Mike Henretty

Mike grew up in Northern Ca. in a family full of music, melody, theater and all things tied to the performing arts. A muse for music and rhythm was evident early on. “Dad kept the stereo on 24-7… whether we were home or not. The sisters were always in some school production, choir or some other kind of ensemble. Mom to this day sings in  acapella vocal group and acts part time”. The whole fam has embraced music and the arts to some degree. “I’m the only one mental enough to be doing it professionally. To be honest the instrument was merely a very passionate hobby for a long time. The decision to go pro has been fruitful. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner”.

Drumming/musical influences? It’s all over the place really. Music that just hits you a certain way – makes you take notice – maybe makes you think or act differently ~~ that’s all it has to do to be on the good list for me… whatever the style or genre.

On traps? The typical innovators and old school standbys from The Police to Purdie, from Bonham to Bozzio. “To me, these guys are timeless because they all have a very musical approach to the kit. They combine the right amount of notes with the right amount of space to make everything they do work”. My approach to the drums is pretty straightforward. With respect for the time the technicians put in, I tend to emphasize groove and dynamics more so than chops and playing ‘properly’. Time and time again I’ve been told that I got the gig because of groove and dynamics… that and keep your eyes and ears open and don’t be wankin on the kit when you don’t need to be… people hate that. Nail these things down and you’ll never be out of a job on the drums. I’ve found that improving on the drums to be an extension of improving ones self… Relaxation, focus, discipline, use of a minimum amount of energy to produce the maximum results… Striving to become a better musician has made me a better person”.

Mike has been performing and touring regionally and nationally for the past seven years. He has toured with Texas troubadour Dub Miller, an established figure on the Texas music scene. He did a stint with Austin singer/songwriter Wendy Colonna, with whom he played the Austin City Limits stage. Mike has also performed with other TX artists such as Matt Skinner, Doug Moreland, and Drew Womack of Sons of the Desert fame, a Grammy nominated singer songwriter who has written and recorded two billboard top 10 singles, and co-wrote Kenny Chesney’s #1 hit, She’s Got it All. Sub gigs and with various TX artists like Jack Ingram and others pop up from time to time.

For about the past two years, Mike has been on the traps for Brandon Rhyder “I’m real fired up about direction of this effort. The music, the man himself, the guys I jam and hang with on the road… it’s all bueno ~ a great gig by all measurable standards…and the business team that is on board is top notch. They just keep out doing themselves and have produced some excellent results”.

He also does production, engineering and recording in his home studio of his own material and for hired projects.

Mike currently lives in Austin TX.