Mike Michel

Out of the womb in Cincinnati:
Mike credits his older sisters and cousins for introducing him to native Cincinnati, Ohio music. Whether it was the funk and groove of Bootsy Collins, or the experimental guitar oriented rock of Adrian Belew, Mike absorbed this native Ohio music like a sponge. Straight out of high school Mike became a session player for a famous dance music label (without scruples) called Ligosa Records. He also toured the Midwest in a Motown Band, and became friends with busy tour manager named Ben Marts (The Pixies) who got mike roadie gigs as an under age aspiring rocker. Mike also played in a very popular art rock band in Cincy called True Azure, which helped him cultivate his unique guitar voice early on. Merging the world of global grooves, memorable melody, and organic guitar sounds were his objective as a youth and still are today.

Escape to Los Angeles:
Acting on his impulse to experience the big metropolis, Mike had a four-year stint out west in Los Angeles and became a profession roadie by accident. Mike worked for many high brow pampered commercial artists and learned what not to do with his own bands and music career. However, he did end up working for some amazing inspirational and integral artists like Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Page, and Los Lobos. Outside of his roadie gigs, Mike was always active in his guitar session work and original music creation. Mike credits his music collaborators at the time Angelo Barbera (Doors of the 21st Century) & David King (The Bad Plus) as the musicians who pushed Mike to a new level of creative and technical musicianship.

Rebirth in Minneapolis, Minnesota:
After enduring earthquakes, fires, and mudslides (true) in California, Mike packed his VW and headed back to the Midwest again with a crew of Minnesota natives he met out west. Mike felt the need to ground himself again and rededicate his life to his songwriting and guitar craft. The Minnesota move proved to be the right decision. Mike has become a much in demand guitar slinger for over a decade in Minnesota, and he started an award winning rock power trio called the Bill Mike Band. Currently, Mike Michel is nurturing his new guitar groove instrumental trio, CO-OP. Outside of touring and recording Mike believes in being a positive community leader and community arts organizer. Mike created a music series to help mentor emerging teen musicians called Rock For A Cause , as well as a community music camp for emerging adult musicians called Rock Camp For Dads. Mike also curates a national experimental guitar festival held in Minneapolis, Minnesota called The Modern Guitar Festival.