ep21 Mike Edel can still do this
ep21 Mike Edel can still do this released September 18, 2025 01:41:59Guest: Mike Edel singer/songwriterHosts: Glen Erickson + Alexi EricksonEpisode 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 Introduction03:29 Mike Edel's name04:38 Podcasting and COVID-1906:19 Larry: The Social Media Star09:03 Musical Journey and Inspirations13:34 Early Career and Touring31:56 Embracing Musical Influences32:21 The Indie Music Scene in 201035:08 Collaborations and Production Insights41:10 The Impact of a Stroke on Music Career47:07 Navigating the Music Industry52:53 Life on the Road and Personal Challenges56:46 Rehabilitation and Return to Music01:08:40 Reflecting on Career Milestones01:10:14 Defining Success in Music01:11:49 Navigating the Music Industry01:13:47 Balancing Family and Music01:16:24 Exploring New Musical Directions01:19:11 The Creative Process and Future Plans01:26:47 Post Fame with AlexiHighlights: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 creaMusic Day in Canada is a national campaign and celebration created by The Lemmon Foundation to spotlight the people, places, and communities that power Canadian music. Through live events, artist showcases, community partnerships, and digital storytelling, the campaign uplifts Canadian talent and supports the sustainability of local music ecosystems.The campaign is open to everyone — from venues and artists to brands and fans — with each region contributing its own voice to the nationa
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