Mike Scala (artist)

Mike Scala
Scala in New York City in 2015
Background information
Birth name	Mike Scala
Born	(1989-08-16) August 16, 1989 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Origin	Brooklyn, New York
Genres	Pop rock pop Indie Rock Alternative Acoustic
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter producer
Instruments	Vocals guitar bass guitar
Years active	2011–present
Associated acts	One Republic Imagine Dragons Matt Squire John Butler Trio Gavin Degraw
Website	mikescala.com

Mike Scala (born August 16, 1989) is an American singer, songwriter and producer. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Scala is best known for his work with Multi Platinum Producer Matt Squire (Panic! At the Disco, One Direction, Max Martin). He remains close to home and currently resides in the New York Metro Area. His singles "Fallin," "Lead Me," and "Heart on String" have attained an international radio presence. Scala is also known for his involvement with domestic and international charities and setting a world record for the first live concert performed inside a glacier.

Early life and education

Mike Scala was born and raised in Canarsie, Brooklyn. His interest in music began at a young age. He began writing lyrics and poetry at age eight and taught himself how to play the guitar at age twelve after a neighbor offered to help him repair a damaged guitar. Scala’s musical taste was originally influenced by soul, pop and hip hop. He grew up listening to Michael Jackson, Prince, Tupac Shakur, and Notorious B.I.G. After discovering the “Woodstock Era” and being inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Scala began exploring other genres and found inspiration in other artists such as Bruce Springsteen, U2 and The Doors.

Scala received his high school diploma and moved on to study Exercise Science and Music at the University of Ballarat. He acquired his BA from SUNY Cortland in 2009. Throughout college he was involved in the choral union and the SUNY Cortland Gospel Choir and volunteered with several organization such as Habitat for Humanity, Building Bridges for Kids and the YMCA.

Career

Scala on the streets of Dublin while on tour. August, 2015

Early musical career

At age 17 Scala entered the local music scene in New York City and Los Angeles. He began playing at underground jazz and rock venues such as CBGB, The Bitter End, Mercury Lounge, Troubadour, and The Viper Room as a sideman for touring bands and writing for other artists in the New York City underground scene. After gaining traction as a writer he decided to go solo after getting offered to record his first single with producer Graeme Hodge and members of the Australian Folk Rock Band, "The John Butler Trio". For the release of Scala’s first single, "Fallin", he collaborated with members of John Butler Trio and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Scala's first album, Heart on a String, was released in September 2013 working with indie label Soulsearch Records and producers Brian Caine, Phil Crayton, and Ernesto Gerardo who opened the studio after graduating from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

In April 2011, Scala played a show at The Gathering in Maynooth, Ireland alongside major acts such as Mr. Hudson, The Coronas and Ryan Sheridan. This concert was organized by the student body at NUI Maynooth in order to raise funds for charities around the local vicinity. On tour, Scala has also had the opportunity to work alongside bands such as Gavin Degraw, Mr. North, and DJ VH1.

Mike Scala's Band

Mike Scala	Marcus Miller	Luke Capon	Eli Menezes
2007 to Present	2011 to Present	2011 to Present	2012 to Present
Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Piano	Saxophone, Keys	Bass	Bass, Guitar

Touring

While in college Mike Scala performed in the tri-state area and throughout college campuses on the East Coast. After performing a concert on a campus within his University, he was asked by the Gospel Choir director to sing for the group. Later that year the choir toured the United States and the United Kingdom.

In September 2015, Scala began this world tour across the U.S, Europe, Central America, Australia, and New Zealand. Simultaneously, he released an EP for the tour entitled "Stratosphere." He has since been scouted by multi-platinum producer Matt Squire to work on his new album.

Mike Scala Foundation for Youth (MSFY)

The Mike Scala Foundation for Youth (MSFY) was established in 2009 in order to expand educational opportunities and provide mentoring programs for at-risk youth within low-income areas and developing countries. Scala sets aside a portion of the proceeds from all concerts and music sales and donates it to MSFY and other supportive, youth-based charities. In the past, he has worked with initiatives such as UNICEF, Building Bridges for Kids, Big Brothers and Big Sisters Programs, The American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, and Musicians on Call in order to assist in providing a foundation in development and education for children around the world. In April, 2015 Scala teamed up with charities in Central America to assist children who are victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. The program helped the children move into safe houses and attain the resources that they needed. “My goal is bigger than to pursue my passion as an artist. I want to make a difference in the world, not only though music, but as an active member of the philanthropic community. My goal is to play Madison Square Garden someday and with that, I want to be able to raise a couple of million dollars and go out and help those in need,” said Scala.

Mike Scala helping children in Central America. April, 2015

Extended Charity Initiatives

In October 2009, Scala put together a series of concerts in order to provide a platform for unsigned and independent artists. These concerts not only helped the participants gain exposure, but also provided assistance and inspiration to underprivileged youth domestically and internationally.

Discography

• Heart on a String (2014)
• Stratosphere - Single (2015)

Heart on a String Track Listing

Standard Edition
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Lead Me"	Mike Scala Daniel Vosk	3:28
2.	"London Nights"	Mike Scala	3:56
3.	"See You Again"	Mike Scala	3:59
4.	"Goodbye"	Mike Scala	3:15
5.	"Heart on a String"	Mike Scala	3:43
6.	"Three Little Words"	Mike Scala Daniel Vosk	3:11
7.	"Livin It Up"	Mike Scala	3:35
8.	"Streetlight Symphony"	Mike Scala	4:24

Stratosphere - Single
No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1.	"Stratosphere"	Mike Scala Jayme Silverstein	3:48

Awards and nominations

World record

When Mike Scala was in New Zealand on his first world tour he partnered with producer/friend Andy Farmer and XT Events to perform his hit single “Home” in the Franz Joseph Glacier on the South Island of New Zealand. After acquiring several permits, licenses and governmental approvals, Scala became a world record holder by being the first to perform a live concert inside a glacier. The concert gained international media attention and was featured on RTÉ and ABC.

The Wounded Warrior Project

The Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization initiated to assist wounded veterans and service members transition back into civilian life. It seeks to support and rehabilitate those who sustained injury (mental or physical) or suffered from an illness while on military duty. In 2008 Scala’s single “Soldier’s Cry,” off his first self-titled album, was featured in this nationwide project.