Meet Mike Elliott

Mike Elliott is a multi-talented musician, known as a distinctive guitar player, harmonica player, vocalist, songwriter, and band leader. Active in the Ontario music scene since 1992, Elliott has made a significant impact through his dynamic performances and original compositions.

Elliott’s musical journey began playing bars around his hometown of Waterloo, Ontario and later around Ottawa, Ontario.  

He then showcased his talent as a band leader with the band Daddy Long Legs from 2001 to 2014, a period marked by critical acclaim and numerous accolades. The band won the Independent Music Award for Blues in 2008 and was a semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge in 2009. They also clinched a Maple Blues Award in 2008.

In 2015, Elliott formed Elliott and the Audio Kings, a band that continued to showcase a unique sound in the blues genre. The band was a semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge in 2019 and received a Maple Blues Award nomination the same year. 

From 2022 to 2024, Elliott also led the ‘Doom Blues’ band The Jacks, further expanding his musical repertoire.

Elliott’s notable festival appearances include the Kitchener Blues Festival, Summer’s End Festival in Waterloo, West Coast Blues Festival in Goderich, Stratford Blues and Ribfest, Jazz and Blues in the Village in Sarnia, Canadiana Musicfest in Goderich, and the prestigious International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee.

As a recording artist, Elliott has an impressive discography, with 6 independent releases, and 5 with the indie label Busted Flat Records.

Elliott’s music is a powerful blend of riff-based garage rock, 60’s era rhythm and blues, and the jump and shuffle of West Coast and Chicago sounds. Known for his lo-fi, gritty, and powerful sound, his performances are described as rough and rowdy, delivering songs that swerve across the roots road, veering close to rockabilly and good old-fashioned rock and roll, - all while maintaining a pure vintage sound.

With a career spanning over three decades, Elliott continues to captivate audiences with his heartfelt performances and vintage tone. Whether leading a band or producing new music, Elliott remains a vital force in the blues and roots community.