The initial reception of “We Were Golden” upon release in late 2024 inspired the idea of creating a video to go along with the song.
Mikey’s in the Mustang, brings listeners back to the golden era of the 1960s in their latest single, “We Were Golden.”
Created for the purpose of bringing this unique music to life, Mikey’s in the Mustang is a virtual band comprised of select musicians and singers and fueled by the creative direction of Dave Blackburn, producer, arranger and musician and the 77-year-old Mike Mahoney who created the concept and co-wrote the lyrics to this tribute song to Brian Wilson (Beach Boys). This project which has grown far beyond just the original concept of a song about and somewhat exaggerated vision of Mike’s life in Southern California during the mid to late 1960’s.
The initial reception of “We Were Golden” upon release in late 2024 inspired the idea of creating a video to go along with the song. And then to creating a film. The film under development is based upon not just the song but a story of how in that age of innocence cultural change and the Vietnam War reshaped the youth of that time. Alongside, William Gereghty, his veteran 79-year-old movie and television director and cinematographer friend, Mike has written the storyline as well as a soundtrack album of songs that relate the period and scenes within the story. As executive producer, songwriter, and film storyline writer, Mahoney has directed this project which now has gained significant attention not only from within the music industry but in the media streaming world.
What makes this adventure unique is that is being done as a legacy project by a group of men well into their 70’s. It is an effort to convey the innocence of the times and the music that still today is heard on television commercials and movies. As Dave Blackburn, the producer and well-known musician states “Most music today has no melody or theme”. “Back in the 60’s you could hear the song one time and sing the lyrics as well as feel the emotion”.
Besides the film, unique to this project is the 10 song “Soundtrack Album” which was created by Mahoney and Blackburn to fit the scenes of the movie, that wasn’t even written yet. Mike had the vision of what he wanted to write for the storyline and at the same time heard the music that should accompany the scene. Usually, the soundtrack is written after the film is in production and the director or producer has finalized the concept. The music of this soundtrack is unique as it not only promotes the concept of this 1960’s band and what they went through as a group but a reflection of the times played out in song. The song is a celebration of those times.
While Mikey’s in the Mustang is a fictional band for the film, in real life it is a collaboration of Mahoney, Blackburn, and singers Patch and Liam Croome are featured vocalists from the popular band Daring Greatly, along with Travis Guilliams a local standout singer songwriter. Dave Blackburn provides much of the musical talent as well as other featured artists brought in to complete the entire project. Their efforts evoke Beach Boy vibes and a time machine to a time unforgotten yet fading from memory.
In the 1960s and 70s, Laurel Canyon was home to many famous musicians who create the folk, rock, and pop scene from Joni Mitchell to Crosby, Stills, and Nash, to the Mamas and the Papas--and so many more. “Our music is for younger people to learn about a time they’ve heard about but don’t know what it was like. Our lives were simple then (despite wars),” explains Mahoney. “We were naïve to what “adulthood” would bring and how our lives would change.” Younger listeners will be able to understand this time and place from seeing the video. For older people, it’s nostalgic.”
Nominated, the video for “We Were Golden” is a remarkable visual. “What’s unique about the video is that it wasn’t made to be abstract or show the band singing the song. It’s a slide show but with live video that really follows the lyrics line by line, not in a singing or acting out way but as a story of what you’re hearing—a visual reference to the lyrics.”
Of the 10 songs on the album, five have been released to great reception. The styles vary from traditional to period, written specifically for the movie. We follow the narrative from high school prom night to junior college, where many went to escape the draft and live the beach and music lifestyle, and beyond. “It’s truly a lifestyle piece,” adds Mahoney. “We look back in nostalgia but also with gratitude and a reflection of the innocence of that time.”
Make sure to stay connected to Mikey’s in the Mustang on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
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