MikelParis hit upon his unique performance style, which he calls “GuitarDrumming,” messing around at home one night in Connecticut during his college years, using “devil sticks” to drum across acoustic guitar strings. This sound has proven an ideal complement to his vocals, lyrics, and keyboard prowess. Some inspiration came from his tenure as a cast member of a touring troupe of the innovative musical STOMP where he was taught that rhythm could be found everywhere, and anything could be used as a musical instrument.
On his forthcoming mini album GuitarDrumming 0I (out March 28), MikelParis provides all the songwriting, lead vocals, keyboards, bass, percussion, stomps, “mouthbone” (vocalized horn parts), and GuitarDrumming on acoustic guitar. The album features eight originals, all showcasing his signature style of guitar playing and includes contributions from Vernon Reid, G. Love, and Of Good Nature.
MikelParis™ (pronounced “MichaelParis”) is a multifaceted artist who has performed as keyboardist, percussionist and backup singer for the celebrated American rock band O.A.R. for nearly two decades. He is also the producer and host of TuneTrek and Music Drink Stories, docuseries that follow MP across the U.S. unearthing music gems in history’s hidden corners; from the echoing halls of haunted country inns to the majestic ambience of castles and museums.
Premiering exclusively on American Blues Scene is the video for the album’s second single, “Downtime” (ft. Cam Brown and David Hamilton Jr. of Of Good Nature). Tapping into the guitar’s potential, MikelParis finds rhythm in the strings as he combines strumming with a percussive technique of tapping and slapping on the guitar body. One could argue that this percussive approach harks back to the essence of early blues, where musicians like Mississippi John Hurt made full use of his guitar – often generating a rhythmic tapping sound that came from the way he hit or muted the strings.
But MikelParis also looks forward, telling us:
‘Downtime’ has gone through many permutations throughout the years. This inspired me to embrace a collab with Of Good Nature who brought a fresh, objective take on the song.
It also became an experiment on how my Stomping and GuitarDrumming sounds can communicate with electric guitars, drums, bass and horns. The song is about craving moments of peace and quiet while in the midst of madness.
GuitarDrumming 0I was produced by MikelParis, recorded at Drum Farm Studios in Menomonie, WI, Harmony Studios, Syracuse, NY, Lake House Studios. Lyndonville, NY with overdubbing done at ZP Studios in New York City.
