Thanks for your time. So tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
I’ve lived in Riverside for about ten years. I was born and raised in Jacksonville.
When did you know you had an interest in music?
When I saw my grandfather play the cello.
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
I started on drums, and have since spent a lot of time in front of the piano. Miles Davis said drums and piano are the only two instruments you need to learn. He has a point – the sense of rhythm, harmony and melody you get from learning those two instruments is profound.
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most? Thomas Milovac – he is wise man with powerful musical abilities and sensibilities. He is a world class improviser and composer.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?
I once played piano on stage with Chick Corea, which was an unforgettable experience. We were both improvising, sitting side by side at the same piano, and I could feel his warmth and playfulness through what he played and how he responded to what I played. At one point, he reached over my hands to plunk some notes in the high register, which made the audience laugh. I then reached over his hands to plunk some notes in the low register, which made the audience laugh even harder.
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
LPT (those guys are smokin’), Charlie Shuck (I love Charlie Shuck), Junco Royals, Abigail and Andre Gruber
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
Retrophonics Recording Studio is awesome – great vibe, great people, fantastic sound. Hands down the best studio experience we’ve ever had.
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
PorchFest – we will be playing at the porch of 1437 N. Laura St., Jacksonville, FL at 12:00 – 1:15pm on Saturday, November 9
What is the best way for musicians to network?
Play music together, go to jams and open mic nights, support other musicians at their shows
Are there any local venue owners/managers that you would like to rave about?
Buchner’s Bierhalle (Madison Taylor) has done a bang up job of elevating the local music scene
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician what would it be?
Would you like to play music with me??
Personal hobbies or interests? Family?
I love books. Haruki Murakami is a favorite author. We actually recorded an album based on his mega-novel, 1Q84, that will come out when it’s good and ready thank you very much.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
The oppressive humidity… Just kidding. The people, of course! We have a great community of warm-hearted folks.
Where and how can folks learn more about you and/or your band? Links to your website?
Website and Bandcamp – https://www.madrevaca.org/ https://madrevaca.bandcamp.com/
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone reading this?
Anyone can improvise music – even you! It’s a freeing experience that can lighten the spirit.
Just sit at a piano or guitar (or any instrument) and play whatever melody comes into your head in the moment. No practice, no preparation, no training – just let it out. It can be nonsense, a joke, or something important that you couldn’t put into words. Go into the woods and sing a song that doesn’t exist. Do it alone, or with friends. You don’t need permission – give it a try!
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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.
