Mike Viola featured in Tape Op Magazine

tal beauty of an old recording studio; it showcased faded carpets and a lingering scent of cigarette smoke that enveloped the space with a nostalgic vibe. It was reminiscent of the ’70s, although it was the ’80s when Mike Viola, a budding musician from Boston, found himself there, ready to record every song he had ever written, fueled by the excitement and naivety of youth.

Mike was merely a teenage music enthusiast at that time, but his talent was enough to catch the attention of the local press, labeling him a rock ‘n’ roll prodigy. He and his friends, The Bottom Line, were playing gigs around town, capturing the essence of punk rock with a sound that inadvertently reflected bands like The Buzzcocks, despite their influences leaning towards Foreigner, Rush, and Ozzy Osbourne. The young band embarked on a mission to immortalize their music with a recording session at Euphoria Sound Studios in Revere, Massachusetts.

The studio was a portal to a bygone era, complete with an engineer named Gordon Hookailo, who guided Mike and his friends through the recording process with expertise and humor. Surrounded by the warmth of their parents’ support, the band crafted their music within the studio’s walls, pouring their teenage energy and passion into each track. The sudden discovery of a magazine article featuring Kim Fowley, a well-known figure in the music industry, changed the course of Mike’s musical journey forever.

Kim Fowley’s interest in Mike’s talent led to a life-altering opportunity for the young musician. He was flown out to Hollywood, where he collaborated with Fowley on songwriting and artistic expression, resulting in a record deal offer and a newfound perspective on song creation. Despite the initial success, Mike’s band at home failed to see the potential in his new creations, leading to a turning point where he decided to forge his path independently.

Following personal tragedies and challenges, including the loss of his father and his wife to cancer, Mike found solace in his music. Collaborations with fellow artists, like Adam Schlesinger, and the formation of bands like Pinwheel, offered him a creative outlet and a chance to revisit his passion for songwriting. The setbacks and heartaches he faced only strengthened his resolve to pursue his artistic dreams and share his unique musical voice with the world.

Reflecting on his musical journey, Mike Viola’s experiences in the studio, from his humble beginnings in Massachusetts to his adventures in Hollywood, shaped his evolution as a musician and storyteller. The fusion of personal triumphs and tribulations is evident in the raw emotion and honesty embedded within his songs, echoing the sentiments of a life rich with love, loss, and resilience. Through it all, Mike’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his fearless approach to music-making continue to define him as a musical powerhouse in every sense.