ep21 Mike Edel can still do this
released September 18, 2025
01:41:59
Guest: Mike Edel singer/songwriter
Hosts: Glen Erickson + Alexi Erickson
Episode 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 Introduction
- 03:29 Mike Edel's name
- 04:38 Podcasting and COVID-19
- 06:19 Larry: The Social Media Star
- 09:03 Musical Journey and Inspirations
- 13:34 Early Career and Touring
- 31:56 Embracing Musical Influences
- 32:21 The Indie Music Scene in 2010
- 35:08 Collaborations and Production Insights
- 41:10 The Impact of a Stroke on Music Career
- 47:07 Navigating the Music Industry
- 52:53 Life on the Road and Personal Challenges
- 56:46 Rehabilitation and Return to Music
- 01:08:40 Reflecting on Career Milestones
- 01:10:14 Defining Success in Music
- 01:11:49 Navigating the Music Industry
- 01:13:47 Balancing Family and Music
- 01:16:24 Exploring New Musical Directions
- 01:19:11 The Creative Process and Future Plans
- 01:26:47 Post Fame with Alexi
Highlights:
- 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 creative “why.”
Links & Resources:
Connect with Us:
- Subscribe to Almost Famous Enough on your favorite podcast platform
- Visit
