CONFIRMED: Can military men storm the stage of rock and plant their flag in the spotlight? Singer/songwriter, Mike Corrado puts the question to bed with his pop-rock sound and proven radio success. Mike, who has proudly served his country for years, has both the discipline of a U. S. Marine and the musical chops and vocals to back it up.
Mike Corrado began performing in the bars and clubs along the North Carolina coast while stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC with the Marines. Upon completion of his active duty commitment, Mike, along with friend, drummer and fellow Marine Lamont Sydnor turned in their rifles for guitars, drums and life on the road. They began developing a strong grass roots following in the Southeast by performing 200-250 dates a year across the country as headliners and opening act for artists like John Mayer, Edwin McCain, Train, Derek Trucks and many more. The relentless touring and radio play in the southeast, propelled independent CD sales and an ever-increasing fan base.
For four years, Mike, Lamont and the band continued their grueling tour schedule and uncompromising work ethic until the events September 11, 2001 changed many people's lives forever, Mike's included. He was recalled back to active duty with the Marine Corps in support of the fight against terrorism. The band's 4th CD Ziller and the Baboon was set to be released on September 12th, 2001. The events of the day prior and news of being called back onto active duty resulted in canceling the CD release tour which included dates in New York, Boston, Washington, DC and throughout the Southeast.
The temporary hiatus from the road and demanding schedule with the Marines left little time for music, but Mike took time to reflect, write and record every chance he could. The result was a series of songs for the latest CD Falling Awake, which was released in March 2005.
One week after the release of Falling Awake, Mike was deployed for a one-year tour to Fallujah, Iraq, leaving behind his wife and three month old daughter. In March 2006, Mike returned to home to the states and once again teamed up with Lamont Sydnor, this time in Los Angeles, for a live performance video shoot for www.rehearsals.com The Rehearsals shoot lead to an audition for the NBC show Star Tomorrow. Star Tomorrow was an online band competition where Mike and the band placed in the top 20 acts in the nation.