Local Folkie You Won't Want To Miss

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 15, 2009 7:20PM

As a musician born, raised and residing in Chicago, Mike Musikanto delivers sound that retains the essence of a Windy City winter - bleak, bitter and so harsh it stings. You might remember this folk-Americana singer / songwriter from the former quintet Sleeper Car. But this past year he’s been making a name for himself, performing in his self-named band, Musikanto, and promoting his debut album, Ghost Pain. Along with focusing on playing specifically for his Chicago audience, he’s been hard at work coming up with fresh material and, as he says, “constantly writing and always trying to challenge myself with new sounds and styles.” You can catch some of his new songs as well as favorites from his album this Friday when he performs at the Beat Kitchen’s Holiday Party.

Ghost Pain never quite got the attention it deserved, maybe because Musikanto released the record independently. But don’t let the lack of a label fool you - this album is no basement botch-up. Musikanto proves he can write personal yet relatable lyrics that’ll rip your heart strings right out. He backs up his powerful, passionate vocals with a jangly acoustic guitar and light piano and horns. The album starts out with “Misty Morning” and “I Ain’t Your Rock,” twangy, high-energy tracks that lean more toward the country side of Americana. But the album eases into a calmer, folkier rhythm with beautiful ballads like “To See You One More Time.” It closes with “Atomic Walls” and “I Know Something’s Going On,” two brooding, romantic tracks that will leave you in a fulfilling sort of melancholy.

Aside from Ghost Pain, a large part of his set will be new, more piano-focused material. Musikanto says he’s been playing more piano this year, giving his music a different sensibility. He says, “Playing on a different instrument has helped bring me to another place emotionally and has helped me grow as a songwriter.” With special mentions by both the Red Eye and Metromix, this show is sure to give his musical career a little boost. He’ll be releasing a few new singles this winter and plans on another full-length album in June 2010. With raw talent and serious dedication, it’s pretty clear Musikanto’s on his way to becoming a big name in folk. But when he does, Chicago can rest assured that he’s one artist who won’t forget his local roots.

Musikanto plays December 18 at Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont, 9 p.m., $8, 21+