The Local Artist Speaks | MIKE COYKENDALL

Mike Coykendall is a legend as far as I'm concerned.  I suspect a few other folks in town will agree with me in that regards as he can be found working with so many other musicians on creating great music together.

Now, he steps from behind the curtain to give us the true blue Mike Coykendall. Mike is releasing his very own CD this month and KZME has been airing tracks for a few weeks now.

The songs do differ in flavor and intent.  I feel the rock and roll and the goodness of genuine sincerity his lyrics.  I also sense a gentle giant of great talent behind the CD.  Runaways and Strays is a jumpy tune that caught my attention immediately.  I also like Hippie Girl and made it my KZME Song of the Week.


He is having his CD release party on September 15 at The Doug Fir (with 1939 Ensemble and other special guests on the bill).  The release is on September 18 and includes an in store performance at Music Millennium at 6 pm.

I chatted with Mike (well, virtually!) recently about his background and such.  Meet him now!

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How long have you lived in the Portland area?
since late '99

Give us a brief history of your band/project:
Well... I have a few bands/projects that I work with. Many good friends have been made in this crazy world of music. Currently, I'm in the process of all that goes along with releasing this record that I've been constructing over the last years. It's called "Chasing Away the Dots" and comes out on the Fluff & Gravy Label on 9/18/12. As far as live performances go, I'm using a revolving cast of characters. That way I can stay busy. It's hard to keep a band together and can be restrictive with everyones schedules and needs. There's not a lot of money in it (so far, and probably never will be) so I have to keep it lean and mean. I'm fortunate to have so many talented friends that will come and help me out with a string of shows, etc. Also, I'm playing solo more and also doing quite a few duo shows. It's about the songs and having a good time. Mostly.

What’s the first song you ever learned to play?
Day Tripper by the Beatles but I wasn't doing it correctly for a while. I was putting an F# where the G should go. Oh well. I got there eventually.

What’s your favorite local venue to play? To see other bands?
The Doug Fir is really nice for a big rock sound. They do a good job there. I like the Aladdin for seeing a show / listening. All of them can be good if the night is right.

Speaking of other bands, who do you like on the Portland music scene?
Too many to list. Let me see... always Fernando. He's a Portland treasure. Pigeons, Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside, Old Light, it goes on and on.

Tell us about a recent “Only in Portland” moment you might have had.
I saw a herd of bicyclists with trailers hooked onto their bikes that were moving someone's stuff to another location. That was pretty cool.

Finish this sentence: “I cannot live without_____”
belief?

Connect with Mike Coykendall here:
mikecoykendall.com
Facebook Fan Page

Check out the video for Hippie Girl:


Mike Coykendall - The Hippie Girl (ft. Zooey Deschanel, Eric Earley & Ben Gibbard) from Mr. Fly on Vimeo.