"MIKE CHECK"
The Vibe
Name: Michael Mackey
Native: Baltimore, MD, USA
Stage Name: “Mike Check”
High School: Lake Clifton
College: Test College
Influences: Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Joe Sample, J Moss, Chaka, Commissioned, Vikter Duplaix
Accomplishments: Produced over 300 music tracks
Music Contributions to M&TT: Wrote majority music concepts for Album II:
Whole Again,
Kinda Like,
Greatest Love,
All I Know
Time with M&TT: Feb 2008 - Present
Marcell's Thoughts on Mike
Mr. Humility
Well, what do I say about Mike. First off, we are cousins through marriage, and grew up in the same church together where my grandfather was the pastor. I think I can speak for Mike when I say this; so much of the music that comes out of he and I stemmed from that little building on Lombard St. The walls used to sweat so bad, and everybody practically played something. When I think of Mike, musically, in this band I feel he represents the humility of our music. To me humility equals "Truth", and Mike listens for what the song feels like. So many keyboard players I’ve played with in the past could not wait to be heard. They would often play over the singer, and sometimes the band, but Mike is pretty much the opposite. He is consumed with what the song needs. So if he thinks the story in the song needs just a sound, a whistle; well, that’s what he plays for 5 minutes. If chords, pads, half steps, etc…, he is ready. His first question to me is “What did you have in mind when you wrote this song or the lyrics, Marcell?” Then you see him look up for a few minutes, lol, then he tries a few things and often he nails it. So to me Mike Mackey is the band’s Humility.
THANK YOU'S from Mike Check
Thanks to THE MOST HIGH. I am afforded the opportunity to share music to those who will hear. Dorcas Chance(mom), I love you. You've always let me be my musical self, pushing me. Ray Moore Sr., for buying me my 1st keyboard(Casio) wow!!! Ali, thanks for your support. To Mya Mackey through it ALL…and only we know what ALL is, thank you. DJ, Lil Mike, Drew, daddy loves you. To Ray, Pam, Lisa(my biggest fan) Alisha, Aliah, Jade, Shamiah, Lil Ali, much love from big brother. Thank you Elder Brown"telldaLordthankya". Matthew and Liz Riley, Charles and Barbara Bennett, thank you for allowing me to play outside the box. Stacey Shannon, Elijah(now can I get in your movies?) LOL. Kevin, you coming up!! Prof. Glen Roscoe, David Chance, Paul and Sam Chance, you guys are great. Ahh! yes, Josee, I didn't do it, I made you proud? Thank you 42 for your craziness. To my brothers Marcell, Gerald, Austin, CJ, NOBODY CAN DO WHAT WE DO. Thank you guys for letting me be myself. The world will hear now. I gotta get out of here. To all I didn't mention, I know I'm in trouble. Love you all.
