Mike Bailey is a highly-regarded up-and-coming talent in the biggest small town in the world, both on the road and as a studio player. Currently touring and recording with multi-platinum recording artists, Blackhawk, Mike’s contribution to their live show and studio albums accounts for a large part of the band’s sound.
When Mike was a kid, his dad taught him to drum, and not just to bang on pots and pans. By the time he was five, Mike was winning National Snare Drum competitions and placed in the top ten in the Drum Corps International solo and ensemble competition in ’84, ’85 and ’86.
He considers himself an “old-school drum corps guy,” having marched with The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corp from 1982 to 1987 and worked on staff there in ’91 and ’92. He loves the rudiments…evidenced by his solid playing style and intricate fills.
After attending North Texas State and Bowling Green State Universities, Mike spent his time as a sandwich artist, a cable guy, a teacher and a professional musician. Noticeably, Mike’s favorite gig was drumming with local regional acts in Northwest Ohio - alternative rockers, The Kind, country band, Diamondback, and Jeff Tucker (On the Beach). Bitten by the bug, Mike and his wife, Megan, moved to Nashville in 2002 so he could pursue his drumming career and it has proven to be the right choice. Now Mike splits his time between his home in Nashville and stages across the country.
The Drum Pub, Mike’s home studio, has been busy. He’s been laying down demo tracks with Masophonic Music and other songwriters from across the country. Outside of his home studio, his work with various other recording artists at Henry Paul (Blackhawk, Henry Paul Band, The Outlaws) Productions has made Mike a sought-after addition for new albums.
Mike’s also recorded and played live with legendary song writer, Buzz Cason, Anthony Crawford (Neil Young, Steve Winwood, Pegi Young), Brother Trouble, Blackhawk (Radiance Records), Jeff Tucker (On the Beach) and Ed Pettersen (Song of America Project). A highly-sought-out live musician, Mike has also played gigs with the Trailer Choir (Show Dog Records), Carters Chord (Show Dog Records), David Fair, Jason Hoffman, DeDe Day, the Christopher Robin Band and many others.
The Drum Pub Specs:
Macbook
M-Audio Firewire 1814
Presonus Preamps
Dbx compressors and eq’s
ProTools with plug-ins a ‘plenty,
Expansive stable of mics (Shure, EV, AKG, Studio Projects, etc.)
Variety of snare drums and a Pearl drum kit (birch)
Hey Mike, music sounds great. Glad to see you are rockin out as you always have. If you get some free time check out the Brother Believe Me page on my site and let me know what you think. The songs are pre-master mixes some still need some work, but I would appreciate your critique and and mixin or drumming tips you may have for me. L8r, Carp
Hey Mike! Glad you've got a new site...I REALLY enjoyed listening to World is Running Down....what a great "feel" to it....you are talented as ever! And Kirk, well, you can't get a better bass player than him! Take care and hope to see you soon!
