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When visiting radio stations, new country music artist Mike Adkins has plenty more to talk about than just his music. “ I love talking about the new CD and my music, but I never get tired of talking about my years in the military. That period in my life basically prepared me for where I am today, fighting for airplay with all the other new artists,” the talented Texan says with a grin. “I’m used to having to fight for something.” Mike Adkins is a survivor. He served six and a half years in the infantry, and in Iraq, where he received the purple heart and medals of valor. He never doubted his role in the military, or what he was fighting for. “Freedom is what sets us apart from other countries, other people,” Mike says. “If I could go back in time and change anything, it would not be my time serving this country. That is something I’ll never apologize for.” Unlike a lot of country music hopefuls, Mike Adkins didn’t get the performing bug until a couple years ago. His father played music in clubs, and although always singing in church as a youth, he never even thought about music as a career until a couple years ago. “I was at this jam in Pasadena, Texas back in 2006, and my friends bugged me to get up and sing something. I can’t remember the song, but I remember the feeling. It was like this was what I was supposed to do. It came very easy for me, and I really didn’t have that stage fright feeling I hear so much about. It just seemed like the thing to do”. Fast forward two years, and things are moving quickly for this former soldier and father of two. He just finished his first CD in January 2008, and is due in stores May 2008. With this, his first CD, Mike worked extra hard to find songs that fit his thoughts and musical tastes. With influences from Alabama to AC/DC, George Strait to Rush, Mike admits that finding songs to show his tastes was not the easiest thing to do. “We were in the process of recording this CD, and I was still going thru songs. I wasn’t exactly comfortable with all the options I had. So Tracy Martin (Kevin Fowler’s guitarist and co-writer) ,Doug Deforest (producer of two successful Todd Fritch CD’s) , my guitar player Donnie Simmons and myself sat down in a motel room and between all of us wrote three new tunes for the CD in about two hours. Now that’s what I call responding to pressure!” Mike says with a chuckle. The next few months are about to show Mike Adkins all the pressure he can stand. While performing regularly with his band in Southeast Texas, Mike also has to raise a family and tour radio stations throughout Texas. His CD, Co produced by successful Texas artist Jamie Richards, is sure to raise some eyebrows. His country to the core approach mixed with his love for a hard rocking energy has been captured on tape, and the results make this CD a hard one to miss. “I don’t think anyone out there will mistake us for somebody else” Mike says. “ I really believe with this CD I am making my own statement about life, and letting everybody hear the real me, not my imitation of somebody else. To me, that’s what this business should be about. Being yourself with no apology.” For more information on Mike Adkins, visit his website at www.mikeadkinsband.com