Michael K. & the Populists: Meet the Band
Michael K. - Vocals/Guitars/Songwriter
Singer/songwriter Michael K hails from Pennsylvania, but it's the Chesapeake Bay area where he now resides, and what most informs his work. The brick roadways of Annapolis, the city streets of Baltimore, and the waters of the Bay itself imbue his songs with a sense of warmth without sacrificing verve.
Many of Michael K.'s original songs have been licensed for film and TV use and his songs have been featured on MTV's Next, ABC Family's Wildfire, the Showtime Original MOH "Chocolate", and MTV's Date My Mom. His song 'Waterview Avenue' is in regular rotation on 98-Rock, Baltimore.
Michael K. is at the forefront of a burgeoning Annapolis music scene where an eclectic mix of the Delta blues, rockabilly, alternative and art rock serves as an interesting backdrop to Michael K.'s earnest, unambiguous approach. His music, Michael K. says, "draws on my personal experiences as well as idealistic fantasies of that perfect love."
You can catch Michael K. wrapping his intelligent lyrics around infectious melodies anywhere in Maryland where an audience appreciates power pop of the first order.
Zak Hart - Axe Slinger
Zak enjoys long walks on the beach and quiet evenings by the fire. He firmly believes reality is only for people who can't handle alcohol. He knows the voices in his head aren't real, but has to admit they have pretty good suggestions sometimes.
Terry Whitehead - Bass Player /Den Mother
If funk was a religion Terry would be an Arch Bishop (minus the little boy thing).
Coming of age in the mid-70s in southern Alabama, he was preoccupied and dedicated to this music called funk. His grand mama bought him his first bass in 1977. He began to learn simple funk and rock licks by Slave, Ohio Players, Bar-Kays, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and many others, but the true catalyst for his funk odyssey was Parliament/Funkadelic, which combined funk and rock and blasted it at an obscene velocity.
After 23 years in the Air Force and performing with dozens of bands and basically with anyone that could hold and axe or drum stick, this purveyor of all things funky has landed in Severn, Maryland. Terry hooked up with Michael K in 2003 at a work place talent show and continues to hold down the bottom for Michael K and The Populist.
Brain Bolly - Drums/Sound
Originally from the Baltimore area, Brian moved to South Florida in 1998 to study at the University of Miami. While living in Miami, his engineering career began to take off, mixing for such artists as America, Arturo Sandoval, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Jon Secada and The Turtles w/Flo & Eddie. Not forgetting his love for performing, he kept his musical chops up in anticipation of playing again. Upon returning to Maryland in December of 2004, that wait would soon come to an end. Introduced to Michael K by a mutual friend, Brian soon became the rhythmic foundation for Michael K & the Populists.
Brian’s musical background, training and influences are no secret when hearing the groove he lays down for the group. Evident in the musicality of his playing, Brian has studied under and performed with such greats as Chuck Bergeron (Randy Brecker, Steve Gadd), Steve Rucker (Gloria Estefan, The Bee Gees, Jaco Pastorius), Andrew Synowiec (Marc Anthony), local jazz great Frank Russo (ret. USNA), and legendary Brazilian percussionist Ney Rosauro.