Mike Scala
New York City, New York, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
New York-based musician Mike Scala came to New Zealand to chill out.
He took that to extremes when he performed in an ice cave on Franz Josef Glacier on Monday. "It's cool," he said, without a trace of irony.
He said the gig was the highlight of his world tour and was inspired by his desire to embrace New Zealand's reputation for extreme activities.
"I thought, `I'm going to this beautiful place where there are so many adrenaline-fuelled activities and extreme sports I'm going to do an extreme gig'."
Scala's guitar held up under the strain, "mostly" remaining in tune. "The natural acoustics were amazing. My guitar went in and out of tune and my fingers were freezing, but it was so much fun," he said.
Scala is a self-taught musician who first performed at jazz and rock venues in New York and Los Angeles aged 17. His Soldier's Cry was featured in the Wounded Warrior Project, which aids veterans and their families affected by the war in Iraq.
" I've been told my music is different and hard to define. It has been described as a cross between Jack Johnson and Pearl Jam," Scala said.
He uses a portion of the proceeds from each concert to raise funds to help young people.
Scala will perform in Christchurch this week at The Bog Irish Bar tonight, at Fat Eddie's tomorrow night and at the Dux de Lux on Saturday.
- The Press
Discography
First Album
Mike Scala self titled EP
Scalas first self titled EP release, selling over 10,000 copies worldwide and receiving international radio play, catapulted him into the music world as a powerful and introspective artist. His insightful lyrics reveal a refreshing level of social awareness, particularly evident in the tracks, "The Worlds Edge" and Soldiers Cry a song featured in nation wide, "Wounded Warrior Project". Mike Scalas premier EP seamlessly blends acoustic rock, large scale orchestration and unique vocals to create an innovative and catchy sound.
Songs off Album that have received International Radio Play:
Crash
Fallin
Soldier's Cry
Second Album
Autumn Ashes
In the follow-up to his self titled EP, Autumn Ashes, Mike remains true to his acoustic roots on the albums title track, showcasing his melodic abilities as well as his growth as an artist. The albums musical range is evident when pairing the captivating ballad Take Me As I Am, with his edgy vocals and electric guitar riffs on songs like Contemplation. This album has been in the works for the past four years and includes collaborations with some of the industrys top artists such as Billy Rymer (311 and Alien Ant Farm) and Andrew Fry (The John Butler Trio). Autumn Ashes fuses Mikes signature acoustic sound with edgier rock elements, and creates unique musical arrangements that set him apart from other artists of his caliber.
Songs off Album that have received International Radio Play:
These Pictures
Autumn Ashes
Contemplation
Take Me As I am
Believe In Me
A Song for You
Photos
Bio
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Mike Scala delivers a unique brand of Acoustic/Alternative Rock that uplifts and inspires, while lyrically revealing a refreshing level of social awareness. Born in Brooklyn, Mike was driven to succeed as a self taught musician, and he set his sights on working his way into the New York music scene. He became an established independent artist by age 17, performing at underground jazz and rock clubs across New York and Los Angeles. He has played venues such as CBGB's, Tangier's, The Troubadour, The Bitter End, Kenny's Castaways, and Terra Blues. By the age of 19, Mike collaborated with artists such as Alien Ant Farm, 311, The John Butler Trio, and The Rivalry for the release his self titled debut album and his most recent album, Autumn Ashes.
In early 2007, Mike embarked on his first world tour across the U.S., Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Performing in over 40 cities and selling over 10,000 albums on his first world tour, he also opened up for bands such as DJ VH1 (Lady Gaga), Gavin Degraw, Mr. North, and many more. Mike has had the opportunity and privilege of playing some of the worlds best live music venues. This includes The Espy and Sands Tavern in Australia, The Mint in London, and a world record setting, first-ever live performance in the Franz Joseph Glacier on the South Island of New Zealand. He also played at the Rhythm and Vines music festival in Gisborn, New Zealand.
Mike is gaining international radio play for his hit singles Fallin, Autumn Ashes, Home, and many more. His hit single, Soldier's Cry, off his self titled debut album was featured in the nationwide Wounded Warrior Project, a humanitarian program that aids war veterans and their families. The passion Mike has for music also extends to his charity work. He established the Mike Scala Foundation for Youth, an organization that provides aid and educational opportunities for at risk youth across the U.S. and developing countries. Mike has worked with organizations such as UNICEF, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, The American Cancer Society, and has founded musician alliances around the world to provide mentoring and music programs for youth in need.
Mike's most recent charity endeavor, Rock the Cause (http://www.rockthecauseNYC.org), is a series of concerts he created as a platform for other unsigned and independent artists to gain exposure in the industry while giving back to the local community. These concerts fuse philanthropy with live music to provide aid and inspiration to underprivileged youth in New York City and around the world.
Mike continues to solidify his place in the global music scene and looks forward to taking his career to the next level
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