Mike Aiken

Not many people get to live life on their terms. But that is exactly what singer/songwriter/sailor Mike Aiken has been able to do combining his three greatest passions in life, music, sailing and adventure. Now, with the release of Hula Girl Highway, Mike's sophomore record for Northwind/Aspirion Records, he continues to cement his place as an authentic voice of a wayfaring lifestyle that most of us will only just dream about.
Mike is truly one of the lucky ones, living the life he sings about with his wife and musical partner Amy aboard a 42-foot cutter in the Norfolk, Virginia area. He's as adept at tying nautical knots as he is painting musical memories and images of the places and people he's met along his journey.
Mike's success on the other side of the pond proves that music knows no boundaries and borders. He toured Europe and France plus hit 24 on the Euro/Americana Charts, with the single No Fishin Pole reaching the top spot on the Euro Indie Hot Disc Chart. The song is part of a Universal Records Country Compilation CD along with tunes from Tim McGraw, Joe Nichols, Gary Allen, Phil Vassar and Trisha Yearwood.
Mike's previous recordings were made at sea almost literally, aboard a converted 1941 Navy Tugboat. However when it came time to track songs for this latest record, a change in latitude, but not attitude was in order. "I didn't want to reinvent the wheel and compromise who I am musically, I just wanted to ramp it up a bit. To do that I recorded the project in Nashville with the best players possible. "



Like the ever-changing sea that he loves, there are many sides to Mike. In between performances he's writing new songs, recording, and working on his philanthropic projects that include the Aiken & Friends Music Fest and the Breezeway Blowout Concert. In it's fifth year, the Aiken & Friends Fest benefits youth music education through an Americana/Roots festival, or 'celebration of songwriters,' that includes songwriting and guitar workshops, an in-the-round concert and full outdoor festival. Mike's Breezeway Blowout, a summer music concert event, benefits youth education on the water through experience on tall-ships.