Musician Mike Squires Challenges our Attention Span.
15 Seconds is All You Get.
In a world where our attention spans are constantly bombarded by fleeting content, musician Mike Squires is offering a unique and thought-provoking project. #2 Record, his debut solo album, is far from your typical music release. This 3-minute album consists of 11 songs, each a mere 15 seconds long, packaged within a 30-page book featuring illustrations, videos, and words.
More than just a collection of short tracks, #2 Record is a complex exploration of social media attention spans and the way we consume information in the digital age. The music itself exists exclusively on a flexi-disc, a physical format that forces us to slow down and engage with the music in a more intentional way. While a digital download is available, streaming is deliberately absent, further emphasizing the project’s message about mindful engagement.
The inspiration for #2 Record stems from Squires’ Instagram project, Couch Riffs. This platform initially featured Squires jamming along to his favorite records, promoting single takes and no editing. The project quickly gained momentum, attracting guest musicians like Duff McKagan, Matt Sweeney, and Myles Kennedy. However, the pandemic forced a shift, leading to socially distanced full-band renditions and a thriving podcast featuring interviews with renowned musicians.
#2 Record is an extension of this journey, offering a multi-faceted experience that goes beyond simply listening to music. The 30-page book accompanying the flexi-disc features illustrations by Marvel/DC Comics artist Matthew Southworth, providing a visual dimension to the music and its message. Additionally, videos and written content offer further insights into the project’s creative process and its larger commentary on our media consumption habits.
#2 Record is a bold statement against the rapid-fire nature of our digital world. It compels us to break free from the endless scroll and rediscover the power of slow, intentional listening. By embracing a unique format and challenging our expectations, Squires invites us to engage with music and art in a more meaningful way.
Check out Mike Squires and his Couch Riffs productions here: Couch Riffs with Mike Squires .
Jon C Croft 