Haggith’s new album shines despite his big 'break'

In A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens wrote: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

That duality could have not been more obvious to Mike Haggith shortly after launching into his performance on the Main Stage at Rotaryfest.

As previously reported by SooToday, Haggith’s set was cut short by a freak accident that ended with him on his back with a dislocated knee — but still playing his guitar until the song finished.

Haggith’s day began with a much more positive and hopeful outlook.

First, he was invited to kick off Rotaryfest’s 100 Anniversary, the second time in two years.

Secondly, earlier that day he had released his latest album, All the Best in All You Do.

“Murphy's Law is a funny thing, ain't it,” laughs Haggith.

“We were two tracks in, had been going for barely over 8 minutes, and I was doing my typical 'stroll’ around the stage while [my bandmate] lets out a blistering solo. I had a leg up on the drum riser and one on the main stage platform.  As I went to turn around to head back to the front of the stage … my right leg just didn't come with the rest of me.”

What was meant to be a celebration of his latest musical achievements and to celebrate the town that adopted him after he relocated from Windsor, Ontario to study aviation at Sault College, turned into something less joyous.

“Getting called to play the main stage at Rotaryfest for the second straight year was a dream come true, and to do it as an original artist just made the call all the more special,” he says.

“As soon as that gig was confirmed, I decided I was going to release my new album that night. We had the CDs all pressed, everything was ready to go, and when we stepped on the stage, it felt so right. So right. In fact, that I thought to myself ‘nothing can take away from this moment.’”

Fate had other plans.

“At that moment, I wasn't sure if my knee was broken or dislocated, but it doesn't really matter when you're writhing on the stage floor,” he laughs.

“You're just kinda there and pretty powerless. It was soul-crushing. As I was lying there, the paramedics told me the ambulance wasn't there yet and that I should try not to focus on the pain if possible. That's when I asked, ‘Is the crowd still there?’ and asked them to put a guitar in my hands."

On his back, Haggith ripped out one more new song, I’ve Seen It Before before help arrived. His bandmates Brandan Glew (drums), Chris Nielson (lead guitar) and Jacob Quarrell (bass) gave it their all to support their wounded singer.

The audience likely hadn’t seen something like this before.

“It was a moment of bliss,” he laughs.

“We had just worked so hard, and done so much work preparing for this moment, and I felt like I let everyone down. At least, by playing one more, I was giving back a little. That kept me in really good spirits, all things considered.”

Haggith notes how great Rotary and emergency staff and volunteers were.

“Everybody was awesome to me and I couldn't appreciate it more … well wishes started pouring in right away as I was being loaded into the ambulance. Al I could think was, ‘Well, we wanted to give them all a show they'll never forget. And we did it, so that's good enough.’”

The songwriter says it will be a show he will never forget and one that his 10-track new album, All The Best In All You Do will be forever linked to.

The album follows a bit of a redemption story in Haggith’s personal life.

“I had been living at the whim of a toxic love affair back in early 2020, which took a lot out of me,” he says.

“I didn't feel particularly empowered, confident, or cared for. Coming out of that and coming to grips with living alone, especially in the early months of the pandemic, was incredibly difficult. I began journaling, started seeing a counsellor once a week, and tried to figure out not only who I was as a person, but how to love that person.”

He notes that thematically, toward the end of the album, the tone gets brighter.

This represents a period where his now wife Tianna came into the picture.

“The record wraps up with a fun pop-rock tune whose lyrics were partially inspired by our wedding vows,” he says.

“It's one of those records that focuses heavily on rising from the ashes and being the best person you can be.”

As a full-time pilot, Haggith once again wrote and recorded the album on the road (or in the air to be more accurate).

“Now that I fly for an airline which has me on multi-day pairings, I spend lots of nights away from home, which does have its positive aspects,” he says.

“It allows me to mix in my hotel room as I record and produce my albums on my iPad. When you're constantly on the move, you've got to get creative about how you do things.”

The record took Haggith three years to complete.

“I wanted to make sure I told the story right. In the end, I think that ended up happening, and I'm immensely proud of the final product.”

Haggith hopes the community checks out the new album despite his not being able to play as many songs from it as he had hoped for.   

“I've always loved the Sault and I owe this place so much,” he says.

“Despite my hometown being Windsor, I truly feel like I grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, and I'll always have tremendous love for this community and its people.”

Haggith is going to be spending time healing and focusing on his upcoming performance at the Northern Vibe Festival next month.

“I've also launched an email list called the Frequent Flyer program, where subscribers get to hear my stories, see where I've been, go deep behind the music, and earn discounts on music and merch as they move up tiers.”

All The Best In All You Do is now available on all the major streaming platforms. It is also available on his Bandcamp page on CD, LP, and through a digital download where listeners can receive five additional tracks.

For more information and the latest news on Haggith, you can connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or Bandcamp.