“I think that it is well understood that fluctuations in the popularity in different music styles and themes has a long time link to the current socio-cultural situation. Music impacts society, and also reflects what society is going through, - good and bad.“

Mike Elliott: Let the Soul & Emotions Roll

Multi-instrumentalist & singer-songwriter Mike Elliott to release new album titled “Let You Go” on June 13th, 2025 via Busted Flat Records. Mike Elliott is a multi-talented musician, known as a distinctive guitar player, harmonica player, vocalist, songwriter, and band leader. Active in the Ontario music scene since 1992, Elliott has made a significant impact through his dynamic performances and original compositions. Elliott’s musical journey began playing bars around his hometown of Waterloo, Ontario and later around Ottawa, Ontario. He then showcased his talent as a band leader with the band Daddy Long Legs from 2001 to 2014, a period marked by critical acclaim and numerous accolades. The band won the Independent Music Award for Blues in 2008 and was a semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge in 2009. They also clinched a Maple Blues Award in 2008. In 2015, Elliott formed Elliott and the Audio Kings, a band that continued to showcase a unique sound in the blues genre. The band was a semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge in 2019 and received a Maple Blues Award nomination the same year.  From 2022 to 2024, Elliott also led the ‘Doom Blues’ band The Jacks, further expanding his musical repertoire.

As a recording artist, Elliott has an impressive discography, with six independent releases, and five with the indie label Busted Flat Records. Elliott’s music is a powerful blend of riff-based garage rock, 60’s era rhythm and blues, and the jump and shuffle of West Coast and Chicago sounds. Known for his lo-fi, gritty, and powerful sound, his performances are described as rough and rowdy, delivering songs that swerve across the roots road, veering close to rockabilly and good old-fashioned rock and roll, - all while maintaining a pure vintage sound. With a career spanning over three decades, Elliott continues to captivate audiences with his heartfelt performances and vintage tone. Whether leading a band or producing new music, Elliott remains a vital force in the blues and roots community.

Interview by Michael Limnios                      Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity

How has the music and Rock Counterculture influenced your views of the world and the way of life you’ve taken?

I have always identified with those who don't identify with the status quo, - and those who view our world with a critical eye. Context is important, as is the ability to view the world from someone else's perspective. Many art forms do this, including what you have described as rock counterculture. This has been the basis of my life philosophy, but, I have always struggled with my desire to operate in the counterculture world, while balancing the need for financial security and being able to provide for myself and my family.  I have great respect for those who can be fully true to themselves, speak truth to power and express that through music and other art forms fully. I think that struggle is the source of my passion to keep making and playing music.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

My music is mostly soul and emotion...with just enough skill to make it work on the stage on in recordings. My sound is ragged, rough around the edges, and greasy.  Those tones, sounds, appeal to me and seem like a genuine reflection of what's playing out in my head and soul. I also like simple songs, reflecting simple life observations and reflections, - that sometimes have a more profound undertone, - or I like to think they do. I also write about experiences that are common to others, that others can identify with. Along the way, I hope to inject some clever language and wry wit.

”I love the humanity of music of the past. It was real, largely unedited, and complete with flaws and imperfections. It was greater than the sum of its parts. I still prefer to listen to artists, and genres where that is still captured.” (Mike Elliott / Photo by Milton Young)

Why do you think that the “one-man band” continues to generate such a devoted following?

One man band acts will always be compelling because you are connecting with another person's sould and intellect and art in the straightest line, - the tangent that connects people to other people.  It isn't being filtered through other musicians, and their interpretation of the song, that is inevitably happening subconsciously when playing as part of a band. While I don't always perform solo, it is interesting to be laid bare, and not be protected on the bandstand by the presence of other musicians. I think that the audience recognizes that vulnerability, and it affects the weight and impact of the performance.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

My latest recording experience, at Ganaraska Recording Co., with Steve Marriner and Jimmy Bowskill was a very positive and rewarding experience. Not only did they immediately and instinctively understand what I wanted to do, but they had the right gear, knowhow and music ability to help me achieve it. Instead of work, it seemed like hanging out with your friends for a few days, and then walking away with a fantastic recording in the end.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I love the humanity of music of the past. It was real, largely unedited, and complete with flaws and imperfections. It was greater than the sum of its parts. I still prefer to listen to artists, and genres where that is still captured. I have no connection to music that sounds too 'smooth', or processed in such a way to remove all of humanity from it, the life. I am hopeful that there will be another great reset in the music industry, where unique voices, free from autotune and gridation, are once again popularized. Music is not a wig-it that is stamped out in an assembly line, identical to the last widget.

”Blues, rock and roll, punk rock, even rap have a direct line back to shakeups and frustrations of groups of people who are marginalized in some way....or those who wish to call attention to that situation. That spirited music, and particularly blues,  has always appealed to me for those reasons. Hopefully it serves as a source of inspiration, comfort, self reflection and cathartic release.” (Mike Elliott / Photo by Milton Young)

Why is it important to  preserve and spread the blues? What does the blues mean to you?

Blues, and blues based music has always been personal music, filled with soul and passion, - a reflection of the human condition. I feel like if we can't preserve it in its entirety, we should try to preserve its spirit and intent. Plus... I love string bending and the sound of a tube amp burning a hole in the stage... who doesn't?

In all seriousness, I think that blues music is like saying "human" music.  It comes from inside, and I feel like it was always a part of me. I didn't really have to learn it, and,  in some ways, something was unlocked  when I first heard it. It felt like it was part of my natural state (and I don't mean 'sad'). I recognize that it was created and developed by the endlessly creative black american culture, and that I will be forever grateful for it being part of my life. I love the blues.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I think that it is well understood that fluctuations in the popularity in different music styles and themes has a long time link to the current socio-cultural situation. Music impacts society, and also reflects what society is going through, - good and bad. Interestingly, bad times often lead to the creation of great art, and the most important music forms have been born of hardship and frustration with the current socio-cultural norms.

Blues, rock and roll, punk rock, even rap have a direct line back to shakeups and frustrations of groups of people who are marginalized in some way....or those who wish to call attention to that situation. That spirited music, and particularly blues,  has always appealed to me for those reasons. Hopefully it serves as a source of inspiration, comfort, self reflection and cathartic release.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I try to make music about my current situation, and steer away from music cliches, - especially blues ones. I only sing and write songs about things that I can identify with. In that way, I feel that I'm more convincing and believable when I perform the songs. I don't sing about 'waiting at the station' etc. People would see through that, and recognize it as disingenuous. If I sing about my condition, and the human condition it will always be 'present', regardless of what generation is listening.

Mike Elliott Blues - Home

(Photo: Mike Elliott)