MikeOrris + Musician in Indianapolis, IN

SEEKING

ABOUT

Michael grew up playing the drums, and took full hold of it at nine years young. He was influenced and inspired by greats such as Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Billy Cobham, Louis Bellson, and many more drummers and musicians of different styles. He started playing the guitar and bass at the age of ten, discovering a passion and natural inclination on these instruments as well.

His first band "Existence" was formed when he was nine years old as "Descent", and the band consisted primarily of an extreme, technical, and metallic sound. Existence experienced a good amount of regional exposure and success before dis-banding in 2004. At the age of seventeen, Michael won Modern Drummer's "Undiscovered Drummer Contest" in the under eighteen division. In months following the Modern Drummer Festival he released his first studio solo album in which he wrote and performed all of the instruments and vocals on the recording. The project called "Eightimesover", performed regionally in support of the first recording. Michael has also gained valuable experience in the top forty cover circuit. Most of these working situations consist of playing styles ranging from blues, jazz, hip-hop, rock, metal, punk rock, and funk. In 2004 Michael had the opportunity to tour briefly with the Son of a Blues Legend, John Lee Hooker, Jr. Two years later in 2006 Michael played drums for "First Blood" in relation to their debut full-length album release "Killafornia" and the tours that followed. In 2009 he was asked to fill in and tour in a band called 'Last of the Believers" which consisted of members who also played in "Rise Against" and "Ignite".
His first band "Existence" was formed when he was nine years old, and the band consisted primarily of an extreme, technical, and metallic sound. Existence experienced a good amount of regional exposure. At the age of seventeen, Michael won Modern Drummer's "Undiscovered Drummer Contest" in the under eighteen division and was invited to play the 2003 Modern Drummer Festival.

In the months following the Modern Drummer Festival Michael produced a project called "Eightimesover". They performed regionally in support of the first recording in which Michael wrote and recorded all of the music. Michael has also gained years of experience in the top 40 casino and working circuits.

In 2004 Michael had the opportunity to tour briefly with John Lee Hooker, Jr.

Michael toured with metallic hardcore band "First Blood" in relation to their debut full-length "Killafornia" in 2006, and a short stint again in 2009 for the "Groezrock" Festival in Belgium, and a local SF, CA date at the DNA Lounge shortly after. Michael made a short return to First Blood in June of 2018.
In 2008 he was asked to fill in and tour with "Last of the Believers" which consisted of members who also played in Rise Against and Ignite.

*Judge at the Guitar Center Drum Off (2007,2009, 2010, 2014)

*Instructional DVD "Drum Formula Vol. One with Mike Orris," published in 2007.

*Won Modern Drummer's "International Undiscovered Drummer" contest in 2003.

*Performed at the 2003 Modern Drummer Festival.

*Featured on the 2003 Modern Drummer Festival DVD.

*Featured in issues of Modern Drummer Magazine and DRUM! Magazine.

*Bands/Artists played, recorded, or toured with include:
First Blood, Last of the Believers, Existence, Eightimesover, The Kanes, Formerly Known As (Prince Tribute), Cranium, Nevermute (Bass), Beta Case (Guitar, Drums), The Novelists, Changing the Design, Popstarserialkiller (Guitar), Tony Cataldo Attempt, Dane Rinehart, Hell Nevada, Uplifted, Sucka Punch, John Lee Hooker, Jr., Mimic

*Attended LA Music Academy Summer Program ’04 (Certificate).

*Proficient multi-instrumentalist, song-writer, and producer.

*Previously Endorsed: Pro Mark Drumsticks, Aquarian Drumheads, and Sabian Cymbals.

/mikeorris
/michaelorris

Screen name:

MikeOrris

Member since:

Jan 16 2015

Active within 1 month

Level of commitment:

Touring

Years playing music:

25

Gigs played:

Over 100

Tend to practice:

More than 3 times per week

Available to gig:

6-7 nights a week

Most available:

Nights

Influences

Buddy Rich, Jimi Hendrix, Gene Krupa, Louis Bellson, Van Halen, Sepultura, Slayer, Pantera, Mahivhishnu Orchestra, Billy Cobham, Tony Royster, Jr, Sheila E, Prince, Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl, Danny Carey, Stewart Copeland

Instrument experience:

Drums:

Expert

Rhythm Guitar:

Advanced

Lead Guitar:

Advanced

Bass Guitar:

Advanced

Other Percussion:

Advanced

Background Singer:

Advanced

Piano:

Moderate

Ukulele:

Moderate

Electronic Music:

Moderate

EQUIPMENT

.

MUSIC