About Mike
Growing up I couldn’t imagined that I would someday become a musician with my own solo album out in stores, and a loyal following of fans. My music is about telling the story of the common man, who works hard for everything he gets and appreciates the little successes in life. Growing up in the heartland listening to John Mellencamp, Jimmy Buffet, Jim Croce, and Bruce Springsteen my music is influenced by both country and rock.
My Roots
I was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky, but home will always be in Indianapolis with my mom, my baby sister Shelly and her family. Through school, and for years afterwards, basketball took up most of my time and energy, but my dedication would pay off. My achievements included becoming a High School All-American, playing for Indiana/Purdue University, and playing professionally in Manchester, England.
I bought my first guitar in 1991, but basketball occupied most of my time until I picked it up again in earnest in 2000. My cousin Larry gave me my first real lesson, and as they say... the rest is history.
The Music
It turns out I was a fast learner once I turned my focus and drive I had shown for basketball to music. My first live performance came just ten months later when I played rhythm guitar in a band, opening for Country music star Joe Diffie.
I made the step of moving to Kentucky, gathering inspiration from small town life. 2003 saw my first solo performance at Two Roads Café, a small restaurant in Danville, Kentucky. I was welcomed with open arms, and to this day I enjoy playing in smaller, intimate settings where I can interact with my fans. I’ve been lucky so far, being able to work around the region both acoustically on my own, and with the local bands I’ve had the honor to play with. In 2007, I even had the privilege to open for B J Thomas and Billy Joe Royal when they played in Sellersburg, Indiana. Whether it’s playing in a small restaurant, a local fair, or even a casino, in the end it’ll always be about my love for the music.
The connections I’ve made along the way have even made it possible to try my hand at acting. So far, I’ve landed a few roles in small independent films, and a few commercials. More importantly though, I feel acting has helped me gain an understanding of how to “get into a role”, which has made me a better performer and entertainer.
More Recently
Exciting things have been happening for me lately. I just finished recording my second studio album “Shoulda Coulda Woulda”, released November 2011. This was made possible with the success of my debut album “The Next Best Thing.”
My sports fanatic side is thrilled with the opportunity I’ve gotten recently on Lexington’s 92.9, WLXX. Weekly, I get to perform an original song I created to wrap-up the big sporting news from the week for the University of Kentucky Wildcats. I enjoy the challenge and differences that come from playing to a faceless audience, and hope to continue expanding my presence in that aspect of the music industry.
None of this would have ever been possible without the support, encouragement, and constructive feedback from my family and the friends I’ve made along the way.
Growing up I couldn’t imagined that I would someday become a musician with my own solo album out in stores, and a loyal following of fans. My music is about telling the story of the common man, who works hard for everything he gets and appreciates the little successes in life. Growing up in the heartland listening to John Mellencamp, Jimmy Buffet, Jim Croce, and Bruce Springsteen my music is influenced by both country and rock.
My Roots
I was born in Fort Knox, Kentucky, but home will always be in Indianapolis with my mom, my baby sister Shelly and her family. Through school, and for years afterwards, basketball took up most of my time and energy, but my dedication would pay off. My achievements included becoming a High School All-American, playing for Indiana/Purdue University, and playing professionally in Manchester, England.
I bought my first guitar in 1991, but basketball occupied most of my time until I picked it up again in earnest in 2000. My cousin Larry gave me my first real lesson, and as they say... the rest is history.
The Music
It turns out I was a fast learner once I turned my focus and drive I had shown for basketball to music. My first live performance came just ten months later when I played rhythm guitar in a band, opening for Country music star Joe Diffie.
I made the step of moving to Kentucky, gathering inspiration from small town life. 2003 saw my first solo performance at Two Roads Café, a small restaurant in Danville, Kentucky. I was welcomed with open arms, and to this day I enjoy playing in smaller, intimate settings where I can interact with my fans. I’ve been lucky so far, being able to work around the region both acoustically on my own, and with the local bands I’ve had the honor to play with. In 2007, I even had the privilege to open for B J Thomas and Billy Joe Royal when they played in Sellersburg, Indiana. Whether it’s playing in a small restaurant, a local fair, or even a casino, in the end it’ll always be about my love for the music.
The connections I’ve made along the way have even made it possible to try my hand at acting. So far, I’ve landed a few roles in small independent films, and a few commercials. More importantly though, I feel acting has helped me gain an understanding of how to “get into a role”, which has made me a better performer and entertainer.
More Recently
Exciting things have been happening for me lately. I just finished recording my second studio album “Shoulda Coulda Woulda”, released November 2011. This was made possible with the success of my debut album “The Next Best Thing.”
My sports fanatic side is thrilled with the opportunity I’ve gotten recently on Lexington’s 92.9, WLXX. Weekly, I get to perform an original song I created to wrap-up the big sporting news from the week for the University of Kentucky Wildcats. I enjoy the challenge and differences that come from playing to a faceless audience, and hope to continue expanding my presence in that aspect of the music industry.
None of this would have ever been possible without the support, encouragement, and constructive feedback from my family and the friends I’ve made along the way.