BIO (excerpt)

Mike Hellman is a country and americana troubadour with a bent for the unconventional. Slinging songs with substance, conviction and grit, he’s on a mission to tell his truth and he insists on being heard. While firmly rooted in the rich country and blues traditions of his home state of Texas, he refuses to pander to cliché and his sound is anything but predictable. His lively performances swing from ballad to barn burner to outright rock ‘n’ roll, and his rich baritone conjures earnestness and humor while dealing head-on with all aspects of the human condition (and with a not-so-subtle nod to the downtrodden). An “outlaw” for outlaws, Mike's music transcends the often narrow boundaries set by the mainstream country music establishment. 

Mike has kicked ass at Americanafest, taken names at Folk Alliance conferences, and has been featured in No Depression. He’s shared the stage with prominent americana artists Jason Eady, Melody Walker, Gabe Lee and countless others. He tours widely and is confidently in his element whether crooning for an intimate listening room, or burning down the house with his killer band, the Banned Books.

His 2024 full length release "Trials and Triumphs" has enjoyed enthusiastic reception on the americana radio circuit, and features a who’s who of talent: guitarist James Deprato (Chuck Prophet), pedal steel player Ian Taylor Sutton (Vincent Neil Emerson), multi-instrumentalist Chuck Bradley (Hellbound Glory) and mastering by Michael Rosen (Santana, Green Day, etc). A highly anticipated sophomore album is expected for release in Spring 2026. 

Stages Mike has slayed:

Dan Electro’s, Great American Music Hall, Moe’s Alley, Felton Music Hall, Fitzgerald’s (Houston), Continental Club (Houston), Redbird Listening Room, City Winery (Nashville), Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, Lonesome Rose, Ivy Room, Hopmonk, and counting.

Artists Mike has shared the stage with:

Jason Eady, Melody Walker, Gabe Lee, Red Shaban, Ellis Bullard, Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, Lowdown Drifters, Waylon Payne, Jackson Emmer, Abigayle Oakley, Acacia Forgot, Adam and Chris Carroll, Jeff Crosby, and many more.