“As far as these genres my take is if it moves you and touches your soul that’s what matters most. As Duke Ellington said “There is only two types of music… good and bad”

Mike Guldin: 

While I Can … I’ll Play The Blues

Mike Guldin first picked up the guitar at age 15, and since then has honed his craft playing at roadhouses, clubs, bars, festivals, and theaters for over 45 years. Influenced by blues legends Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon, Albert Collins - and the “Three Kings” (B.B., Albert and Freddie) - Guldin is also inspired by contemporary artists including The Allman Bros., Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray & Jimmie Vaughan, and The Rolling Stones. R&B/Soul icons Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Rev. Al Green - and Stax and High Tone Records grooves - are also heavy influences, along with the Southern-fried, Muscle Shoals sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Outlaws, and a slew of country/crossover artists like Delbert McClinton and Lee Roy Parnell. A journeyman of the blues, Guldin has opened for and shared billing with a wide range of artists, including Sam Moore, Levon Helm, E.G. Kight, Tab Benoit, Tommy Castro, Teresa James, The Nighthawks, Little Milton, Shemekia Copeland, Debbie Davies, Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women, Michael Hill & his Blues Mob, John Sebastian, and Jimmy Vivino.

(Mike Guldin / Photo by Kevin Poragi)

On new album “While I Can” (2026), veteran guitarist/singer-songwriter Mike Guldin delivers a record grounded in lived experience - weathered love, quiet doubt, and the hope that lingers between the lines. It’s a collection rooted in reflection but alive with purpose. Musically, “While I Can” moves comfortably through Americana, blues rock, and soulful balladry. Acoustic textures blend with electric edge. Organ swells underline emotional turns. Guitars speak when words fall short. The production stays warm and organic, allowing the songs to breathe. A hard-won album, captured live in spirit and sound at Nashville’s legendary Rock House. Produced by Kevin McKendree and recorded by Mike alongside an A-list studio crew aptly dubbed the HotLinks, the record feels immediate, human, and alive. 

Interview by Michael Limnios                      Archive: Mike Guldin, 2022 interview

Special Thanks: Betsie Brown (Blind Raccoon)

What keeps a musician passionate over the years? How does your hometown that affect your music?

Writing and performing music that I love is what keeps me inspired the most. That and playing with people better than me helps push me further. My hometown upbringing has had a lasting effect on my music. I am fortunate to perform at a fantastic amphitheater in my hometown of Lansdale, Pa.

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album ‘WHILE I CAN’?

I spent a week at the Rock House with Kevin McKendree over Easter 2025. We hung out, broke bread and wrote most of the album. Kevin asked me why I was making this album. I conveyed to him the story my dad Vernie told me when got sick. He said “Mike if there is anything in life you want to do… do it while you can. Hence the title “While I Can”.

Blues Rock, Soul and Americana … a lot of these genres are trying to be more inclusive, but sometimes it feels like they’re forcing it. Where’s the balance, and how do we find it? 

As far as these genres my take is if it moves you and touches your soul that’s what matters most. As Duke Ellington said “There is only two types of music… good and bad”

“For me writing almost always starts with a title. Then I start to tackle the lyrics and melody. It never hurts to have a good riff to go along with a song. Almost all of the songs we wrote for this album started in that manner.” (Mike Guldin / Photo by Kevin Poragi)

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

When writing for this album one of the songs we wrote is called “When The Bills Come Due” This song is about a veteran John who gets fired from his government job because of Elon Musk and The Doge Austerity Push against government workers.

You’ve worked in many different settings, from clubs and studios to open air festivals and bars. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

Performing in local bars and clubs find us catering more to the dance crowd. We have more latitude to include more original material at outdoor shows and festivals.

What do you personally consider to be the incisive moments and pieces in your work and/or career?

Everytime we record a new album we strive to deliver our best. This collaboration with Kevin has been probably our best received work.

As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?

When writing I always try and stay true to the song. The song always comes first. I think helps the songs remain stronger and relate with the audience.

How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?

For me writing almost always starts with a title. Then I start to tackle the lyrics and melody. It never hurts to have a good riff to go along with a song. Almost all of the songs we wrote for this album started in that manner.

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(Mike Guldin / Photo by Kevin Poragi)