Meet Mike Odabashian | Creative, Percussionist, Music Technician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Odabashian and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Having been a musician for better part of 35 years, my entrepreneurship has always been in my blood. The idea of working for someone rather than working with them has always been my mantra. So being able to control that narrative myself has always been something that excites me, scares the hell out of me, and keeps me moving forward and growing.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
How many pages do have here? LOL I am very fortunate first, to be an identical twin and always have had a person to write with, collaborate with, and build my chops with. My story professionally started really in 2010 and getting the gig with Zander Bleck and touring nationally and some international playing. He was signed by the all mighty Jimmy Iovine, and we had RedOne as our producer, Randy Phillips as our manger and Interscope records as our label. It was clash of the music titans. Super thankful for this opportunity and forever grateful. That was a great 11 year run, it brought me to LA, where I started to spread my wings.

I national toured with heavy rock band Kicking Harold, who had hits that made it to international syndicated Emmy nominated TV show Overhauling, it was a fun ride. Many recording sessions, contract work for tv radio, from that point on to where I am today. I play with Hand of the Tribe a Boston based hard rock/metal band that has a record deal with HItskope Records. Album is released, 4 music videos, our latest release eclipsing 180K views on YouTube. I also play with experimental band Kukuni, signed to Liquid Culture Records here in LA. New group, great guys, super excited about our future, and we just released our self titled record last month.

I also play with piano-man extraordinaire Louis Middleton. We do select gigs all over the country, Aspen, Miami, Hamptons etc. When he needs a beat, he brings me in, and it’s some of the most fun I have had playing music.

I also work in Music Tec as well, working with a ground breaking company called AIMS. AIMS helps large rights-holders, record labels, music platforms (and more) organize their music using AI making it searchable in seconds, and overall make their lives easier! I am helping them connect the dots with stakeholders here in LA, finding new opportunities and verticals that are a fit. Amazing music people, that are super sharp, innovative. and overall some of the best humans I’ve met.

I also edit music videos, engineer drum sessions, and help producer content for solo musicians. And, starting a podcast this month. Is that enough?? Should I do more? LOL.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Coming to LA hmmmmmmmm, I would first take them on a hike, let’s reset the body and mind, and see LA from the top. Could be Griffith Observatory or Runyon Canyon, both give you breathtaking views of LA. Then to eat? lets find tacos. LA’s Mexican food culture is tops, and I would head to Highland Park. There is a street vendor that literally makes it all from scratch, and has a line down the street. From there let’s go the Hollywood walk of fame. See Chinese theater, see the stars, etc. I live a block from there, so it’s part of the indoctrination of LA. Night time, The Rainbow. Go see Lemy’s statue, spill some beer at his feet. Check all the nooks and crannies of this place and get some of there amazing pizza. Then, maybe show at the Roxy, Viperoom, Hotel Cafe, etc. Then Boardners to close the night chill and =reflect on the day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to thank all the amazing musicians I have worked with in my career. Their light has always inspired me, and their collaborations have shaped my creative voice. They have made me who I am and for that I am thankful.

Website: handofthetribe.com

Instagram: @mikeodabashian

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-odabashian-63b12910/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=bash%20drums

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqBzMb5DzDltLAfhCavI2Zw

Other: Band Hand of the Tribe https://www.youtube.com Band Kukuni IG @kukunimusic