Mike Hellman

Mike Hellman is an up-and-coming country/americana artist based in Northern California. He was born and raised in Texas, which remains for him home, and was steeped in the state's rich country and blues music traditions. Mike’s music draws comparisons to Jamey Johnson and Sturgill Simpson, but his sound is anything but predictable. His dynamic sets swing from ballad to barn burner to outright rock ‘n’ roll, and his lyrical themes conjure earnestness and humor while dealing honestly with all aspects of the human condition. An outlaw for outlaws, Mike's music transcends the often narrow boundaries set by the mainstream country music establishment.

Mike’s musical journey began when he was 11 years old. His parents saved up and bought him a used Hondo guitar from a pawn shop in rural East Texas, and he taught himself to play with a little help from blues and metal guitarists who lived in the neighborhood. By the time he was 15, he was writing songs and booking gigs for his punk rock bands all over Texas, Oklahoma and in Mexican border towns. His 20s was a period of relative musical dormancy, but his experiences during that time - moving around the country, heartbreak, struggling to make ends meet and organizing his fellow workers wherever he could - generated rich life lessons and a great deal to write about. His coming of age led him back to songwriting, with lots to say and with new determination. He began gigging and recording again in Northern California, quickly making a name for himself with his catchy songs and rollicking performances.

No stranger to the stage, Mike has performed at big name venues, honky-tonks and intimate listening rooms throughout Texas and the western states, building a dedicated following along the way. He has wow’ed the crowds at such venues as Great American Music Hall, Moe’s Alley and Thee Parkside alongside artists such as Jason Eady, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, Jesse Daniel and countless others.

His debut full length album "Trials and Triumphs" is expected in early 2022, and he plans to tour extensively to support the release. Singles from the full length have already enjoyed enthusiastic reception on radio stations across the United States and Europe.

Construction worker by day and troubadour by night, Mike somehow still makes time for his many other pastimes including cyclocross, surfing, heavy metal and union organizing. He organizes the Grass Roots Music Festival, a downhome weekend event showcasing up-and-coming roots and americana artists, and is always working to build community and comraderie among artists and fans alike. Mike currently splits his time between Houston, TX and Soquel, CA.