Mike B

Michael Philip Barkulis’ musical journey began with a chance meeting with Chicago million dollar shot winner and eventual Harlem Globetrotter Don Calhoun. Don would introduce Mike to digital recording and electronic music production via his home recording studio. Quickly mike developed a passion for creating beats and recording songs. That passion turned into eventual opportunities when Mike was commissioned to produce an album for midwest rapper Natris G, while also garnering national interest and radio success with Peoria artist Tightest. It was while working on those two projects that Mike became Mike B and developed his signature melodic phrasing and composition style. Tightest went on to break radio records throughout the midwest as well as having the highest attendance for a rap concert in peoria history with his performance on the river front, showcasing Mikes music. While creating and recording Natris G’s album Mike produced songs that featured Chicago heavyweights and childhood heroes Twista, Do or Die,Johnny P, and Danny Boy(Tupac’s “I Aint Mad Atcha”). The process was a dream come true and allowed him to test his studio savvy with a handful of multi-platinum artist’s. The album, though never released, due to the legal woes of Natris who to date has yet to be released from a Kentucky Prison on drug charges, was an enormous success for all those involved from a musical standpoint. This coupled with the label shuffling of Tightest prompted Mike to take a step in bettering his technical ability. A friend told him about a school in Orlando where you could learn recording engineering. One visit to the campus and a few months later, Mike packed his belongings and started his educational experience with Full Sail Real World Education. While attending full sail Mike sharpened his skills recording with classmates and local artist’s while applying the theories he was learning in the classroom. Amidst the late night labs and early morning lectures, Mike found time to also build on his musical repertoire and began to gain recognition amongst his peers. However, one afternoon while having lunch on the campus’ back patio Mike would be introduced, by a mutual friend, to musical impresario and future business partner Micah Otano, thus beginning a journey beyond musical boundaries and laying the groundwork for the producer/songwriter team “Basic Apes”. After a short stint owning and operating a recording studio with a childhood friend, Mike realized it was time to renew his camaraderie with Otano and return to music production by relocating to Los Angeles. Armed with the tools and now the team, Mike B and Micah Otano are the “Basic Apes”. Blessed with multiple major label placements in 2007, and a unique style/look obtaining endorsements from L.A. based clothing companies Red Monkey, and Vlado Footwear, the group is poised to make waves throughout the industry that cross all genres and walks of life from music to fashion. Basic Apes is truly a movement. Get ready world cause the ride has just begun, and the future looks bright for these budding super producers. Myspace Layouts
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