Mike Dawes is an English guitarist known for composing, arranging, and performing multiple parts simultaneously on a single guitar. He has just released his third studio album entitled, Galactic Acid.
The album features eleven new tunes including six original compositions such as the stunning “Cloud Catcher”, The Kenya-inspired "Segera" featuring 4x CMA musician of the year Jenee Fleenor, and the fast paced title track itself. Dawes explains, “The title track, “Galactic Acid,” is directly inspired by my two favorite guitar players, Tommy Emmanuel and Petteri Sariola. It's a short, to the point, up-tempo picker and a nod to the time spent touring with these absolute monsters! There are elements of Tommy's distinctive picking, but the lack of a thumb pick and the open DADGAD tuning give it a subtle European flavor.”
Watch the video for “Cloud Catcher” HERE. Watch the video for “Galactic Acid” HERE
Galactic Acid also features stunning instrumental arrangements of the Foo Fighters' “Everlong,” Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower,” Van Halen’s “Jump,” and The 1975’s “Be My Mistake.” Dawes is well known for his instrumental arrangements. His covers of Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” Metallica’s “One”, and John Mayer’s “Slow Dancing in a Burning Room” collectively reached 100 million video views online.
Galactic Acid Track List
1. Cloud Catcher
2. Everlong
3. Segera ft. Jenee Fleenor
4. Goliath
5. Galactic Acid
6. All Along the Watchtower
7. The Wood Room
8. Push ft. Jack Gardiner & Plini
9. Jump
10. Be My Mistake
11. Night After Sidewalk
Listen to the album, Galactic Acid, HERE.
Dawes is regarded as one of the world’s most creative modern fingerstyle guitarists, with a repertoire spanning original viral videos and popular arrangements, alongside mainstream chart success performing with Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues. His reputation has invited him opportunities to collaborate with GRAMMY Award-winning artists such as Tommy Emmanuel, with whom he recorded the duet record Accomplice Series Vol. 3, and the GRAMMY-nominated metal band Periphery, with whom Mike joined on their 2024 double single release. Mike is featured on multiple Justin Hayward live releases, including Spirits...Live, which debuted at #2 on the US Billboard Chart.
Dawes was named ‘Best Acoustic Guitarist in the World’ two years in a row by Total Guitar Magazine & MusicRadar readers polls. YouTube personality Rick Beato said Dawes was “one of the finest acoustic guitar players in the world,” and Tommy Emmanuel recently remarked that “Mike Dawes is a trailblazer of industrial strength!”
Mike's real passion has always been performing his energetic, comedic and virtuosic live show. He will be touring North America this August, before announcing additional worldwide tour dates in support of his new album.
Mike Dawes Summer 2024 North American Tour
Aug 16 – Phoenix, AZ – Musical Instrument Museum
Aug 17 – Las Vegas, NV – The Smith Center
Aug 18 – Albuquerque, NM – Fusion
Aug 19 – Santa Fe, NM – Paradiso
Aug 21 – San Antonio, TX – Tobin Center – Studio Theatre
Aug 22 – Tomball, TX – Main Street Crossing
Aug 23 – Austin, TX – 04 Center
Aug 25 – Birmingham, AL – Workplay
Aug 27 – Decatur, GA - Eddie’s Attic
Aug 28 – Nashville, TN – City Winery
Aug 29 - Sept 1 – Nashville, TN – Tommy Emmanuel’s Guitar Camp USA
For tickets, click HERE
