Mike Green is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer. Since graduating from Berklee College of Music, Green has garnered attention in the music industry, having performed in front of artists such as Mick Jagger, Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, Wyclef Jean, Maroon 5, Jamie Cullum, John C. Reilly and more.
Green has had music placed in film and television shows, performed in 30+ countries with international events band The Phly Boyz, as well as provided session guitar and vocal work for many LA-based musicians with world-class credits. Mike is redefining what it means to be an eclectic artist. His songs are versatile, each encapsulated in their own world, all while leaving a lasting impression of powerful choruses and head-nodding grooves. Green’s self-produced debut album “Restart” features members of David Crosby and Dave Matthews Band, and is a promising first installment from a music artist who clearly has the writing, playing, and singing chops to get the material out of his heart and into a song.
How would you describe your music?
I would say my music explores emotions of angst, jadedness, love, loss, and hope.
In your opinion, how do artists in this industry stay on top of the game when faced with so much competition? What’s the secret to making yourself noticed?
Just be you. You have a treasure trove of unique ideas. For instance, your own life experiences are great subjects. No one else has them or can recreate them as you have experienced. It’s ultimately you and your own code. Sure, there will be mock-ups if you inspire, but that’s a great compliment. You are you and no one can take it from you. So, what competition?
Have you got a ritual of sorts when writing and thinking about your music?
Sure, I typically try to take at least one chance, whether in the mix, or lyrically, or both. I also aim for connectivity. You, the writer, must feel something and connect that emotion to the listener to the best of your ability. It also needs to have a good pulse, even if it’s a slow song. I suppose the last thing is a great song will work without a kick-ass production, just bare essentials.
What is your favorite song to perform?
Right now, it’s “Waves”. On the album, the production has minimal guitar work, mostly swells from my telecaster. I’ve adapted it for live performance and now incorporate a more percussive element to the riff. It’s in an odd meter, but once you get into the flow of it you can lose yourself and simply glide. There’s a reflective quality to that song.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It gives independent musicians an air bubble to breathe in, a tiny bubble, in an ocean. I think the connectivity of the internet is a great tool, but I also think tech giants have destroyed our sense of community.
What is the most useless talent you have?
All of my talents are extremely useful, I’m not sure what you’re insinuating. When I hambone, it’s at the right moment.
If you were a member of the Spice Girls, what would your spice handle be?
Green spice, you know? you know.
Which is cooler? Dinosaurs or Dragons?
I mean, dragons breathe fire. Seems like an easy choice, but the fact that a fictitious monster can be compared to creatures that actually existed means Dinos are clearly the winner.
Do you shout out the answers on the TV whilst watching quiz shows?
Of course, how else are you going to let everyone else in the room know how smart you are? Or how humble you are with being incorrect.
As a kid were you ever frightened of a monster under the bed or in the cupboard?
No, if I was afraid, I just grabbed a bat and walked straight into the darkness looking for fun.
“Mike Green’s songwriting is heartfelt and pure, forging lasting melodies and hooks that will swim around your head perpetually.” – Xune Mag
Green’s knack for maintaining an accessibly smooth, radio-friendly allure within an idiosyncratic, moody sound remains an impressive aspect of the singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer’s enjoyable arsenal.” – Obscure Sound
“Green’s writing is eloquent, in a solid and dependable sort of way, a combination of keeping things simple, though far from simplistic, and that fantastic, emotive voice of his. Letting the music breath and the vocals soar, a vocal which seems to blend romance and honesty and soulfulness with a delivery that most rock singers would kill for. Get the basics right and sometimes the rest will just naturally fall into line.” – A&R Factory
“Green is a songwriter with serious momentum” – The Berklee Groove
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