Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Mike Collins is a multi-talented drummer and songwriter whose project, Rooftop Screamers, embodies his expansive journey in music. As the driving force behind Rooftop Screamers, Collins has crafted a unique studio project that combines the skills and sounds of various acclaimed musicians. Formerly the drummer and founding member of the power pop band Throwback Suburbia, Collins has a long-standing history in the music world, where he’s collaborated with a roster of notable artists. His impressive career includes working alongside Cy Curnin of The Fixx, shred-guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert of Mr. Big, the iconic Earl Slick (known for his work with David Bowie and John Lennon), and singer Dilana from *The Voice* and *Rockstar Supernova*.
Through Rooftop Screamers, Collins brings together his rich background in rock, his love for compelling collaborations, and his dedication to creating music that resonates on a personal and emotional level. In addition to his own creative contributions, Collins has a keen eye for working with legendary figures in music production, exemplified in his collaboration with renowned producer and engineer Mark Plati. Known for his work with icons like David Bowie, Prince, Robbie Williams, and The Cure, Plati brings a world of experience and refined talent to Rooftop Screamers’ latest release, lending his expertise on bass, guitar, and keyboards to create a polished and multi-dimensional sound. This collaboration showcases Collins’s ability to bridge personal storytelling with professional precision, making Rooftop Screamers not just a musical project but an artistic journey in its own right.
On October 11th, 2024, Rooftop Screamers unveiled their heartfelt new single, “Souvenirs,” a track that offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the fragility and beauty of memory. Featuring the acclaimed guitarist and vocalist Randy McStine, celebrated for his work with the British progressive rock band Porcupine Tree, this release brings together a powerhouse of talent. With masterful production from Mark Plati, the song weaves hauntingly beautiful melodies with themes of love and loss, paying tribute to Collins’s late grandmother and capturing the lasting impact of a loved one’s legacy. “Souvenirs” is a powerful blend of rock and emotional resonance, inviting listeners to pause, remember, and connect.
The single “Souvenirs” by Rooftop Screamers is a profound work of art, showcasing the heart and soul of its creator, Mike Collins. The track captures a beautiful, almost ethereal balance between rock’s familiar grit and an intimate, bluesy warmth. From the opening notes, “Souvenirs” invites the listener into a world that is both delicate and immersive. Guitar strings, played with precision and restraint, set a gentle but commanding tone, while the piano adds layers of softness and emotional depth. This union between the guitar’s raw edge and the piano’s lush warmth creates a serene atmosphere that is reminiscent of nostalgia, love, and the bittersweet nature of memory.
The song’s introduction is like a slow build, one that draws you in with each passing second. As the melody unfolds, Randy McStine’s soothing vocals emerge, lifting the lyrics into a realm of pure emotion. His voice carries a calm serenity, capturing a vulnerability that seems to echo the memories and sentiments Collins seeks to convey. McStine’s performance is not overly dramatic; rather, it is perfectly restrained, letting each word settle into the listener’s mind and resonate with clarity. There’s an authenticity in his delivery that feels like a conversation between friends, as though he’s revealing pieces of himself while respecting the quiet space of the listener’s heart.
As the song progresses, it’s clear that the instrumentation is carefully designed to complement and enhance the vocal narrative. At around the 0:45 mark, a bassline introduces a new layer, adding depth to the track and grounding the song’s reflective tone. The bass doesn’t overpower; instead, it thickens the soundscape, bringing a richness that makes the song feel even more immersive. Alongside it, a steady drumbeat is introduced, lending a subtle rhythm that drives the song forward without overwhelming its soft intensity. The percussion here is like a heartbeat, steady and calm, mirroring the song’s themes of remembrance and the passage of time.
Mark Plati’s production work on “Souvenirs” deserves special mention. Known for his collaborations with legends like David Bowie and The Cure, Plati brings a masterful touch to the track. His role as producer is evident in the song’s seamless blend of instruments and vocal layers. The mix feels polished yet natural, with each element given room to breathe. The double-tracked vocals add an almost ghostly presence, hinting at the layers of memory and emotion embedded in the lyrics. It’s as if the listener is hearing both the present and the past at once, a fitting effect for a song dedicated to preserving memories.
The depth of the storytelling in “Souvenirs” is one of its most outstanding features. Every note of this song reflects Collins’ heartfelt dedication to his late grandma, to whom he penned it. Love and memory are mentioned in the lyrics, and McStine’s voice seems to bear the burden of loss with grace. The fact that memories, like “souvenirs,” are shards of the people we love and that moments endure in our hearts and minds even after they are gone serves as a potent reminder. Listeners are prompted to consider their own lives and relationships by the song’s universal message of remembering loved ones.
The interplay of melody and rhythm in “Souvenirs” is beautifully complex. Despite its mid-tempo pacing, the song feels vibrant, with a groove that’s almost hypnotic. There is a constant ebb and flow between soft and strong, creating a dynamic listening experience that feels like a journey through the highs and lows of memory. The shifts in instrumentation and subtle changes in intensity make each listen a discovery, revealing new layers and nuances that were perhaps unnoticed before. The balance between energy and emotion is masterfully maintained, making the track feel alive yet grounded.
Vocally, McStine’s performance is enhanced by layers of harmonies and subtle backing vocals. The double-tracked and underlayer vocals add texture to the song, creating an effect that feels both full and introspective. These layers give a depth of feeling that lasts long after the song ends, filling the atmosphere without overpowering it. The song gains a richness from McStine’s vocal and the rich harmonies, which enhances the lyrical depth and makes it a musical experience that is both joyful and meaningful.
The exquisitely composed work “Souvenirs” pays tribute to the universal human experience of love and sorrow. Collins, McStine, and Plati have produced a song that pushes the boundaries of style and genre while conveying a timeless and intimate message. The emotional vocals, well-layered production, and fusion of rock and blues components make this song unforgettable for anyone who hear it. A wide range of people will probably find “Souvenirs” relatable, offering consolation and a sense of community to those who have gone through comparable romantic and remembering journeys.
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