ep21 Mike Edel can still do this
released September 18, 2025
01:41:59

Guest: Mike Edel singer/songwriter
Hosts: Glen Erickson + Alexi Erickson

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Glen Erickson sits down with Canadian indie folk-pop artist Mike Edel to discuss his journey as a musician, the realities of pursuing a creative career, and overcoming life-changing adversity. Mike shares candid stories about his upbringing, musical influences, the evolution of his career, and the impact of suffering a stroke in his 30s while on tour.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:29 Mike Edel's name
• 04:38 Podcasting and COVID-19
• 06:19 Larry: The Social Media Star
• 09:03 Musical Journey and Inspirations
• 13:34 Early Career and Touring
• 31:56 Embracing Musical Influences
• 32:21 The Indie Music Scene in 2010
• 35:08 Collaborations and Production Insights
• 41:10 The Impact of a Stroke on Music Career
• 47:07 Navigating the Music Industry
• 52:53 Life on the Road and Personal Challenges
• 56:46 Rehabilitation and Return to Music
• 01:08:40 Reflecting on Career Milestones
• 01:10:14 Defining Success in Music
• 01:11:49 Navigating the Music Industry
• 01:13:47 Balancing Family and Music
• 01:16:24 Exploring New Musical Directions
• 01:19:11 The Creative Process and Future Plans
• 01:26:47 Post Fame with Alexi

Highlights:

• Introducing Mike Edel:
  • Originally from rural Alberta, now based on the US West Coast.
  • Six full-length albums, acclaimed for his thoughtful lyrics and genre-blending sound.
  • Collaborations with Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie) and others.
• Roots & Early Career:
  • Growing up on a wheat farm, balancing rural roots with a passion for music.
  • The importance of community, both in Alberta and the Victoria/Vancouver scene.
  • Early influences: Ryan Adams, Death Cab for Cutie, local Canadian acts.
• Building a Career:
  • The grind of touring across Canada and the US.
  • Navigating the music industry as a solo artist and the value of relationships and networking.
  • The shift from traditional music scenes to the digital age.
• Personal Adversity – Surviving a Stroke:
  • Mike recounts suffering a stroke while on tour, with his wife pregnant and during the pandemic.
  • The physical and emotional challenges of recovery.
  • How the experience reshaped his outlook on music, performance, and life.
• Creative Process & Resilience:
  • The role of songwriting as both therapy and connection.
  • Returning to the stage: “Can I Still Do This?” tour.
  • Embracing new limitations and finding fulfillment in smaller, more intimate shows.
• Reflections on Success:
  • Redefining what success means as an artist.
  • The realities of streaming revenue, touring economics, and the importance of direct fan support.
  • The ongoing drive to create, even when “no one is banging on your door” for new music.
• Personal Stories:
  • The influence of Mike’s father, Larry, and family on his music and social media presence.
  • The importance of community, humility, and staying true to one’s creative “why.”

Links & Resources:

• https://mikeedel.com/
• https://instagram.com/mikeedel
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvCZBgLb3EOFtx-rduNAZzw

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