Meet Mike Green | Music Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Green and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks has allowed me to meet many brilliant people around the world, it has taught me to follow my gut instinct, and to remain inquisitive. I am usually on my own, away from family, in pursuit of a strange, hallucinatory dream. It’s scary at times, sure, but it can be very rewarding too. Whether it’s in your work, or your daily movements, or impromptu getaways, we should all take more risks because life is short.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The art I create is accessibly smooth, moody, and has an idiosyncratic, radio-friendly allure. In short, moody alt pop. Listen to my debut album “Restart” for an idea. The next body of work is more dynamic, but still easily fits within the genre. There’s an authentic mystery to it all.

I believe this upcoming album is what will set me apart from others. The team I assembled to record at Studio City Sound in North Hollywood was incredible. We recorded live, no loops, no sampling, on a classic Neve MKII console. The real deal.

We managed to track fifteen songs in three days. Let me be clear, and enter hand claps as each word is read; this is a psychotic endeavor and pre-production is the key.

If I had Michael Jackson money and could spend weeks in a professional studio focusing on details, perhaps I would, but my funds are limited, so, naturally, it’s best for me to be creative before I walk through the studio doors. Due to those restraints, I recorded vocals elsewhere so I could take my time, but also, these fifteen songs are very demanding on the voice.

Creating art is always an act of self-discovery, so I don’t believe the experience is ever easy. Good things take time, and we are all familiar with how cruel time is.

As I mentioned earlier, take risks. Surround yourself with people who will uplift your ideas rather than judge them. The best lesson is learning that you will ultimately fail if you give up.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d suggest they go on a hike and trade the typical view of Los Angeles for one beyond the streets and on the mountaintops. Pick your own adventure for that one. There’s a lot of nature and history to take in.

I’m usually good at food recommendations. It truly depends on where you are or how far you are willing to go… but here are a few of my favorite affordable, and delicious restaurants scattered around…

Salsa & Beer in NoHo – Go to the one on Sherman Way. Be careful, their bean dip is so good and perfectly spicy you’ll forget you still need to order. I get a caesar salad but with carnitas and avocado because I go often, it’s their most refreshing, most colorful dish and the burnt tips on the meat deliver. Otherwise, enchiladas are my favorite.

Sri Siam in NoHo – All of it is great, but they have some of the best Yellow Curry I’ve had. The viscosity is perfect, light and refreshing.

Tsujita LA on Sawtelle – get their Tsukemen Chashu – slurp away and thank me later.

North End Caffe in Manhattan Beach – Monte Cristo Kalua Pork Egg Rolls. There are other great selections, but these egg rolls can be purchased individually and come with a sauce trifecta of hoisin, wasabi mayo, and sriracha that pairs with each bite, if you decide not to lap it up.

Bacari in Silverlake – Amazing tapas and craft cocktails. The one on Sunset Blvd has the best vibe. Solid date night choice. Any dish with their pesto is fire.

Malibu Fish & Seafood – If you’re looking to cruise the PCH, I highly recommend getting the fish and chips at this spot. Don’t argue about who has the best, just trust.

The 4th Horseman in Long Beach –
Delicious artisanal pizzas and an elaborate beer selection. Their chaos is unparalleled, it’s almost like dining in the seventh circle of hell, I couldn’t recommend it more.

Other than that, go to farmer’s markets, check out thrift stores, record stores, and go see live local music!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve just wrapped up recording a fifteen-song album with a group of close friends. The support I’ve had from them and from my family has been insurmountable and lifted me up when I was down for the count. Music is my life, always has been. It gives me purpose and hope. Still, sometimes I’m just too tired to go on. This group not only helped heal me through music, they brought out a magic to songs that have been in my head for years. My fire is rekindled. You will all know their names when this album drops, but for now, those involved on this new record, and those who told me not to give up, thank you deeply.

Website: https://www.mikegreenmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilikemikegreen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilikemikegreen

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/mikegreenmusic

Other: https://mikegreen.bandcamp.com/album/restart

Image Credits
Photos of Mike with a guitar taken by JAG Studios Photography.