Mike Scala (artist)

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 music 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. Looking back on his childhood, Scala remembers writing a letter to an elementary teacher describing his goals for the future. When Scala entered college this teacher returned the letter. He had written that he wanted to do music and play at Madison Square Garden.

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.

Early musical career

At age 17 Scala became known in the local music scene in New York and Los Angeles. He began playing at underground jazz and rock venues such as CBGB, The Bitter End, Green Village Music Festival, Troubadour, The Mint, and The Viper Room. For the release of Scala’s second album, Autumn Ashes, he collaborated with members of Alien Ant Farm, 311, and John Butler Trio.

Scala released his first EP in 2008, titled Mike Scala EP with Redwood Records whilst on tour in Australia. He returned to Ballarat, Australia in 2009 to record his second album Autumn Ashes, which was subsequently released that year. Autumn Ashes features collaborations with well known artists such as Billy Rymer, Andrew Fry and also contains tracks featuring members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Scala's most recent album Heart On A String was released in September 2012 with indie label Soulsearch Records and producers and engineers Brian Caine, Phil Crayton and Ernesto Gerardo. Scala's newest label Soulsearch Records is an established indie label that employs many music/sound engineering graduates of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

In April 2011, Mike played a headline 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.

Touring

Mike Scala began touring the world in early 2007. He discovered his love for travel after he traveled to Europe in college with his university’s gospel choir. Currently, Scala has performed in over 150 cities and 17 countries on three world tours across the US, Central America, Australia and New Zealand and has sold over 28,000 albums worldwide.

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.

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

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 RTE 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.