Article Contributed by Dennis McNally
Published on September 18, 2025
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Mike Mizwinski — better known simply as Miz — returns September 19 with his latest album, Sometimes By Surprise. Produced by bassist Ted Pecchio (Susan Tedeschi) and recorded with a powerhouse studio band including Laur Joamets and Robbie Crowell (Sturgill Simpson), and Jano Rix (The Wood Brothers), the record captures the grit, heart, and resilience of a musician who has spent the past 15 years on the road.
Miz first turned heads with his debut East Hope Avenue. Since then, he has lived the long, winding life of an American troubadour: the endless highways and truck-stop coffee, heartbreaks and farewells, battles with addiction, and a devotion to his guitar that carried him through. His exquisite playing has led him to share stages and projects with Andrew Farriss of INXS and Tania Elizabeth of The Avett Brothers — but it’s his songwriting that shines brightest here.
Sometimes By Surprise is filled with stories of survival, loss, and renewal. Highlights include:
“Out at the Lake” — a tender meditation on childhood memory.
“End of Your Rope” — a road-worn anthem reminding us, “When you get to a place where you can’t go on, tie a knot in the end of your rope, and hang on.”
“Blame It On a Broken Heart” and “Adios” — ballads of lost love that ache with authenticity.
“The Rope Swing” — a dazzling instrumental that calls to mind Leo Kottke.
“Birds Don’t Sing” — a searing environmental anthem with a fiery solo by Laur Joamets.
The album distills joy and pain alike into something brilliant, a testament to Miz’s growth as both a guitarist and songwriter.
Sometimes By Surprise arrives September 19 on all streaming platforms, with a physical CD release to follow.
Listen & Learn More:
Hear it on SoundCloud
mikemizmusic.com
Instagram: @mikemizmusic
Facebook: facebook.com/mizmusic
