The Dawning Fire

Mike Rathke

MIKE’S APPROACH TO WRITING IS ONE THAT EXPLORES AND CELEBRATES GOD’S PRESENCE IN ALL FACETS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. Mike Rathke a Kansas native and singer-songwriter began his musical path with a deep appreciation for music and artistry. At age 12, he left home and drifted from house to house, sleeping on any couch that welcomed him. It was during this time that he bought his first six string from a neighbor for 20 dollars and began to teach himself guitar. At age 19, Mike came into the Christian faith and found that his greatest creativity would come from a life of worship and service to the God of all creation. Mike began leading worship in churches and quietly writing songs of struggle, forgiveness, grace and redemption. His influences include Josh Garrels, Ray LaMontagne, and John Mark McMillan, along with many others. His first adventure in the realm of music production came with three self-produced albums, Letters From the Father, Spoken Words and the Word That’s Spoken, and Never Change. His latest EP “The Dawning Fire” was recorded in Nashville in July of 2019 with his first single releasing this fall. The songs contained in this album reflect Mike’s passion for biblical lyrics encased in a tasteful bed of modern folk music. Mike recently recorded his EP at the Sound Emporium in Nashville with producer Billy Chapin. The EP features some of the industry’s best musicians including Russ Pahl on pedal steel, Dave Cohen on keys, Miles McPherson on drums, Tim Marks on bass and Justin Ostrander on electric guitar. Mike was a special guest performer at Gracefest 2019 featuring acts Tasha Cobbs, Jeremy Riddle, and Mercy Me. He performed his upcoming single “The Dawning Fire” in front of an audience of more than 5,000 festival goers. Mike will be releasing more singles from his EP in 2020 while performing live across the country.

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