SEEKING
Drums, Other Percussion, Flute, Banjo, Mandolin, Dobro, Steel guitar, Upright bass.ABOUT
Mike West has a reputation as an honest and engaging performer. Beginning his musical journey as the frontman and guitarist for a thrash metal band, Mike traded in his electric guitar for an acoustic and began paying homage to his love of delta blues, folk and country while remaining true to his metal and rock roots.
"There are million and one troubadours who ...think this stuff is easy. There aren’t many as interesting as this. “Rusted” is the type of record that makes true sense when it’s you and the darkness of the small hours with everything you regret for company." Maximum Volume Music
A walking dichotomy of genres and influences, Mike is as comfortable performing at a metal festival, as he is at a tattoo convention, arts café or folk club. This widespread appeal is down to his honest lyrics, driving rhythms and diverse subject range, from his home town of Rock Ferry to the practice of Tibetan Sky Funerals.
"This UK troubadour is raw at near every note, creating haunting landscapes. And when West summons that guttural growl, it wants to tear at your soul." Global Texan Chronicles
With his E.P ‘Rusted’, named from him coming to terms with the fact that he not that metal anymore, Mike explored the themes of working for the machine, Walt Whitman’s poetry, love, struggle and the dereliction of his home town and with an ever expanding repertoire of songs, his live performances are a roller coaster of existentialism, literature and dealing with the pressing questions in his life, wrapped up into relatable songs you can tap your feet too.
With a proud reputation as a hard working musician, Mike has toured across UK and Europe earning fans with his down to earth manner and reliable songs, gaining traction with each city and country as well as supporting diverse artists such as Shawn James, Left Lane Cruiser, Cecil Allen Moore, Ciaran Lavery, Tony Wright (Terrorvision), Michele Stodart (Magic Numbers) and The Pierce Brothers. Mike appeals to head bangers and folk twangers whether he is playing Latitude Festival, Dark Holler festival or Pentre Fest.
- Screen name:
- mike369333
- Member since:
- Jul 26 2019
- Active over 1 month ago
- Level of commitment:
- Touring
- Years playing music:
- 15
- Gigs played:
- Over 100
- Tend to practice:
- More than 3 times per week
- Available to gig:
- 4-5 nights a week
- Most available:
- Nights
Influences
KISS, Black Sabbath, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Shawn James, Sturgill Simpson, Reverend Peyton, Metallica, Robert Johnson, Howlin Wolf, Blind Willie Johnson, Willie Nelson, Holly Williams, Dolly Parton
Instrument experience:
- Vocalist:
- Expert
- Acoustic Guitar:
- Expert
EQUIPMENT
Acoustic guitar
Cigar box guitar
Vocals
