Getting the word out about your music can be a difficult task, but it’s vital for any artist or band who wants to be heard. And who doesn’t want to be heard?
That’s why Mike Farley started his PR company, Michael J. Media Group, in 2002. Mike had achieved a fair amount of regional success as an artist in Cleveland, Ohio, and decided to put his strong networking skills to good use by helping other acts achieve maximum exposure nationally and regionally. Mike built up his business after moving to Nashville in 2003, and moved to Madison, Wisconsin in 2010. In 2013, Matt Kelly was added to the MJM family as a publicist. Today MJM remains a boutique agency with three associates and has become a prominent player in the music industry.
Current and former clients include John Oates, Ed Roland (of Collective Soul), Lee Rocker (of The Stray Cats), River Whyless, The Quebe Sisters, Chris Knight, Chris Hillman & Herb Pedersen, Will Kimbrough, Michael McDermott, Kate Voegele, David Mayfield Parade, JD Souther, Badfish, Bob Malone, John McEuen (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band), Mike Viola, Jason & the Scorchers, Fastball, Jim Lauderdale, Cowboy Mouth, Red Wanting Blue, Kim Richey, Todd Snider, Poco, Pure Prairie League, The Samples, Kentucky Headhunters, Darrell Scott, David Wilcox, Leah Belle Faser, Jonathan Edwards, Jesse Terry, Brian Lisik, and Firefall.
Mike is also a tour publicist for Concord and Rounder Records and projects have included Dawes, The War and Treaty, Esperanza Spalding, Molly Ringwald, Best Coast, Amythyst Kiah, Tears for Fears, Doyle Bramhall II, Postmodern Jukebox, Melissa Etheridge, Mipso, IDKHow, Dianne Reeves, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Peter Wolf, The Record Company, Southern Avenue, Sierra Ferrell, Sarah Jarosz, John R. Miller, Caroline Spence, Boney James, Kenny G, George Benson, Jazzmeia Horn, Hiromi, Mike Stern, Eric Johnson, and more.
Mike Farley (and The Mike Farley Band) has released seven independent albums and one EP. MFB was voted Best Rock Band by the Cleveland Free Times two years in a row. Mike and his band have opened for the likes of The Pretenders, Dave Matthews Band, Huey Lewis and the News; and Tori Amos. Their songs have been placed on ABC-TV’s All My Children, as well as on various MTV shows and ESPN’s X-Games. In addition, the Houston Astros baseball team licensed the MFB song “Play Ball” for their team video in 2003. After a reunion show in 2010, MFB talked about recording new music despite the four members (Mike, Jeff Nagel, Jeff Beam, Joe Rohan) living in four different states. They released that new music in the form of Where We Stand, released in January 2016. In 2020, their plans for a 20-year reunion show were postponed due to COVID-19, so instead MFB released B-Sides & Rarities, a collection of previously unreleased material and demos. Mike and Jen Farley have released music under The Farleys, and Mike has released three songs as stand-alone singles in 2023.
Testimonials
“Mike at Michael J Media (along with Kayla) works harder than any promotional team that I’ve ever worked with. For both of my records “God Save The City” and “Harmony Of Passing Light” they put their all into it and I can’t thank them enough for all that they did. They were able to get my music reviewed in places that provided great exposure and in places I would have never thought. I’ve already recommended Mike and his team to other artists and they also all agree that he gets it, and works it till the very end”
—Brad Brooks
"Mike Farley is one of the best, and we were lucky to find him. He is super team-oriented and always willing to help. Over the years, his experience and contacts have helped our publicity department maintain a high level of tour press coverage, and his PR knowledge has been invaluable. Mike is smart, has great instincts, works hard, and delivers results. We can't ask for much more!"
—Mike Wilpizeski, Concord Music Group
"It was truly a pleasure working with Mike and the team at Michael J Media Group on our project. While Mike approached the work in an efficient and strategic manner, he led with positivity and encouragement and became a trusted member of our team almost immediately. Based on his wide network of industry contacts, Mike was able to garner exposure and opportunities that exceeded our expectations. We feel lucky to have been referred to Michael J Media Group and look forward to future projects together!"
—Melanie Faser on behalf of Leah Belle Faser Music
"Having been making records for nearly 30 years, I've been lucky enough to have some of the biggest PR firms and "In House" PR campaigns of some of the best major labels. I will take Mike Farley every time. There is no one I've come across to work so doggedly for the artist. In the cluttered landscape of music, having someone who is focused on artist first campaigns is the greatest currency any working artist can have. My only regret with Mike Farley, is that I didn't meet him much sooner."
—Michael McDermott
“If you want someone to present your music to the world with integrity, grace, and the tenacity of a Fox terrier, Mike Farley is the one person who fits that description. I am consistently impressed with his professionalism, passion, & ability to get things done."
—David Mayfield
"We’ve done business with The Michael J. Media group for about a decade now. It has been the hard work and dedication of Mike Farley that kept us working with them for so long. Mike has not only worked passionately at “spreading the word” about our band by creating new relationships for us, he has helped to maintain and bolster those relationships into a strong and loyal social media network. I can confidently say that we would not be where we are now without Mike Farley’s involvement. Truth be told, he performs like he’s part of our company, not just someone hired by our company. Because of how closely he works with us, we often forget that he has other clients! Well done, Mike! Here’s to many more years of us working together!"
—Greg Rahm and Scott Terry, Red Wanting Blue
"How do I explain the incredible comfortable we have when working with Mike, at Michael J Media! He is the PUBLICIST that does what he says he will do, and sends communication to everyone involved in that project. It is truly peaceful working with someone who does their job and does it with no drama, and with a POSITIVE nature! He makes our job easier, isn't that why we're all here!! Thank you so much Mike Farley for being a true professional and being yourself."
—Mary Matthews, New Frontier Touring
“Michael J. Media has been a tremendous asset for our touring artists. They have secured consistent mentions, features and photos in all markets we perform.”
—Rick Alter, Rick Alter Management (Firefall, Poco, Pure Prairie League, Chris Knight)
"As an independent artist who has a hard time marketing himself or even speaking coherently about himself, I can honestly say that Michael J. Media has brought attention and opportunities to me and my career that I would have had no chance at before I had their help. Mike's a supportive and encouraging guy and I've been very grateful to have his help."
—Charlie Parr
"Mike Farley and Michael J Media do a thorough and professional job publicizing my tour dates and CD releases. He knows just who to get the music to, so I get coverage and promotion. The campaign is organized and well thought out. Communication is quick, efficient and to the point---which is important in the digital age, the era of the independent artist. I like it so much I go to Michael J Media for all my publicity needs."
—Will Kimbrough