What part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
I live in Beachside in Jacksonville. I have been here for the most part since 2005. I left for California for a few years in 2010 but realized my calling was back here at the First Coast.
When did you know you had an interest in music?
I started writing rap songs in elementary school before I could play an instrument. I would sample beats from old cassette tapes. Of course it was my Hippie parents that turned me on to guitar and Jimi Hendrix. From there I knew my calling was guitar. I went from Rock to Jam Bands, Jazz, funk, and later reggae.
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
It was always guitar from the start but I picked up a few other instruments along the way. Piano, Bass, and Ukulele to name a few.
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
Yes! I play with local reggae legends De Lions Of Jah. I also have a new project in the works that explores the more live-electronic side of music called Trigonic. In the past I’ve played with local bands Aerial Tribe, Split Tone, and S.P.O.R.E. to name a few.
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most?
Starting with classic rock It was Zeppelin, Hendrix, Pink Floyd and progressed into jam bands which brought a more jazz element into it. Jerry Garcia & the Grateful Dead. I went to my first PHISH show and was blown away. Then bands like Sound Tribe Sector 9 and Lotus came out with an electronic jam sound. I was mesmerized. I then went to Berklee College of music and got into the sounds of jazz. Exploring John Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Wes Montgomery to name a few. It was after moving to Jax Beach that I was adopted by the reggae scene here. It’s interesting because I’ve always had a connection to Bob Marley being that my dad always played his music on his tape deck growing up. I also got lost in Jamaica as a teenager and somehow ended up at his tomb in Nine Miles.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?
Having the opportunity to be on stage with The Wailers was amazing. I mean there I am trading solo’s with Al Anderson and Junior Marvin both Bob Marleys guitar players. Also, Touring the west coast was a completely different experience. Such a unique vibe, very community driven. Last, I can’t leave out the days crushing festivals with S.P.O.R.E. Absolutely a highlight!
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
Jacksonville is loaded with so many awesome musicians. I have to shout out to a few I’ve had the pleasure to jam with over the years JJ Grey’s boys Dennis Marion, Eric Brigmond, Craig Barnette, Pete Winders, Zac Chester, Adonis Boyd, Patrick Evans, Jared May, Jesse Cruz, The Bull, Zack Gilbert, Crystal Stafford, King Eddie Pili Pili, General Dave, Mystic Dino, Sailor Jane, Ryan Campbell, Joey Peters, Will Montgomery, Shane Platten, Shaun Taunton, Alex Sears, Greg Sears, Joe knobel, Chris Richard, Steven Honig, Jessica Jones, Brandon Howell, Joe V, John Parkerurban, Max Zargon, Nick Izzard… to name a few sorry if I missed you. Go see these amazing local musicians!!
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
My all time favorites were Freebird live and 1904 Music Hall. Unfortunately they both shut down. The beach has been needing a solid venue for a while now. The Mayport area has Vooswar and Bedlam. Both have been having a lot of original music lately. The rest is mostly cover bands at the beach. The local, Monkeys Uncle, and Lynch’s are some good spots for that. The Underbelly downtown is the go to for good music these days. I hear there are a few new venues opening soon so we shall see. With that said Spirit Of The Suwannee Music Park is the venue of all venues. If you know you know, if you don’t you should!
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
Sunday July 28th Reggae Sunday w/ Split Tone & De Lions Of Jah at Wicked Barley Brewing Company for their 8 Year Anniversary Party. Friday August 30th at the Downtown Plaza in Gainesville will be a fun one as well if you can make the drive.
What is the best way for musicians to network?
Honestly go to the shows, gigs, open jams and show face. Bring your guitar to the after parties. Be in the scene you want to be a part of. Meet people and be available. Most likely I wouldn’t respond to a random message looking for booking help unless I’ve met you in person before.
Are there any local venue owners/managers that you would like to rave about?!
Our promoters are the hardest working ones of all. Jason Hunnicut, Trey Hebron, Matthew Connor Dworscak, Tim Hall, Patrick Walton of Conscious Vibe, Brian Ragga, Paul Levine you all rule!!
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician what would it be?
I’d love to ask Jimi Hendrix what it’s like to still be playing at 82. Haha, I would then scratch him from the top spot on my time machine bucket list.
Personal hobbies or interests? Family?
I love Snorkeling in crystal clear water with beautiful reefs. Take me there!! I come from a very sweet family who are part of the Temple Of The Universe community in Alachua, Fl. I live with my dog Zeppelin and Cat Alicia plus a couple roommates. I recently got out of a relationship so status is single!!
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
The best thing about living on the first coast is definitely the people. People here seem to be genuine. No one here is trying to be something they are not. Everyone just wants to have a good time!! Other places I have lived are very different from that. People here want to help you. They want you to sit in. They want to pass a contact your way.
Where and how can folks learn more about you and/or your band? Links to your website?
Check out De Lions Of Jah here https://www.facebook.com/delionsofjah904 Also, here’s a sneak peak at Trigonic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr3Qce0Y0zM&t=1214s
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone reading this?
Deep down I’m super chill and very approachable. If you see me out come say hi. I’d love to hear about what you’re working on. If you want to grab a drink or coffee sometime I’m all about it. I have way more stories than I can begin to fit in this article. If I’m not working hard on something then I’m having a good time. Because that’s what life is all about!
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
