Growing up in the City of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia), Mike always had a desire to be a musician. He first learned to play the guitar at the age of seven and could always be found listening to music on his portable AM radio. As he grew older, he started listening to Soul, R&B, and Motown and decided to switch to the electric bass.  Early inspiration came from listening to James Jamerson, Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins and Carole Kaye.  Album oriented radio became popular with rock stations migrating to FM band and opened up a new world of music, listening to bands like Yes, Kansas, Rush and King Crimson. Meeting fellow musicians in high school, Mike joined a band and began playing bars and clubs at the young age of 16. At 18, Mike eventually landed a gig with an Elvis tribute band that toured the US playing larger venues. He recently moved to the Charlotte area and eventually joined The UpTown Party Band.