This week, Ira spoke with Mike Dawes, performing in Myron’s at The Smith Center, August 17. In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Mike talks about when he knew the guitar would become his life; why he loves the free-styling method; how his guitar playing brings his music into a more “contemporary realm”; how he worked on projects in Las Vegas; why he uses humor in the show and makes his performance an immersive show; the British guitar invasion; the social connection with music; how we have lost our attention span; his new album Galactic Acid; the importance of “Cloud Catcher,” his lead tune; his love of vinyl; why he records his albums in a castle; why producer Josh Clark is his “third hand”; why he loves performing live shows; how he “mics” his acoustic guitar; and his “rock show” using one guitar. (Photo by Chiara Lucarelli)
Mike Dawes is an English guitarist known for composing, arranging and performing multiple parts simultaneously on a single guitar. He is regarded as one of the world’s most creative modern fingerstyle guitarists with a repertoire spanning original viral videos and popular arrangements, alongside mainstream chart success performing with Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues.
Mike was named “best acoustic guitarist in the world” two years in a row (2017 & 2018) by Total Guitar Magazine & Musicradar reader polls. with numerous 2nd place rankings in the proceeding years. YouTube personality Rick Beato named Mike “one of the finest acoustic guitar players in the world.”
His debut release, a solo guitar arrangement of Gotye’s “somebody that I used to know,” quickly became a viral hit with tens of millions of views on YouTube, a success duplicated and expanded upon numerous times since with songs like “one,” “the impossible” and “jump” across multiple video platforms.
His reputation has invited him opportunities to collaborate with grammy award-winning artists such as Tommy Emmanuel, with whom he recorded the duet record “Accomplice vol. 3,” and the Grammy-nominated metal band “Periphery,” with whom Mike joined on their 2024 double single release.
Mike is featured on multiple Justin Hayward live releases including “spirits…live,” which debuted at #2 on the U.S. Billboard chart. He also has a strong reputation as an educator, acting as a columnist for guitar world and acoustic guitar magazines as well as teaching guitar masterclasses all over the world, creating apps, publishing degree level literature, appearing as a TV judge on Sky TV’s “guitar star,” and more.
Recently he contributed electric guitars to Mentrix and Gareth Croker’s stunning soundtrack to Ubisoft’s “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,” with other session work featured on tv shows such as AMX’s “Better Call Saul.”
Mike’s passion, however, is performing. having shared the stage with acts as diverse as Tommy Emmanuel, Christopher Cross, Periphery, the Aristocrats, Justin Hayward and the Athens State Orchestra in 2023 alone.
His third studio album, Galactic Acid, is now available.
FAQs
who is mike dawes?
Mike Dawes is a talented English guitarist, known for his fingerstyle playing and innovative techniques. He has gained recognition for his unique style and ability to create complex and intricate musical arrangements on a single guitar.
what guitar does mike dawes play?
Mike Dawes primarily plays acoustic guitars, often using a variety of different models to achieve different sounds. He is known for his use of a variety of techniques, including fingerpicking, hybrid picking, and tapping.
is mike dawes a good guitarist?
Mike Dawes is widely considered to be one of the best fingerstyle guitarists in the world. He has received critical acclaim for his technical ability, musicality, and creativity.
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Talking with Mike Dawes Full Transcript
Ira Sternberg: Well, this is one interview where my guest will string you along—and rightly so—because he’s busy composing, arranging, and performing multiple parts simultaneously on a single guitar. He’s regarded as one of the world’s most creative modern fingerstyle guitarists. His name is Mike Dawes, and he’s performing at Myron’s at the Smith Center this Saturday, August 17th, at 7 PM. For ticket information, go to thesmithcenter.com. For everything about Mike Dawes, go to mikedawes.com. You can follow him on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube. Mike, welcome to the show.
Mike Dawes: Hey, it’s a pleasure to be here. Thanks for that lovely introduction.
Ira Sternberg: My pleasure! Lovely accent—clearly, you are not from America.
Mike Dawes: I am not! I’m talking to you live from Bristol, UK—the home of Blackbeard the pirate, Wallace and Gromit, and cultural institutions like Banksy, the infamous street artist. But my girlfriend is from New York, so honorary American—or so she tells me.
Ira Sternberg: Well, from that point of view, since she’s from America, I’ll note we have a product here called Bristol Cream, so there’s another Bristol connection.
Mike Dawes: [Laughs] Very cool, very cool.
Ira Sternberg: I guess the most important question I have to ask is, when did you know the guitar would be your life?
Mike Dawes: Honestly, the first time I played a clean note. The interesting thing about the guitar is that, unlike the piano where you press a button and sound is produced, the guitar requires two hands working in synchronicity to create a note. For any guitar player, the first few weeks are painful—your fingers hurt, it’s a struggle to get a clean sound. But once you manage it and give it a little wiggle, you feel like a rock god. That’s when I knew the guitar was for me.
Ira Sternberg: But does the callus ever go away?
Mike Dawes: It does, absolutely! During the pandemic, when I wasn’t gigging, I felt like a newborn baby when I picked up the guitar again—just with a pandemic beard.
Ira Sternberg: Everyone should have a beard, pandemic or not.
Mike Dawes: [Laughs] Absolutely!
Ira Sternberg: So once you decided the guitar would be your life, and you got past those early hurdles, did your unique fingerstyle technique develop right away, or did that come later?
Mike Dawes: It developed over time. Most guitar players use a pick and play lead or rhythm guitar. But after discovering Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, I realized you could play with your fingers. On the acoustic guitar, that opened up the ability to play bass, harmony, melody, and percussion all at once using a variety of techniques. Classical guitarists have done this for centuries, but I wanted to bring it to the steel-string acoustic guitar and make it more contemporary—covering popular songs, creating original pieces, and adding comedic elements. Living in a small town with no bandmates, I had to become a one-man orchestra.
Ira Sternberg: Or a one-man band with cymbals and bicycle horns!
Mike Dawes: Exactly! Thankfully, I’ve avoided the bicycle horns—for now.
Ira Sternberg: You’re not only in a small town, but your girlfriend lives in another country, so you’re really in bad shape.
Mike Dawes: [Laughs] Yes, I’m working on that green card! But Vegas has been like a third home for me over the years. I’ve worked on projects at places like Blackbox Studios and recently released a single with the heavy metal band Periphery. This will be my first solo show in Las Vegas, and I’m thrilled.
Ira Sternberg: We’ll talk more about your upcoming show, but I’m fascinated by your journey. Why did you choose the guitar over other instruments like the trumpet or piano?
Mike Dawes: It was Guns N’ Roses! But really, my family moved a lot when I was young. As a socially anxious preteen, fitting in was everything. I realized the cool kid in class played guitar, so I begged my parents for one. When they caved and got me a basic electric guitar, I was hooked. Once I could play “Smoke on the Water,” I felt unstoppable.
Ira Sternberg: And here you are now, performing all over the world and sharing the stage with legends like Tommy Emmanuel and The Moody Blues. You’re also bringing Christy Lyn to open your Las Vegas show.
Mike Dawes: Yes, Christy is an incredible talent and a wonderful person. Like me, she brings a high-energy approach to guitar. This isn’t a “sit-down-and-stare-at-your-shoes” kind of guitar show—it’s a rock show. We want people to feel the energy and see us pushing ourselves to the limit.
Ira Sternberg: Watching you perform must feel like vicariously walking a tightrope.
Mike Dawes: That’s the idea! It’s like juggling swords while walking a tightrope. And as a British guitarist touring through the southern U.S., there’s a certain romance to the experience.
Ira Sternberg: Earlier, you mentioned the social aspect of music. Let’s face it—you took up guitar to get girls, didn’t you?
Mike Dawes: [Laughs] Guilty as charged! It took a while, but I got there eventually. Music has a way of connecting people, whether you’re performing for someone or jamming with friends.
Ira Sternberg: Your latest album, Galactic Acoustics, features the single “Cloud Catcher.” Tell us about it.
Mike Dawes: “Cloud Catcher” is a seven-minute instrumental guitar journey. It’s full of techniques and emotion, and I hope it resonates with people. It’s a journey through themes of anxiety, nostalgia, and optimism for the future. Tommy Emmanuel even called me after it came out to say how much he loved it, which was amazing.
Ira Sternberg: That’s high praise! You’re also releasing it on vinyl, which has such a unique history.
Mike Dawes: Yes, it’s my first vinyl release. There’s something special about holding a record in your hands—it’s an experience. Music is physical, and vinyl captures that.
Ira Sternberg: Let’s talk about your show at Myron’s. What can the audience expect?
Mike Dawes: It’s an interactive, intimate show that combines jaw-dropping guitar techniques, humor, and storytelling. It’s just me and my guitar, but it’s a full-on rock show. No orchestra, no tracks—just raw, live music.
Ira Sternberg: Any favorite songs you’re excited to perform?
Mike Dawes: My favorite is “The Impossible.” It’s the hardest song I play, with each hand playing in different time signatures. It’s a hypnotic and emotional journey, and I love seeing the audience’s reaction.
Ira Sternberg: That’s a great way to leave it. My guest has been Mike Dawes, performing at Myron’s at the Smith Center this Saturday, August 17th, at 7 PM. For ticket information, go to thesmithcenter.com. For everything about Mike Dawes, including his new album, go to mikedawes.com. Mike, thanks for being on the show.
Mike Dawes: It’s a pleasure! Thanks for having me.
Ira Sternberg: See you next time.
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