The most important part of any project for me is the very beginning where I get to choose a direction to pursue. I’m one of those extremely fortunate people who has a great creative circle so before I begin any project I like to run my ideas past them and figure out what works and what doesn’t. It’s great for me because my good ideas get encouraged, but I’ve also had some wacko ideas that I’m glad never saw the light of day! Anyway, I’m about to begin production on my next record, and I would like to open my creative circle to you. Here’s my question: What style(s) of music and sounds would you most like to hear on my next record? You can be as specific as “make something like (insert DJ/producer here)” or as general as “just make a dance record”.Nothing’s off limits, I’ll do a standup comedy record if enough people want it. You can reach me on www.twitter.com/mikerelm, www.facebook.com/mikerelm, or directly at relm@mikerelm.com. I plan on taking your input very seriously, because at the end of the day this album is yours, not mine. Mike

Blue Man Group’s “How To Be A Megastar 2.0″. Whew, it was a tour like no other…February 2007-May 2008, over 200 shows (not counting the ones I had on “day-offs”). It was an experience of a lifetime, where I got to play for packed arena crowds for more than a year and worked with one of the most amazing groups of people the entertainment community has to offer. I’m a lucky bastard, most artists would be lucky to have a handful of the shows that I’ve been doing for over a year. So if anyone from BMG is reading this, THANK YOU. You guys have your pick of the litter and you chose me. Lucky for us, I don’t suck. The level of talent on stage every night was phenomenal and inspiring, from Blue Man to the band (which by the way, just so happens to be made of world class musicians).

So I said my good-byes, which felt similar to when I say good-bye to my family and friends before I leave home. Maybe because for the most part they have been my family. I have the utmost respect for them and I can’t wait for a reunion!

Feels great to be home…for the moment.