Meet Mikel Lander

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikel Lander.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I got a cheap acoustic freshman year of high school. I dropped out Junior year with a baby on the way and went to work in my Dad’s cabinet shop. Shortly after I attended Roberto-Venn School of luthiery, to learn to build guitars. I started playing some gigs around town and formed my first band, “Now you’re cookin’ with gas.” Now, 20 some years later, I am surrounded by the finest musicians in town, and the love of my life. She’s also my favorite singer, my partner, and manager. It’s strange because for some reason they are listening to me, and even following my lead, for the most part.

Please tell us about your art.
I just follow the muse I guess. I’m always hunting and planning songs but, really, for the most part, the good ones just kind of happen, and I just try and catch what I can. I am not concerned with genre or try to fit into anything in particular. It’s all American roots music of some sort. I do it because I have to. I wouldn’t be the same if I couldn’t. I always knew I’d grow up to be an artist; I just always thought it’d be drawing, and not songwriting. Now I also do it to leave a legacy for my kids and their future generations. It would be so great to be able to hear my grandparents voice again. They’ll always have that and know the kind of things we dreamed about.

As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I feel very successful because I have been able to carve out a living doing what I love to do most, with my favorite people. I have greater ambitions for the future, but if I died today, I’d be pretty damn proud of what I have done.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Sugarthieves.com has our calendar of events. Come see us all over town, in a variety of venues, lineups (solo, duo, small or large band, acoustic, electric). Buy the records. Tell your friends. Support live music, and art.

Contact Info:

• Website: Sugarthieves.com
• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/OfficialSugarThieves/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sugar_thieves
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEpS80HdQsyzCsl1nR7kd0g
• Phone: 4807892079
• Email: Whiskeystomper@yahoo.com

 

Image Credit:
Meridith Moore

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