Mike (Mikey) Wilkie on SoundBetter

Am interested in collaborating on rhythmic/funk tracks that stimulate your feet AND brain. Would love to work with a singer/songwriter - I can do everything else / all instruments/arrangements/engineering/mastering.

Currently based at The Sail House, Bequia with it's stunning studio in the Caribbean I am spending my time composing, arranging, engineering and performing on tracks that I enjoy. Isn't life great!

I'm a sound engineer / producer and keyboard player. One half of the band 'Two Dogs' and publish my own music under the name 'The Pikey Project'.

LISTEN HERE: twodogs.bandcamp.com
and here: thepikeyproject.bandcamp.com

and WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/4oDPeT_NU3A
and here: https://youtu.be/w0DRAZWPSp8
oh, and here as well: https://youtu.be/ot1oYMh3r1g
and while we're at it: https://youtu.be/8LuNAsRPRWo

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Credits

5 Reviews

Endorse Mike (Mikey) Wilkie

by Ethan Cronin
Verified (Client)
This song was a lot of fun brilliant lyrics something really different. Always enjoy our work together, Mike is super easy to work with and very professional. Love this tune and cant wait to hear the finished version.
by Ethan C
Verified (Client)
Mike was very professional throughout the job, sending all the necessary files needed and also a guide vocal and great direction. A very talented musician and writer. Really enjoyed working on this with him. Would highly recommend.
by Cris Hodges
Verified (Client)
I really enjoy working with Mike and the team, this music is incredibly fun and the guys are super cool. Looking forward to the next one!
by Cris Hodges
Verified (Client)
Really just the most incredibly talented group of musicians that I have the pleasure of working with. Very happy about our collaborations together!
by Cris Hodges
Verified (Client)
Wow, the first song with Mike is now complete and I must say this was a very special connection. The music is set in a way that makes it very accommodating for a vocalist to come in and make it special. VERY excited for more songs with Mike!

Interview with Mike (Mikey) Wilkie

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: 'Cahon' by Two Dogs. We set the challenge of making a long and interesting piece out of just 3 chords. Yip, just 3 chords. And it runs over 13 minutes long without ever getting boring. Love it. You can listen here.... twodogs.bandcamp.com/track/cahon
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: I have a huge collection of recorded ideas that I really should filter and throw away any that are not excellent. Must get around to that sometime...
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Just joined, so not yet...
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both - because they're both great!
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: An easy and happy working relationship
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Everything!
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Differs according to customer
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: People think I'm so lucky to have all the skills I have. No...practice, practice, practice, learn, learn, learn, practice, practice, practice.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Differs according to client
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Differs according to customer
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Macbook Pro, Acoustic piano, Nord Stage, Acoustic Guitar and an Internet Connection!
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Written, performed and recorded music all my life. Played piano from age 6. Proffesional Sound engineer in London for 7 years before setting up TV & Film Production company. Sold that. Went travelling. Ended up in Bequia & New York...mostly.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Hmmm... Music for brain and feet. Enjoy creating...whatever it is.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Michael League and Snarky Puppy. I like his/their sense of musical adventure and discovery.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Jazz, Blues, Rock. But can and have also produced orchestral, Film & TV music, and World Music.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Pro finished sound
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Production, rhythm, all instruments but NOT vocals (I sound like a fog horn!). Mixing etc.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Although we have recorded bands here, the studio was only completed mid 2020 (i.e. mid Covid) so most of the work has been through internet connections. I receive file, add stuff, return file. Or...send file, wait for return...mix/master/publish.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Based at The Sail House, Bequia in the Caribbean. Our unique 'open' studio contains...Yamaha AvantGrand N3X , Vintage Fender Rhodes 1973, Roland TD50KV Drum Kit, Paul Reed Smith Electric Guitar, Fender Jazz Bass, James Trussard Guitar, Nord Stage 2, Moog Sub Phatty 37 Synth, Nektar Impact LX61+, Kawai Keys VPC1, Hartke VX Series VX3500 Bass Combo Amp, Roland KC 350 Keyboard Amp, Orange Amp, Akai Pro MPD18, Yamaha P-120 Weighted Keyboard, 6 string Acoustic Guitar, Marshall 1958X 18W 2x10 Hand Wired Tube Combo Amp, Fender Guitar Amp/ Hot Rod De Ville, Moog Theremin, Analogue SSL desk, SSL G Compressor, SSL 611 EQ Module x5, Rupert Neve Designs 551 EQ, API 560 - 10 Band Graphic EQ, API 560 - 10 Band Graphic EQ, API 550B - 4 Band EQ, API 550A - 3 Band EQ, Inward Connections - The Brute - Limiter, Neve 1073LB Mic Pre, Elysia Xpressor 500 Stereo Compressor, ATC SCM45A speakers, Yamaha HS7 speakers, 2 x Neumann U87, Peluso 2247 LE Tube, 5xShure SM57, Sennheiser MD42, 2xAudio Technica AT 2020, AKG D112 Mk11, FET 87, Audix ADX51, 6xSennheiser 421, 2x AEA NUVO N8…and a bunch of other toys. I prefer Logic as my DAW and despite having all the gear I enjoy mixing ‘in the box’ too.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Snarky Puppy
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Adding/playing instruments, co-writing, composition, mixing and mastering