Mike Hankins first picked up a bass in 8th grade on a church retreat and was instantly captivated by the sheer power of its low frequencies. He quickly began teaching himself music through experience: first through a church worship team, and later by supplying deep grooves, great time, and a sense of theatricality to local Dallas ska band, "1000 Miles >From Anywhere."
After High School, Mike decided to pursue a more formal music education by studying jazz for four years at the University of North Texas. After studying under classical master Jeff Bradetich, and Jazz legend Lynn Seaton, Mike developed a mastery and love for his instrument that transcends genres.
Mike has played in many Dallas/Fort Worth area rock and jazz bands over the years, most notably "Starlit." His biggest influences are Simon Gallup (The Cure), Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power), Jaco Pastorius (solo, and Weather Report), Chris Wolstenholme (Muse), Colin Greenwood (Radiohead) and Christian McBride (solo).Mike's Gear:
Bass: MTD (Michael Tobias Design) American 5-String bass, ESP (LTD) B-1004
Amp: Markbass 2X10 combo head
Effects: DBX Compressor, an Electroharmonix Small Clone and Bass Microsynthesizer, a Big
Muff fuzz box, and a sansamp preamp
