sound stage for www.rehearsals.com shortly after coming home from Iraq. It has definitely opened a lot more doors. It’s been great.

Q: What are you doing with your music now and how are you managing to do that with your service?

A: I am currently working on songs for my next album. Being on active duty is demanding on your time but I continue to write and perform every chance I get. I am exploring different songwriting opportunities, working with other writers and working with TV and film. My ultimate goal for the single “On My Watch Tonight” would be to have an artist like Tim McGraw or large national act release it. I think it would give a lot of people a better understanding of why we serve, as well as provide a bit of hope or comfort for those who lost a loved one.

Corrado puts music on his watch
By Doug Miller

To say Mike Corrado is ready for whatever the music industry might throw at him might be the understatement of the century.

That's because Corrado, an up-and-coming singer, songwriter, and musician, has had been experiencing a much tougher life since he first picked up a guitar in 1992.

"I spent March 2005 to March 2006 in Fallujah, Iraq," said Corrado, a Major in the United States Marine Corps and a veteran of several tours of duty. "I can't say it was a great experience, but it was an experience. It was something I'll always remember, to be right there alongside your Marines."

Corrado returned to the U.S. in time to be awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in connection with the support of combat operations in Iraq.

And a few months later he was back in the music game, honing his songcraft with a nine-piece band at the famous CenterStaging facility in Burbank, Calif., where the day's work was filmed in high-definition for broadcast on rehearsals.com.

"What I hope people get from watching rehearsals.com is, No. 1, to see what an incredible setup this is and what a great forum this is for people to sit down and watch people play or watch people work out a part, or work out a vocal harmony or work out a bass line, or whatever," Corrado said.

"There's a lot of work in it, and it's give and take -- that language between musicians that just makes it shine. And rehearsals.com is gonna give them that inside scoop to do that, to look at that, and I think that's just genius."

Corrado fans find genius in the songs of the North Carolina native and graduate of The Citadel, particularly the military-themed ballad "On My Watch," the first single from his latest release, Falling Awake.

The song details what Marines and soldiers go through, from boot camp to combat, and was completed with the help of the vocals of Edwin McCain, a good friend of Corrado's.

"On My Watch," written when Corrado became incensed with anger and heartbreak after the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, got solid radio play in the South and also affected the lives of droves of armed forces personnel.

He said the song helps explain what life is like for those serving their country abroad and why they do what they do.

"We're here, we're taking care of business -- get back to your life, you know?" Corrado said. "That's kind of what it's about. You're called upon to do it, you do it.

"And it struck a chord with people and if it can heal people, even just a little, that's it. Success."

Corrado was deployed to Fallujah a week after the song came out, but "On My Watch" was a success, inspiring countless e-mails from people touched by its message. Corrado read those messages during his time in Iraq.

"It was truly inspiring, and just re-emphasized the healing power of music," he said.

The power of music was alive and well during Corrado's rehearsals.com session.

"There's a little bit of everything in there," Corrado said. "I like to throw different flavors of gospel and jazz and rock and funk and salsa and, you know, a little bit of everything.

"So it depends on what we're in the mood for and where we are and what we do with it. It kind of bounces around."

Corrado and his band bounced around in Burbank, playing "On My Watch," one of his earliest songs, "Magic," and "Stick Around," which was inspired by his wife and infant child.

After all he's been through, Corrado said there's nothing quite like the feeling of true musical collaboration.

"Man, when it's workin', it is magic," he said. "It's awesome. It's addictive. It's that thing that makes you keep coming back. It's the thing that makes you want to get better and better.

"You just have this energy and this vibe flowing around the room, and everybody's feeling good."

Twenty military songwriters still in contest


By Patrick Dickson, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, April 23, 2006

WASHINGTON — It doesn’t have Simon Cowell, but contestants are being eliminated and finalists have been named.

Soon we’ll know who among servicemembers can really write a song.

Judges from the Songs from the Soul of Service contest (www.songssoulservice.org) have winnowed down 400 entries to 24 songs, and the group of 20 aspiring tunesmiths wait in anticipation for Memorial Day, when winners will be announced.

“It feels good to be included in this group, this different band of brothers,” said Master Sgt. Barbara Gironda, the only female still standing, with her folk entry, “Tried and True.”

Gironda, who works for the 9th Finance Battalion at Fort Lewis, Wash., said family is her inspiration, especially when deployed.

“The best part is coming home to your babies,” she said. “That is the greatest feeling.”

Gironda said she wants “someone like Clint Black” to record her song.

The contest closed to submissions Feb. 15 with more than 400 entries from servicemembers around the world.

On June 16, a concert will be held at the Killeen Community Center Amphitheater near Fort Hood, Texas, to celebrate the songs and songwriters in the U.S. military.

Music industry professionals, including “Grammy-winning and nominated producers and artists,” will make a CD of the best songs, the proceeds of which are to help support charities benefiting military personnel and their families, contest spokesman William Brown said.

Staff Sgt. Carlos Swan, based in South Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division, wants to record his own song, “Pleaser,” with Busta Rhymes or Ludacris doing the rap part.

Swan has been trying to get into the music business “since I was little” and “would love to perform on the ‘David Letterman Show.’”

Same with Airman 1st Class Virgil Werley, a fireman with the 35th Civil Engineering Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan.

“I would prefer to record the song myself,” Werley said of his instrumental, “Long Gone.” “I’d love to spend some time in a real nice studio and lay down some tracks.”

The 27-year-old Garland, Texas, native, started writing music at 14, he said.

Marine Reserve Maj. Mike Corrado has had a taste of success himself, having toured with Train and blues great Robert Cray, among others.

He sees Tim McGraw, Edwin McCain or Rascal Flatts recording “On My Watch Tonight,” his entry inspired by an e-mail from a young Marine who was in Afghanistan at the time.

“This was a couple of months after 9/11,” Corrado remembered, “and he essentially said, ‘We’ve got this, everyone back home needs to get on with their lives.’”

Warrant Officer 1 Derrick A. Walker, who recently moved from Stuttgart, Germany, writes his own lyrics and composes his tunes on a synthesizer.

“I would like to record my songs myself but I think Snoop Dogg could record my songs, too,” Walker said.

“It only takes one hit to get you in, and I’m pressing for that goal and more,” he said.

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (May 12, 2005) -- A Marine serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom left a successful career in order to deploy. Having lived a life laced with music, he now plays to a different tune.

Major Mike Corrado, company commander, Headquarters and Service Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (FWD) is the lead vocalist in The Mike Corrado Band. The band has played concerts with several recording artist including Vertical Horizon, Train and John Mayer.

Corrado received a flare for music at a young age.

“I originally started out playing drums when I was in second grade,” said Corrado, Jacksonville N.C. native. “When I was in college I bought a guitar and learned how to play just because I started doing some writing.”

Corrado started performing in bars wherever he could play. He later found Marines who were serving in the 2nd Marine Division Marine Corps Band and desired to form a band of there own. The Mike Corrado Band was born and has continued to evolve.

“It [the band] went from all Marines to no Marines other than myself and now back to two of its original members,” explained Corrado.

It was accessible for Corrado to find talent in the Marine Corps Band, but he was looking for something more.

“You have to find people with the right vision too,” he continued. “As we started getting bigger in the Carolinas it was a little bit easier to find people who wanted to play. We were out there making a name for ourselves, things were moving up and things were getting bigger with every month that went by. I had a little more flexibility to pick people that I thought would perform well.”

Upon leaving the states for his deployment, Corrado released a solo album titled Falling Awake. He dedicated the recording to his wife Kate and his 5-month-old daughter Olivia.

The song My Watch contains backup vocals by recording artist Edwin McCain. Corrado and McCain have been friends since 1992. McCain had his own way of showing his support of Corrado’s decision to defend the United States.

“Edwin gave me a guitar to bring over here,” Corrado said. “He has been a good mentor. He has been through some ups and downs and he has been through some pitfalls. He’s given me a lot of advice along the way.”

With the support of his family and friends, Corrado was willing to put his dream on hold. He takes his duty serious and wants there to be no misunderstanding about why he made his decision.

“Sometimes there is a misconception between what the media put out compared to what people here really feel,” explained Corrado. “People aren’t here under duress. We signed up to support our country and its constitution and if this is what it takes then here we are.

Corrado has plans to complete his tour of duty and return to the stage with his musical comrades.

“With this whole thing about taking time off the road, I could have just said no thanks, but I look at this as my personal tax for the freedoms I enjoy and the freedoms my family enjoys,” he continued. “Being away from them and being here with these Marines and supporting whatever mission is tasked to us, if that’s what’s asked of me than that’s the least I can do for everything that I enjoy.”

Singer/songwriter and active duty U.S. Marine Corps. Officer Mike Corrado, recently released his song, “My Watch (The Soldier’s Song),” to radio nationally. While artists Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, and others have performed songs showing support for our servicemen and women, Mike Corrado writes form firsthand experience. His song is a message to the families, friends and supporters back home in the states to take care of your children and continue living your lives because the military is keeping a watchful eye and protecting your freedom.

Even with the success of his song, Corrado is still committed to his country. He has just been extended on active duty and will be deployed to Iraq at the first of the year. Mike will be leaving his wife, Kate, and first born child who will be only 3 weeks old at that time.

“My Watch” is currently garnering regional airplay, and Mike was a guest on WLW Cincinnati, the ABC Radio Dallas & Hot AC affiliate stations, and the The (BBC) Gary Burbank syndicated Network. On WRHT in Greenville, North Carolina, there were nearly 5,000 downloads of the song in its first week, as the Jacksonville, NC native’s song is quickly becoming an anthem for those who serve to protect our country, their families and all departments of public service.

Proceeds from sales of the CD single benefit OperationHomefront.net (A Clear Channel Charity), an organization that helps military spouses and families in times of need while their loved ones are deployed. Corrado’s DVD, Live at Thalian Hall, is featured on Digital Cable’s Video-on-Demand Nationwide in 70 markets with over 11 million viewers. Corrado has also performed with John Mayer, Edwin McCain, and Train, and on WFXT, Boston’s Fox Television affiliate.

The song is available as a CD single or DVD at CD Baby, or on Mike Corrado.com or EO-Records.

They tried to tell Ryan Seacrest about their idol, but apparently he wouldn't listen.

Now they're hoping Oprah Winfrey will.

Greg Brady, Crystal Legends and Gonzo, members of 96.3/103.7 The Hot FM's morning show, based in New Bern, started the "Play It Forward" campaign last week. Through a combined effort with listeners, the DJs are hoping to get Mike Corrado's song "On My Watch Tonight" into the hands of someone with enough clout to give the song the national attention they feel it deserves.

"We get requests for it constantly," said Brady, who's been at the station for more than 10 years. "Every time we spin the song, we get calls from listeners who want to know more about it."

Corrado, a Marine Corps major currently serving in Fallujah, has been writing and recording music for more than 10 years with his group, The Mike Corrado Band. His music has been featured on TV shows - most recently on CBS' "Joan of Arcadia" - he's played sold-out venues at House of Blues, and he's shared the stage with mainstream favorites Train, Vertical Horizon and Edwin McCain.

The Citadel graduate joined the Marines in 1992, serving with its reserve force. After Sept. 11, Corrado penned "My Watch," a heartfelt ballad of a Marine's journey from boot camp to the front lines: "Don't worry about me/ I'll be all right/Just care for your children and sleep tight/I'll keep you safe on my watch tonight â?¦"

Called up for duty four years ago, Corrado is the company commander of Headquarters and Service Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force. His wife, Kate, an Air Force flight medic, and their 6-month-old daughter live in Jacksonville.

Corrado released his latest CD, "Falling Awake," just before he deployed to Iraq in January. The CD contains "My Watch" with guest vocals by McCain, and, Brady says, everything needed for a No. 1 hit.

Hey, Seacrest

"When we first started playing it, it went right to No. 1 and stayed there for about three weeks," said Brady. "Mike is a real artist, and this song has the perfect ingredients - everything a hit needs."

It was a call from a listener that inspired the "Play It Forward" movement, Brady said.

"She'd lost her husband in the war. She felt he wasn't appreciated," Brady said. "There was something about that song that touched her. We decided then that there had to be a way to get this song out to everybody."

After a brainstorming session, Brady said Seacrest, who hosts the morning show, "On Air with Ryan Seacrest," emerged as the most influential person in the music industry - someone able to get the song national attention. The trio overnighted a copy of the CD with some information about the song to Seacrest, who also hosts Fox's "American Idol."

Brady said initial contact with Seacrest's producers was encouraging, but after several days, interest began to fizzle.

The morning crew then decided to call Seacrest's request line and ask him to play Corrado's song - and they encouraged listeners do the same thing.

"We stayed on the air until one in the afternoon," said Brady, whose show usually runs from 5:30 to 10 a.m. "We gave out the request line number to listeners and they called also."

And although calls from eastern North Carolina were definitely noticed - reports swirled that request lines were jammed at "On Air"- Brady said they still didn't get any word from Seacrest's camp.

So the next step was to take out a full page ad in the Los Angeles Times.

"We tossed the idea out to listeners, and they wanted to keep going," said Brady. The show began collecting money for the ad, but the price proved a bit steep - more than $100,000.

To Oprah with love

With the money they raised, the team purchased 400 of Corrado's CDs and the "Play It Forward" campaign was born. It works like this: Each CD is passed to 10 people, who keep it for 24 hours. CD holders sign a paper explaining the campaign and are encouraged to write about the song if they want.

The 10th person to get the CD then slips it in the mail to Winfrey. If all goes well, by Friday Winfrey will get all 400 copies and 4,000 signatures along with them. Brady said the hope is that the show of support will be enough get Corrado a "Harpo Hook Up," a special program run by Winfrey that helps deserving people get a lucky break.

"Oprah's always been in support of the military," Brady said. "We really feel if Oprah gets these CDs, she'll recognize the support this song has and do something with it."

Corrado said he is getting lots of support from fans about the campaign.

"The response has been overwhelming," Corrado said via e-mail. "I am humbled by how the song has affected listeners â?¦ it speaks volumes for the healing power of music, and it's truly inspiring."

Brady said he believes the song not only inspires, but also enlightens.

"Even if you don't necessarily agree with everything that's going on with this war, this song helps you understand what our service men and women really do and how important it is," said Brady.

"People who â?¦ have never been around the military don't understand what they go through. Music is a great venue for that. There's an awakening that happens with the listener."

Click link to read

MITCHELLVILLE, Md.  — A Marine musician left concert goers in awe after performing a five-song country-rock set at the American Heroes Festival July 24.

 

Lt. Col. Mike Corrado took the stage at Six Flags as the show’s opening act; a performance dedicated to families who have lost loved ones in wars fought for America’s freedom.

Corrado, an operations officer with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, said he enjoys playing music to help other people get through their pain and heal the soul.

“To be a part of this event is amazing,” Corrado said.

Before taking up the guitar, Corrado loved to play the drums. Although while attending the Citadel, a military college in South Carolina, his passion for drumming became an issue with his neighbors. This is around the time when Corrado picked up a guitar and taught himself how to play.

Today, Corrado has produced eight albums and opened for big names like The Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi and John Myer. Before returning to active duty in 2001, he performed between 200 and 250 shows a year.

“After 9/11, I got a call saying they could really use me,” Corrado said.

Tommy Brothers, a guitar player in the Mike Corrado Band, said having a Marine in the group made things a little more difficult because of the distance. However, he understands that being a Marine is very important to Corrado.

“He has been an inspiration for me and I am very honored he does what he does for me,” said Brothers, a Wilmington, N.C., native.

Steve Thorne, a Virginia Beach, Va., native and saxophone player in Mike Corrado Band, said it’s an honor to play with a Marine, and to play in front of the families of the fallen.

“To play some music to help heal the soul is humbling and an amazing opportunity,” Corrado said.