Mike Payne

Originally from East Tennessee, my passion for music began early—I picked up the drums at just 4 years old and never looked back. Music quickly became a core part of who I am, and over the years, I've expanded my musical skill set to include instruments like the saxophone, bass, and synthesizers.

One of my biggest inspirations is Buddy Miles, especially in how I approach both drumming and bass playing. His groove and energy continue to influence my style today.

I've been fortunate to be involved in building three music festivals, and I also run a mobile DJ service. My love for music spans across genres—from funk and rock to EDM—and I’m always excited to explore new sounds and styles. Games like Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater played a big role in shaping my musical taste growing up.

Beyond playing music, I’m deeply interested in the technical side of live performance. I continue to learn and grow in the fields of lighting design and live sound, where there's always room for innovation and creativity.

Music isn’t just something I do—it’s something I live.