Mike Aiken

Originally hailing from New York, Mike developed his musical talent at an early age, becoming proficient on acoustic and electric guitar, mandolin, harmonica, and National steel guitar. As a teenager, he cut his teeth playing in bands in roadhouses and clubs in the northeast, and worked as a solo act. His instrumental prowess eventually led to an endorsement by Takamine Guitars and the creation of Mike’s signature guitar, aptly named the “Travelin’ Bone.” Early on, Mike realized he had a strong wanderlust - a restless urge to travel. It didn't take long for him to discover that sailboats could take him almost anywhere he wanted to go. Combining his two passions - playing music and sailing, he moved aboard his sailboat and started to travel. He took his music to Maritime Canada, then to Portugal and Spain. After performing in Europe, he sailed to the Caribbean and continued playing throughout the islands. Today, he performs everywhere - even for “flatlanders” – and scores loyal fans wherever he goes. Mike has the lifestyle that most people can only fantasize about. He lives on the “Ocean Girl,” a 42-foot cutter named for a Neil Young song, and along with his wife and musical partner Amy, travels around the world creating and performing the music that he loves. A modern-day guitar playing troubadour, his music is like tonic for the work-a-day world. It is filled with flavors and rhythms from the places he’s visited. His rootsy, Americana/Country sound is influenced by Celtic, Folk, Maritime, Calypso, and Caribbean, which combine to make music that is captivating. Images of surf, salt, sand, and ocean winds combine to entice the listener to escape their world and join him for a cool drink in a faraway place. Just Add Salt, Mike’s latest CD, is scheduled for national release on Aspirion / Northwind Records in April of 2007. The first single, “Hillbilly Beach Bum” and a video for the song have been serviced to outlets across the country. Just Add Salt is his third album release, following Travelin’ Bone in 2002, and Getaway in 2003. Mike's relationship with Takamine began through a mutual association with the Cousteau Society. Both Takamine and Mike share concerns about the marine environment, and it was through the society that they were introduced. Mike recalls, "In 2002 the limited edition “Whale” guitar had just come on the market. One evening, I walked into a party of some friends from the Cousteau Society with my ______ vintage acoustic, I started playing the “Whale” and couldn't put it down... haven't stopped playing Taks since." From that time, the relationship has grown and is still growing with Taks being the exclusive acoustic guitars used on Mike's CDs. He is proud to be teamed up with Takamine and of course, he is thrilled with his signature travel guitar, the Takamine "Travelin' Bone." In a recent interview Mike said, "My acoustic has to be versatile. It's got to be able to respond to finger picking, strumming and bottleneck slide, both live and in the studio. "You know, my lifestyle of living on a boat and traveling isn't easy on a guitar. It needs to be able to take the abuse of the road, sea and stage, night after night and still play and sound great. My Taks do just that! "