Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Mullins.
Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began playing music at age 5, inspired by my father who has played music professionally, as a trombonist for Harry Connick Jr., George Porter Jr., and leader of the band Bonerama. My earliest musical memory was when I was 3 at French Quarter Fest in New Orleans watching him perform, watching the crowd react in synergy, and understanding from that moment that music can be the highest form of connection. From that point, I picked up trombone and singing in my early teen years and have been doing both professionally since the age of 18. Growing up in New Orleans, I was heavily influenced by icons of the city’s musical heritage such as members of the Meters, Harry Connick Junior, the Neville Brothers, Trombone Shorty, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, James Booker, and many others. Many of which I’ve had the honor of knowing and working with. This heavily influenced my creative style from an early age, in combination with my discovery and infatuation with rock ‘n’ roll music. When I was very young, I discovered Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin. I would describe my music as the intersection of rock & roll and the music of the city I was raised in. I studied jazz Trombone from the age of 17 at the New Orleans Center for the creative arts, and use that as a foundational tool in all of my music. I went to college at Loyola University New Orleans and studied in the Music Industry department there, gaining expertise about the industry itself, self management, and making professional connections that will last me a lifetime.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Challenges, I face have been the financial element of being an independent musician with original projects. Obviously, I don’t come from inheritance or money as my father is also a musician, whilst many people in the industry have that sort of platform to build from. It can be challenging to stay afloat in slow seasons, but we all sacrifice something to do the thing we love. I’ve certainly had a relatively smooth way of it compared to others, which I am extremely grateful for.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a singer, trombonist, songwriter, and horn arranger. I have three projects that I currently lead and have originated music for: my rock ‘n’ roll band Zita, my New Orleans folk band of the New Orleans Legacy Coalition, and my own solo project under my name. I also play in numerous other bands, touring throughout the year. Some of which are: Bonerama, Kota Dosa, Wolfe Johns, in which I play trombone, sing or arrange horns for. In 2022 my band Zita won best rock album in New Orleans by Offbeat Magazine for our debut record “Hardly Alive”. We have put out one studio album and one life album since then, a numerous other singles.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Authenticity is the most powerful thing you can practice. It sounds cliche but your intuition is always right about who you should be and what you feel is right. Trust yourself and never live in fear.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zitaband.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nola_michael/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/michaelmullins
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaelmullinsmusic
- Other: https://linktr.ee/zitaband
