Artist description As a singer-songwriter, Mikey's style can be best described as "a full-on melodic groove." His voice is soulful and soft, yet powerful and dynamic. Heartfelt lyrics and melodies weave their prescence into the fabric of your imagination are what make Mikey the singer/songwriter that he is. He's a pretty bad-ass guitar player, too. And he loves basketball.

Music Style alternative rock

Musical Influences Jimi Hendrix, Sting, The Artist (Prince), Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band

Similar Artists Pearl Jam,Dave Matthews Band, Sting, Sarah McLaughlin, Lenny Kravitz, Prince, Jimi Hendrix

Artist History Mikey did a mean Elvis impression when he was two years old. His music career started at 14 when he played lead guitar for the Baltimore based cult band "Sir Pulp." Then, he went on to front several other bands such as "Mikey and The Pants" and "House of Beef." The latter of the two ended up in LA as "Joe's Myth." While superfunky and grooving, "Joe" broke up because the members wanted to follow their individual ambitions. He is now playing around LA with a new backup band.

Group Members Mikey de Lara - vocals and guitar Mike Allen - bass John Rafacz - keyboards Graham Mitchell - drums

Instruments vocals, guitar, bass, keys, drums, percussion

Albums Mikey de Lara (solo), Joe's Myth

Press Reviews *****This is a review of one of my acoustic shows***** [Music Connection, June 7-June 20, 1999] MATERIAL: Mikey de Lara is a songwriter/performer who plays raw acoustic rock. His lyrics are deeply personal and introspective and his melodies haunting. Musicaly the songs had the feel of an acoustic version of the Goo Goo Dolls mied with the lyrical darkness of Jeff Buckley. de Lara delivers his songs as if you were sitting across the living room table from him. Strong in images and emotional content, the material is gentle on the ears, but lacks structure. Though most of his songs are missing melodic hooks, de Lara does have, however, a knack for simple lyrics that pack a lasting punch. MUSICIANSHIP: de Lara is a competent guitar player. There is a spontaneous nature of his playing style, and sometimes it seems like he is making up his chord progression halfway though a song. Unfortunately, this spontaneity was spoiled at times when he would glance at a notebook for chord changes. de Lara is expressive vocally, sounding like a softer Eddie Vedder. He attacks high notes with a throaty yell, pushing too hard at times, causing his pitch to waver. de Lara is best on the softer songs, telling hhis stories in a voice that is warm, intimate and plesant to hear. PERFORMANCE:It is de Lara's personal interaction with the audience that makes him distinctive from the others who offer this kind of music. He shares his songs as if inviting the listener to take a ride on a stream of consciousness. de Lara speaks to the crowd as if we were all his best friends and asks us to bear witness to his own struggle with his personal demons. de Lara's performance works when he is committe to his songs. It loses it's impact when he looks down at his lyric book to remember words (or just to reassure hiimself that he knows them). SUMMARY: Mikey de Lara is a good songwriter and personable performer. His song style lends itself to the alternative rock market and it would be interesting to see his songs played with a full band. With a little work on his melodies, he could be someone to watch for in the future. -Sam Humphrey

Location Studio City, CA - USA

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