Press (EPK)
Mike is happy to be contacted by media organisations wishing to publish or broadcast articles related to his music. You should find all the background information you require below, including music samples, videos and promotional photos. For more information or to arrange an interview, please use the contact form.
Bios
Short and Long Biographies
See below for an abridged bio followed by a longer bio.
Short Bio (under 50 words)
Based in Galloway, Scotland, Mike brings classical and modern fingerstyle guitar techniques to the ukulele creating a dynamic and expressive soundscape. Since picking up the uke a few years ago, he has performed as a main act at the Ukulele Festival of Scotland and now writes for UKE Magazine.
Medium Bio (under 100 words)
Based in Galloway, Scotland, Mike brings classical and modern fingerstyle guitar techniques to the ukulele creating a dynamic and expressive soundscape. Since picking up the uke a few years ago, he has performed as a main act at the Ukulele Festival of Scotland and various other gigs. He discovered the ukulele after traumatic events and suffering from severe anxiety. Performing with the uke has enabled Mike to face his fears. Mike has released 2 albums, a ukulele tablature book of his own pieces and has a popular YouTube Channel. He also writes for UKE Magazine.
Long Bio
Based in Galloway, Scotland, Mike is a composer and classically trained guitarist, turned ukulele player. His music is characterised by intricate fingerpicking, varied techniques and contrasting styles, giving a contemporary take on the instrument. His influences come from classical guitar, world music and prog rock.
Mike’s musical background started with playing Classical Guitar, which by the time he finished school, he could play up to about grade 7 and won the School Prize for Music for five years of outstanding work. At college Mike became more interested in the recording side of music and took Music Technology at A-Level. Mike continued his focus on audio engineering and gained a BA(Hons) degree in Creative Music Technology. His compositional skills grew and gained top grades whilst also developing an interest in scoring films.
After graduation, Mike continued to work on his music collaborating with independent filmmakers on a number of film scores. He also performed Classical Guitar regularly at craft fairs and produced an album called The Cloud of Unknowing.
In 2018 Mike released his debut ukulele album ‘The Natural Place’, featuring instrumental music inspired by the Galloway countryside where he lives. He coincided the release of the album with a performance at the Ukulele Festival of Scotland, where he won a prize in the Rising Stars Competition. He has since appeared in UKE Magazine, been played on the UnplugTheWood podcast and been featured on Ukulele Hunt.
2019 saw Mike successfully releasing a ukulele tablature book of his own pieces, one of which was printed as a taster in UKE Magazine. He returned to the Ukulele Festival of Scotland (this time as a main act!) performing alongside Astraluna and Zoe Bestel in the atmospheric candlelit concert that opened the event. He has also performed locally and is due to play at the World of Ukes Christmas Party in December.
Although 2020 has been a disastrous year for live music, Mike managed to play several online livestreamed events including the Wireless Ukulele Festival, the Brooklyn Ukulele Festival and the Gaithersburg UkeFest. He released a new album of multi-ukulele cover songs called “Covered With My Uke and started writing a series of music theory articles for UKE Magazine.
Mike has a popular YouTube Channel featuring innovative multitracked videos of himself (and his clones!) playing ukulele arrangements of cover songs, as well as his own solo compositions. His channel is funded by patrons (‘Sombuddies’) through Mike’s Patreon page.
Testimonials
“Mike’s wonderful voice, original compositions, inventive arrangements and skilful playing make him one to watch. With a background as a classical guitarist he coaxes, with consummate ease, a wide range of musical colours out of just four strings” Stuart Butterworth, Creative Director, Ukulele Festival of Scotland
“Light relief after a hard day, wonderful music to do some serious relaxing to” Simon Taylor, Cool Cat Ukes
“Mike Haysom blew everyone away playing his own compositions to perfection – a highlight for me.” Peter Moss, International Ukulele Performer
“…deliciously enchanting music…exquisitely performed…Mike’s ukulele picking is mesmerizing.” Mike Flaherty, UKE Magazine (Issue 15)
“Mike’s gentle style and beautiful melodies were in complete contrast to the raucous trio of ovations he got at the thrilling conclusion to his fantastic set.” Matt Warnes, World of Ukes 2nd Birthday Party Gig
“YOU ARE BLOODY AMAZING AND YOU MADE ME CRY AND I BLOOMING LOVE YOU. Seriously. Wow. I am inspired. Thank you.” Mandi Harkett, Opera-lele