Check Out Mike Gangi’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Gangi

Hi Mike, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My foray into music started at a young age. I was surrounded by music at home and at work through my teen years. I spent many nights in my youth watching as my father performed standards at his Italian Restaurant, Cafe Roma, in Raleigh, NC. I listened to my father’s rock and blues albums and CD collections for two decades before picking up an acoustic guitar and learning how to play. I kept working on my skills as I made his way through college at UNC-Wilmington in the late 90’s. I was influenced by artists such as Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Jonny Lang, Tom Petty, Dave Matthews Band, Hootie & the Blowfish, Gin Blossoms, The Lemonheads, Vertical Horizon, Pearl Jam, Edwin McCain, Sister Hazel, and a plethora of other Southern-based pop-rock bands of the outstanding 1990s.

The turn of the century brought my foray into live performance with the band Catching Red. Formed in late 2000, I met co-founder Wes Sayer at an open mic in downtown Wilmington, NC. We quickly became brothers of song pumping out over 50 original songs within 2 years. We became quite a hit on the local college circuit, eventually expanding to a six-piece rock outfit. With a sizeable grassroots fan base, Catching Red was a staple of the Wilmington music scene despite never having released a studio album. Catching Red shared the stage with such acts as Sister Hazel, Pat McGee Band, Guster, Edwin McCain, Shawn Mullins, Cravin’ Melon, the Blue Dogs, Hobex, Weekend Excursion, Mike Corrado Band, Travis Allison Band, Agents of Good Roots, Feel Love Fury, Runaway Cab., and more.

Shortly after Catching Red disbanded, I served 4 years in the US Navy experiencing the culture of countries such as Turkey, Greenland, France, Seychelles, Portugal, and Italy. My songbook grew as I traveled the world with the Navy. I moved on to a career working “behind the scenes” in the live event production industry at premier venues in cities such as Orlando, Austin, and San Diego. I currently reside in Apex, NC. I also work full-time as a Region Director of Venue Services for ON Site Audio Visual in addition to performing solo regionally.

I guess I would like to be known for having carefully crafted and relevant setlists, provocative and memorable vocals, and a rhythmic and energetic playing style. Often, you never know who will join me on stage. I play with other area musicians including Dan Culbreth, Billy Tillitt, and Keith Goldstein in various formats and always with the same enthusiasm. My longtime colleague, Wes Sayer of Catching Red, has been diligently working with me towards releasing the first Catching Red EP after a reunion marking 20 years. Our newest tracks: “Best Left”, “God Forbid”, and “Searchlight Smile” have been impressively popular cuts during our local live performances.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For the most part, I wouldn’t change anything. It has been a lifelong learning process and something that has become a part of me. At times, balancing family life, work, music, and socializing to keep my sanity has been trying. While serving in the military and going through some personal loss I experienced a bout of writer’s block for about 8 years, only playing intermittently when the situation presented itself. This was a very lonely period for me, but I was able to digest a lot emotionally and spiritually, and it has shown in my songwriting efforts. Moving with my job numerous times also presented it’s challenges. However, had it not been for a relocation to San Diego and meeting Sabrina Test at Lucy’s Tavern and fellow musician Tom Geck, the adventure in music may have stalled. At the end of the day, every challenge I have faced has contributed to my music in some shape or form…and it’s all been positive.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
That’s a tough question because I appreciate the originality of every artist. I think what fans appreciate about me are my setlists, my vocals, my strumming style, and my ability to improvise. I like to perform what people want to hear live. I often engage the audience by taking requests and they seem to enjoy that I can almost always accommodate. I choose from over 700 cover songs and my catalog of originals so there’s quite a lot of content that I can share with audiences. I get a lot of compliments on my voice. Many claim it’s very smooth, articulate, and memorable. It’s actually quite flattering to hear that kind of feedback. I totally have my father’s genes to thank for it. I also have a pretty aggressive chop to how I play rhythm guitar. The number of strings I break on average definitely sets me apart from others. I should be sponsored by a string manufacturer at this rate (I’m talking to you D’Addario)! Also, I would have to say I love creating my flyers for every show. I get so creative at times and I think it makes a lasting impression on people’s perception of how professional I take my hobby.

How do you define success?
I would say it is multi-faceted. Personal fulfillment and growth is very important to me. My journey from learning music by ear and textbooks to performing solo and with various musicians has all contributed to my success and personal development. I think it’s really important to be able to connect with my audience. Building relationships with my friends and fans is huge. Creating music that resonates with them on a personal level is something that strikes me as a win. Maintaining originality and staying true to the music rather than focusing on commercial success is something I have valued and seen as advantageous. It’s helped me express deep and personal themes in my writing, contributing to my goal of personal development. My involvement in the local music scene, playing with different musicians, and supporting local open mics, such as those hosted by Brian Jones, has been so important and directly related to my accomplishments artistically. I would also say that being persistent and overcoming obstacles has been really important as well. That’s probably my biggest win. Being able to find a solution through song is a passion of mine and how I tend to view the world.

Pricing:

• Many formats (Solo, Duo, Band)
• Available for private parties and corporate events
• Currently booking for 2025 regionally

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mikegangi.com
• Instagram: @mikegangimusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikegangimusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikegangimusic
• Other: https://www.onservices.com