Born in Bowmanville, Ontario, Mike Pollard was the youngest of three children. Mike grew up in the tiny hamlet of Crooked Creek where rural life was all he knew. From a very early age, country music was a huge part of his life. Every radio in the Pollard house was tuned into the local country station and classic country music was always spinning on the record player. When weekends rolled around there were always family gatherings and the guitars and old country songs fueled Mike’s love for it even more.
At eighteen, he taught himself to play the guitar and by the age of nineteen, was writing his own songs. Very soon, Mike Pollard was singing songs to anyone who would listen and eventually put his first band together called “Jimmy Haystack and the Redneck Rodeo”. After a couple years, the group changed their name to “One Horse Town”. Mike played rhythm guitar and was lead singer until the group disbanded in 2002. In the spring of 2003, after some time away, Mike Pollard returned to the stage as a solo artist.
In the spring of 2004, Mike released his independant debut album, 'Rural Roots', which included 8 self-penned songs. The album was a hit to fans and critics alike. 'Rural Roots', was the second best local/indie seller of 2005 and came in third of all local/indie release in 2006. The album receives airplay on radio stations from Newfoundland to Australia. The success of this album found Mike busier than ever as the demand for his performances grew larger.
His follow up album entitled, 'Hickerbilly', was released in November of 2006. The new album features another 8 Pollard originals and has proved to be another hit to fans. After only 6 weeks of sales it turned out to be the number one local/independant release of all 2006! This album is enjoying success all around the globe and has been consistently taking the number one spot on local sales charts since it's release.
Mike currently resides in Colborne, Ontario, where he enjoys the quiet life in the country as well as a good place to write songs and make his music. He is a proud member of the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) as well as the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN). In 2006, he started his own business; 'Flaming Hooves Publishing and Promotions'. Mike Pollard has shared the stage with many of Canada's top legends and spent time in Nashville in 2006 networking and even performing on Broadway. He has always been dedicated to tradition and is always striving to provide excellent entertainment to his fans with his multi-talented band, 'Stetson'.
At 29 years old, Mike Pollard, certainly can tell stories of life and love beyond his years. He is a gifted singer whose vocals are strong, sweet and unmistakable. Dubbed as a new traditionalist, Mike, is an excellent showman, crowd pleaser, and a truly gifted songwriter. There's no doubt that this young mans passion for tradition and dedication to his craft will someday make him a household name. Someday down the road the next generation of country fans will be sitting around at their gatherings, singing the songs of Mike Pollard.
For bookings, comments or questions:
(905) 243 - 7108
hickerbilly@sympatico.ca
Read more...