Mike Viola is best known as singer, songwriter and musical architect of the Candy Butchers, a highly regarded indie pop-rock band from New York that recorded three critically acclaimed albums for Sony, including 2003’s fan favorite Hang on Mike.
Viola’s film work began a decade ago as the co-producer and lead singer of the title track “That Thing You Do!,” which went on to earn an Oscar® nomination for Best Original Song.
The latest Jake Kasdan/Judd Apatow film, Walk Hard starring John C. Reilly, features songs written by Mike. A spoof on the Hollywood music biopic, Walk Hard is a perfect playground for Viola’s subversive, witty lyrics and catchy-pop expertise. Walk Hard opens in theatres nationwide on December 21.
An independent artist since 2005, Viola released an album of new songs on his own label, Good Morning Monkey Records. Recorded in LA live at Largo, Just Before Dark showcases Mike's sharp abilities as a live performer. Once available on his website, mikeviola.com, the vinyl-only album sold out in three months.
His new album Lurch is alive with the classic-pop euphoria and vivid storybook imagery that Viola’s fans have come to treasure. Currently available on his website, Lurch will be distributed worldwide 2008.
In February 2008, Mike Viola brings his energetic presence, spontaneous antics, and a host of surprise guests to Joe’s Pub in New York City, where he will be in residence every Friday night at 11:30pm.
Due to a recent car accident necessitating some repairs on our usual car, my wife and I have been driving around in our mid-90s T-bird, which only has a cassette player. We found a tape I had made for her way back in college which contained the song "Tin Man". It made her weep.
Of course she's pregnant, so pretty much everything makes her weep. Still, we thought you'd like to know.
Well, may be a little late, but I finally got around to watching Walk Hard the other day, and I must say, I mean I know you wrote some of the songs and all, which were, awesome, but I think my favorite part of the movie was looking up and seeing you in the 70'a band, pretty cool actually seeing you in the movie as opposed to just hearing your voice, next stop, let's try for both, lol
Dear Mike, when is lurch coming to Germany? I hope soon 'cause i really like it!!! Oh, and by the way, great work with Dan on Dewey Cox and your Bathroom-Video!!!
okay i had LEO in the cd player in my car and as soon as you came in with that solo vocal my 11 year old son says, "Dad, listen, that sounds like mike viola" i almost ran the car off the road. it was funny. but seriously, your voice is so unique and distinct. looking forward to more, more, more...
Hey Mike, Thanks for adding me. I am a recent convert to your music (thanks to a friend in the US) and particularly enjoyed listening to your recent radio interview. Cheers, CP.
hey man, I've been trying to get around to leaving you a comment, but just wanted to say that your music is awesome. I heard some of it before but a couple of months ago, started listening to it in depth and its good stuff.
Great shows the last two fridays at joe's pub!!! I'm loving Lurch. I can't believe you're leaving NY.....please come back soon. I drove a total of 1200 miles to see those 2 nights at Joe's Pub; the least you can do is fly back every now and then to play for your hometown crowd. Best wishes in LA!!
Just got "Lurch" in the mail and I can barely express in words how much I love it. "Girly Worm" sounds like it could be on the Beach Boys "Smile" album. Thanks for giving us all the gift of such great pop songs.
if I lived in NYC, I would be a regular at the Joe's Pub gigs but since I don't, I'll just send good musical vibes to you from Austin TX (still remember your performance out on 6th St at SXSW) :-)
Got the new album! LOVE the new album! I think you found a way to write songs with Crack in them, 'cause your music is so addictive! Some of your best songs on this album, bro! Keep it up and I'll see you in February!
Hey Mike, I just got the new album in the mail. Great work, from start to finish! Next you need to travel to Tampa, FL so I can hear you live. Take care, Brian Jones
