Of Mice and Musicians is a six-piece live hip-hop band from Detroit, Michigan. The band was formed when post-prog trio Lay of the Cid (Drummer-Nick, Guitarist-Mike, Bassist/Engineer-Zack), Hip-Hop group Basement Addicts (Lead MC-Ben, MC/Beats- Tony), and Turntablist DJ Scav D combined forces in the summer of 2009. The band’s name pays homage to the realization that most bands are not meant to survive and in spite of laying the “best laid plans,” the world will for the most part do what it wants with you.
Of Mice and Musicians’ sound is uniquely limitless. Its members are gifted musicians from different backgrounds who switch instruments on various songs, making for very energetic and interesting live sets. Some have described the band’s sound as a cross between The Roots and Incubus. However, with each song varying from the next, it’s hard to put a label on the band’s vibe.
Despite all members having day-jobs spanning all walks of life (i.e. front office of a podiatrist, Biggby Coffee, lawyer, troubled youth counselor), they always seem to find time to keep building. “I am proud of what we making even if we don’t make it” says Ben, “if I can rock a show with my friends on the weekends I’ll take it.” Most of the band’s members live together in the same house and if they’re not playing a show, Of Mice and Musicians can be found in the basement studio blowing off steam.
The group’s vibe is similar to that of brothers, always poking fun at each other and often arguing about arrangements, promo initiatives and who isn’t handling business at the moment. Onstage, Ben and Tony talk shit to each other while the rest of the band laughs, evidencing a comradery that permeates through the band’s musical performances and into their personal lives.
Read more...