blaque dynamite

KILLING BUGS

november 10, 2017

About blaque dynamite

Mike Mitchell aka Blaque Dynamite, has given validity to the cliche that age is nothing more than a number. He began drumming at age 2, played in his first live recording session at the ripe young age of 7 and had acquired a roster of drum company endorsements by the time he turned 11 years old. Before exiting his teenage years, Mitchell had already performed with quite a few "A-list" artists.

"A young drumming phenom!" - Vic's Drum Shop - Chicago, IL

Mitchell gained his early development and exposure to music in a church setting. At an early age, he began to create his own music which evolved into a relentless passion and respect for the drum instrument. Inevitably, he had become very adamant in the pursuit of expanding his knowledge of music and honing his craft. At twelve, he embarked upon the study of drum music theory. At fourteen, he found himself in the hallways of the renowned Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas in 2009. The school also fostered the amazing talents of Norah Jones, Erykah Badu and Roy Hargrove. Simultaneously, Mitchell took full advantage of attending workshops, master classes and clinics at colleges and universities all over the country during the summer breaks and amid tours.

"...a Jazz Drumming Prodigy...he is a powerhouse behind the kit!" - The Dallas Observer

Being gifted to play all genres, Mitchell has been the recipient of a host of accolades and prestigious awards. He has received 14 DownBeat Music Awards and his impressive performance credits include Grammy-Award winning artists Christian McBride, Chrisette Michele, Bob Mintzer and Terell Stafford. In 2012, he was selected to perform on a global stage at the inaugural International Jazz Day with one of the most influential jazz artist of all time, the iconic Herbie Hancock. Shortly after, Mitchell was reigning the drum throne for the living legend, virtuoso bassist, composer and producer, Stanley Clarke. Then, he graduated high school! (Class of 2013)

"Mike has a huge future in front of him due to his unearthly playing and the genuineness of humility that he displays." - Tommy Aldridge

Fast forwarding, the Grammy-nominated artist Mike Mitchell has toured four of the seven continents of the world. In 2015, he released his debut album entitled WiFi with his Dallas-bred band, Rache'. His collaboration with the artistry of Stanley Clarke, Hadrien Feraud and Derrick Hodge has been the catalyst in the making of the new bandleader.

Mitchell is currently in final stages of completing his sophomore project, Killing Bugs, which is scheduled for release in 2017 on Ropeadope Records.

"The future of drumming is now!"