In 1980, at the tender age of 11, Mike Brill began taking guitar lessons. They only lasted a year. “I remember thinking I wasn’t learning enough songs, so I quit. Looking back, I realize I was learning all the things I wish I was more familiar with today—musical theory.” It wasn’t until 11 years later that he picked up a guitar again. “While attending East Stroudsburg University, I was at a party at my friend’s fraternity and I picked up the guitar in the corner and started playing and singing. People just stared and said ‘we didn’t know you played’ and I said ‘neither did I.’” A few months later, Mike got a guitar for Christmas and has been self-taught ever since. “For me, self-taught goes hand in hand with God-given talent. I don’t believe there can be a ‘self’ in music because ultimately, from the first note I’ve ever played to my last note I’ll ever play, I will be taking from or influenced by other musicians. As long as there’s a circle of human life there will be an endless circle of music. It’s just great to be on board and part of something (like music) that will never die.”

        Mike Brill’s bands over the years have included Lemuel Lo, Sizzlecat Sunshine, Eclectic Junction, Project JAM, and, most recently, Acoustic MDC. “I have had the privilege to play with some awesome musicians. Each one of them touched me and I would like to think that I can call each one of them a friend today.”

        In 2003, for a brief period in his life, Mike avoided listening to or playing music in fear of where it would take him. “It was a time when I needed my world to slow down.” Eventually, he turned to the music of Luka Bloom for a source of soothing enlightenment—“music kind to my ears and soul. It was Luka Bloom’s music that taught me there is Peace through Music.”

 

        Mike Brill’s solo shows range from songs by Luka Bloom, The Pogues, The Grateful Dead, CSN, Beatles, Elvis Presley, Eagles, Bob Marley, Pink Floyd, with newer influences such as Phish, Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam, R.E.M., The Cure, U2, The Smiths and Barenaked Ladies, as well as traditional and rebel Irish songs. He particularly likes singer/songwriters such as Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Neil Young, Cat Stevens, Harry Chapin and Richard Thompson. “Growing up, my family’s record collection was huge and eclectic. I don’t think someone could name an artist that we didn’t have at least one of their albums-including Broadway Plays.” Brill also has some originals that he incorporates into his show.

        Mike plays most of his shows in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. And even after 14 years, he has a passion for music that can only be captured by seeing him live. From beginning to end, Mike pours everything he has into every song. If you look real close as he performs, you can see that twinkle in his eye that says Brill has found “Peace through Music.”