Mika Fineo

Hello, my name is Mika Fineo and I'm based out of Los Angeles, CA. When not on tour or in sessions I like to teach and mentor students so that they are better equipped to tackle today's competitive music industry. Weather you're looking to learn drumming as a new hobby or looking to advance in a rewarding career within the music industry, my cutting-edge teaching method, wisdom, and guidance is delivered through a highly effective yet positive approach! I hope to work with you soon and share the gift of drumming with you! Below is a bit about myself and my credits pulled from my website (www.officialmika.com) : Bio: Mika Fineo has generated an immense amount of experience working among many of today’s top artists, international headlining tours, and major label recording sessions. Mika is mostly known now for his time spent as the drummer for the 4 times platinum selling group FILTER (from 2007-2012). During his time with FILTER, Mika co-wrote and tracked on the group’s highly anticipated follow up album releases, tracked on four major motion picture soundtracks, appeared in several music videos, and performed on network television shows and numerous international tours. In addition to FILTER, Mika has now been expanding his reach, touring with many celebrated artists like KARMIN, ELLIOTT YAMIN (American Idol), BLAKE LEWIS (American Idol), PUDDLE OF MUDD, and many more. Mika’s credits continue to grow as his immense knowledge of music and his chameleon-like ability to compliment any style/genre continues to place him in A-level sessions and collaborations with acclaimed artists and producers internationally. WHY I DO IT: I think when it comes to the way I approach the drums it will always be from a strong influential amalgam of Jazz, R&B, Rock and Gospel music. I study everything I can. On any given day I might travel from Neo-Soul, to Synth/Dream Rock, to Future Pop, then end on a David Lynch film soundtrack. I’m constantly soaking up more and more and pulling inspiration from all sources of art and life itself. When I play, I want to sound like Mika Fineo. Hopefully, you can hear the influence of my past and present flow through me. I love it when other players have a voice of their own – it’s so inspiring. In my outlook to life: be humble and good-hearted within your objectives. Learn how to work well within extreme diversity and be inspiring. When you show up bring your very best. Offer up what you’re asked to do and have fun with it. Respect people and try to bring value to their lives whenever possible. It is amazing to be able to play music for a living. It’s not a right, it’s a privilege. EDUCATION: MIKA FINEO HAS STUDIED WITH AND UNDER THE MENTORSHIP OF: CHRIS COLEMAN (DRUMMING VIRTUOSO/MASTER EDUCATOR, DRUMMER FOR ISRAEL HOUGHTON AND NEW BREED, CHAKA KAHN, RACHELLE FERRELL, NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, AND MORE) STEVE RUCKER (DIRECTOR OF DRUMSET STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI/JAZZ GREAT, DRUMMER FOR THE BEE GEES) DRUM CORPS (VARIOUS TEACHERS AND CORPS) CLAY HECOCKS (LEAD MUSICAL DIRECTOR FOR CALVARY CHAPEL FT. LAUDERDALE, CELEBRATED CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC RECORDING ARTIST/WRITER/PRODUCER, DIRECTOR OF OCEAN’S EDGE MUSICAL ACADEMY) QUOTES "Mika's talent is rivaled only by his energy and joy - he is one of the most skilled and driven drummers we have ever played with and a beacon of positivity and happiness when not playing!" - KARMIN "Mika is a great drummer to represent his new generation of drummers. As a teacher and player his passion reassures you that the digital world will never keep talent from coming through" - DON LOMBARDI (PRESIDENT OF DW DRUMS AND DRUM CHANNEL "An amazingly versatile and talented drummer. Mika fineo brings it all”" - RICHARD PATRICK (LEAD SINGER OF FILTER) "Mika truly exemplifies the word Professional in every sense!….my only regret about him, is that I didn’t render his killer pocket SOONER! His musical sensibilities, knowledge, experience, and friendly nature make him a unique asset to our band, and I’d play with him ANYwhere, ANYtime moving forward" - ELLIOTT YAMIN (AMERICAN IDOL) "I’ve been fortunate enough to share the stage with Mika Fineo on many occasions over the past few years. I’m even more fortunate to call him a friend. Mika’s the kind of rarity where incredible talent meets kindness and humility. The skill, groove, musicality, taste, and pocket that Mika brings to the band is only overshadowed by his grace and character off-stage. He IS the support system and energy that every band wants to have driving the groove. He is the friend and professional you want with you as you go thru life. I’m a fan of Mika." - DAN LUTZ (CELEBRATED BASS/MUSICAL DIRECTOR/SESSION GREAT CREDITS: (ACTORS & ARTISTS) KARMIN FILTER SNOOP DOGG ELLIOTT YAMIN (AMERICAN IDOL) BLAKE LEWIS (AMERICAN IDOL) PUDDLE OF MUDD CARMEN ELECTRA FRANKIE BALLARD CLARE DUNN MARK BALLAS (DANCING WITH THE STARS, SINGER) TONY BRUNO (MUSICAL DIRECTOR/GUITARIST/WRITER/PRODUCER/ARRANGER – DANGER DANGER, BILLY JOEL, ENRIQUE IGLESIAS, JOAN JETT & THE BLACK HEARTS, KATHIE LEE, TAYLOR DAYNE, ANASTACIA AND RIHANNA) CALVARY CHAPEL FORT LAUDERDALE (DRUMMER – 1996 TO 2006) (RANKED ONE OF THE LARGEST EVANGELICAL CHURCHES IN THE UNITED STATES) OASIS CHURCH LOS ANGELES (DRUMMER – 2008 TO CURRENT) KEVIN "KEVMO" HASTINGS (MUSICAL DIRECTOR/KEYBOARDS FOR RIHANNA, JAY-Z, EMINEM, LADY GAGA, FALL OUT BOY) BRETT SCALLIONS (LEAD VOCALIST FOR FUEL) ROBERT PATRICK (ACTOR – TERMINATOR 2, THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS, DIE HARD 2, THE UNIT) MATHAI (SEASON 2 FINALIST ON THE VOICE FOR TEAM ADAM) RHEA BAILEY (ACTRESS, SINGER) DEZ DURON (SEASON 2 THE VOICE) ALEX BAND (SINGER FOR THE CALLING) JOSH ABRAHAM (PRODUCER FOR LIMP BIZKIT, STAIND, KORN, ORGY, LINKIN PARK, VELVET REVOLVER, WEEZER, PINK, 30 SECONDS TO MARS,BILLY IDOL, MICHELLE BRANCH, COURTNEY LOVE, ALKALINE TRIO) BOB MARLETTE (PRODUCER FOR QUIET RIOT, BLACK SABBATH, ALICE COOPER, SALIVA, TONY IOMMI, SHINEDOWN, SEETHER, OZZY OSBOURNE, HANSON) BENNY FACCONE (10 TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNING MIXER/ENGINEER/PRODUCER – MICHAEL JACKSON, STING, STEVIE WONDER, RICKEY MARTIN, SANTANA, BARBRA STREISAND) CARL STURKEN AND EVAN ROGERS (PRODUCERS/SONGWRITERS FOR, RIHANNA, CHRISTINA AGUILERA, 98 DEGREES, JESSICA SIMPSON, MANDY MOORE, KELLY CLARKSON, ROD STEWART, ‘N SYNC, DAVE KOZ, DONNY OSMOND, CHERYL LYNN, STEPHANIE MILLS, JENNIFER HOLIDAY) JOHN KING OF THE DUST BROTHERS (PRODUCER FOR THE BEASTIE BOYS, BECK, MEDESKI MARTIN & WOOD, GARBAGE, TENACIOUS D) DAVE SCHIFFMAN (PRODUCER/ENGINEER FOR RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, TOM PETTY, ANTI-FLAG, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, JIMMY EAT WORLD, AUDIOSLAVE, JOHNNY CASH, SHERYL CROW, ALANIS MORRISETTE, MARS VOLTA) JOHN 5 (GUITARIST/WRITER FOR MARILYN MANSON, ROB ZOMBIE, AVRIL LAVIGNE, DAVID LEE ROTH, LOSER, GARBAGE, SCORPIONS) BRETT HESTLA (SINGER/PRODUCER FOR DARK NEW DAY, VIRGOS MERLOT, CREED) DAN LUTZ (BASS – SESSION GREAT/MUSICAL DIRECTOR) RAE DILEO (PRODUCER/PROGRAMMER FOR FILTER, VERUCA SALT, GRANDMASTER FLASH, ARMY OF ANYONE) RED SKELETON (GEFFEN RECORDS) DAVID DAS (CELEBRATED FILM/TELEVSION MUSICAL COMPSER) JERMAIN STEGALL (CELEBRATED FILM/TELEVSION COMPOSER) DISCOGRAPHY: DW's EDGE MAGAZINE (Issue 13) 2016 - interview and photo spread for "Heads Up" section. KARMIN - TWIZZLERS (BRAND) NATIONAL TV COMMERCIAL drum recordings for commercial musical score/song LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS (TV) Live Performance (drums) with KARMIN for the single “I WANT IT ALL GOOD MORNING AMERICA (TV) Live Performance (drums) with KARMIN for the single “I WANT IT ALL THE QUEEN LATIFAH SHOW (TV) Live Performance (drums) with KARMIN for the single “I WANT IT ALL LIVE WITH KELLY & MICHAEL (TV) Live Performance (drums) with KARMIN for the single “I WANT IT ALL VH1 BIG MORNING BUZZ (TV) Live Performance (drums) with KARMIN for the single “I WANT IT ALL THE GREAT GATSBY (FILM) SOUNDTRACK Filter – Drums Recording Performance for the song HAPPY TOGETHER JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE (TV) Live Performance (drums) with KARMIN JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE (TV) Live Performance (drums) with Filter 3 ON CBS” (TV) Self, Live Performance and Interview MODERN DRUMMER MAGAZINE (Gearing Up) March Centerfold Spread/Magazine Interview DRUM MAGAZINE AND MODERN DRUMMER MAGAZINE (Press Campaign) Centerfold for DW PDP Concept Series Drums MODERN DRUMMER MAGAZINE (Press Campaign) for DW Drums DRUM CHANNEL www.drumchannel.com (ONLINE TV) Live Performances FILTER major album release “The Trouble with Angels” (ROCKET SCIENCE RECORDS) All Drums, Co-Songwriter LOPEZ TONIGHT” (TV) Live Performance (drums) with Filter THE BACHELOR PAD (TV) Live Performance (drums) at The Greek Theater with musical group The Calling FILTER No Love (Music Video) (drums) MTV/FUSE/101/Palladium FILTER The Inevitable Relapse (Music Video) (drums) MTV/FUSE/101/Palladium WGN DAILY NEWS (TV) Live Performance (Drums) with Filter 2012 (FILM) SOUNDTRACK Filter – Drums Recording Performance for the song “Fades Like a Photograph" STEPFATHER (FILM) SOUNDTRACK Filter – Drums Recording Performance for the song “Happy Together" FILTER Major Album Release “The Very Best Things” (RHINO RECORDS), Drums, Co-Songwriter NBC NEWS (TV) Interview with Filter/Mika FIneo FILTER Live in Concert DVD – Drums MTV/MTV2 NEWS (TV) Interview with Filter/Mika Fineo MTV ROCK AM RING CONCERT (TV) Live Performance (drums) and Interview with Filter/Mika Fineo FILTER Soldiers of Misfortune (Music Video) (drums) MTV/FUSE/101/Palladium RED SKELETON (GEFFEN RECORDS) Self Titled Album – All Drums, Keyboards, Co-Songwriter, Member

 It’s all about the excitement through progress in the student. Seeing the transformation that takes place not only physically on the instrument but in the spirit is what brings me joy. Drums are a fantastic instrument to learn and can be quite therapeutic upon discovery. I love to share this with the world.