Mike Aiken

Mike Aiken has the lifestyle that most people can only fantasize about. He lives on a boat, christened “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. So, dig your toes in the sand, but beware, you may get blown away!
Originally hailing from the Buffalo, New York area, 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.
Just Add Salt, Mike’s latest CD, is on Northwind / Aspirion Records. The second single, “BACK TO THE BEACH" is at radio now. Just Add Salt is his third album release, following Travelin’ Bone in 2002, and Getaway in 2003.
All of Mike’s CDs have been recorded on a big red 1941 Navy tug boat named the “Bay Queen,” moored in his home port of Norfolk, Va. The Aikens first met its owner Captain David Briggs when they limped into port several years ago on a cold, dark and stormy December night, after suffering from engine trouble. Briggs befriended the couple, and they soon learned that the tug boat had long ago been retired and the engines had been removed. In their mind, that left plenty of room in its belly for a recording studio. After an OK from Briggs, they soundproofed it and filled it with equipment, and with Amy behind the sound board, they began making music in earnest.
Mike adds these thoughts about his new CD: “Salt…It’s that extra bit of spice that can really make the difference. Salt air on the breeze, saltwater under your keel, and salt on the rim of your glass! I wrote and recorded these tunes to add spice to your days, and nights. Accept no substitute. Just Add Salt!”