Mike Maples started Liquid Mike in 2021. In that short time, the band has already put out five albums of songs - including their most recent one, Paul Bunyan's Slingshot. Hailing from Marquette, Michigan (that's the Upper Peninsula, folks), Mike balances his job as a mailman with writing a ton of songs, playing guitar, singing and touring. You can check them out in Chicago at Concord Music Hall on 12-11-2024.

Time Stamps:

2:20: So many different ways to describe your music, how do you describe Liquid Mike's sound?

4: Is the shortened length of songs inspired by any musicians?

9:30: When did you start playing guitar and writing your own songs?

13:45: How has the relative geographic isolation of living in the U.P. impacted your music?

16:31: What was it like to be out on your first big tour?

19: How is your first Chicago show at Riot Fest?

21:13: Have you been approached by any labels?

23:30: Are there other great bands playing in the U.P.?

28: What was it like when your music started blowing up?

31:40: Are you intentional about not being intentional about your use of social media?

38: How did your upcoming tours come together?

44:10: How many times have you been to Chicago?

45: Deep dish or thin crust pizza?

49: What does Chicago music mean to you?

51:33: Did you stick around Riot Fest and check out any bands?

54:08: What is your go-to cheap drink?

58: Anything else you want to plug on the way on out of here?