Mike Rockin Em

An original Rock, Funk & Soul band founded in 1998 by Michael James, a native of Brooklyn, New York, whose musical influences include Prince, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix & Neil Young.

James's eclectic taste is evident in his songwriting & musicianship; he plays piano, bass & drums with guitar as his primary instrument. Michael enlisted the talents of friend Elvis Arroyo as a writing partner, lead & rhythm guitarist supplying vocals & a sonic foundation that would begin shaping the band's sound. Arroyo's talents also include bass, drums
percussion as well as alto sax

Brought in on keyboards & lead vocal was Arroyo's longtime friend Jacques Inniss, whose influences include Al Green, Brook Benton , Joe Cocker & Ray Charles. Inniss would complete the triad as a writer & arranger.

Keeping with tradition, Inniss would bring in friend
Brian Luckey, son of renown drummer Ivan Hampden
(Luther Vandross, Roberta Flack) to hold court in
the drummer's throne. Luckey who studied under
his father as well as "The Harlem School For The Arts"
also teaches at the school

Once assembled, the band proceded in writing & rehearsing enough material for three bands. In 2000 the band set out on their journey, which along the way included performances at Meow Mix, Spiral Lounge, NY Open Arts Center, CBGB's, The Elbow Room, Luna Lounge, Acme Underground, The Lions Den, Washington Square Park & a couple of side walks here & there.

In 2002, Erik McCartney Filled in the final piece of the puzzle replacing Lincoln Turner on bass. Sorry ladies there's no pic's of Erik yet, but he's a fine Scottsman with a dirty little bass.

Now in 2003, the band is poised for ascension along Rock's myriad of tiers & pedestals. Kicking off with a performance at The Elbow Room on June 4th,2003.

Skyn is coming to a club near you. Keep on the lookout via our website as well as the Village Voice for upcoming performances. Skyn is coming!, Skyn is coming!!!