Mike Jacobs

(Vocals, Guitars)

Mike Jacobs is a New York–raised guitarist and vocalist whose playing blends virtuosity, soul, and the unmistakable electricity of someone who’s lived their life onstage. Best known as the creative force behind Evil Jake, Mike has built a reputation as a tone-obsessed, emotionally precise player with a voice to match — the rare modern guitarist who can captivate a room with equal power whether he’s singing or letting the guitar speak for him.

With Evil Jake, Mike headlined iconic NYC clubs, performed alongside major touring acts, and earned a fiercely loyal fanbase drawn to his blend of high-energy rock and melodic storytelling. His recording work and live performances showcase a command of guitar reminiscent of the great modern stylists: the touch of Knopfler, the fire of Beck, the finesse of Joe Walsh filtered through a uniquely New York edge.

Offstage, Mike is a prolific writer and arranger whose songs bridge classic rock, pop, and Americana. Onstage, he’s a dynamic, charismatic performer — equally at home leading a full-throttle rock band as he is delivering intimate, atmospheric solo electric sets that highlight his phrasing, groove, and unmistakable tone. Clubs and promoters consistently note his ability to elevate a room, hold an audience, and move effortlessly between styles without losing his artistic identity.

As a solo artist, Mike is expanding his reach with a new body of work that leans into guitar-forward storytelling, blending instrumental pieces with vocal-driven songs in a way that feels both modern and timeless. Whether opening for national touring acts or headlining boutique venues, he brings the polish of a seasoned professional and the fire of a player still pushing his craft forward.

Mike Jacobs is a musician’s musician, an audience favorite, and an artist entering a defining creative chapter — the kind of guitarist whose playing leaves a lasting mark, and whose voice carries far beyond the stage.

Mike has been a mainstay of the East Coast music scene for decades, delivering blistering riffs, massive hooks, and the kind of stage presence that makes security guards nervous. A founding member of NYC power-pop heroes The Pasties (alongside Sam Endicott of The Bravery), Mike was dubbed a “guitar virtuoso” by the national press while still too young to legally enter half the venues he played. His Jeff Beck-meets-Joe Walsh fretwork is matched only by his knack for penning razor-sharp songs—and delivering them with Roth-like swagger and a voice that bites.

A Brooklyn native with a knack for blending chaos and control, Mike grew up near the ocean studying guitar, piano, violin, and how to pose like KISS. At Stuyvesant High School, he bought the Black Sabbath songbook and never looked back. He quickly linked up with a crew of Metallica-shirted degenerates and started gigging (and occasionally just loitering) at legendary New York venues like CBGBs, the Pyramid Club, and the Stuy auditorium. The school's hardcore/ska/rock scene—featuring future Columbia Records artists like Brandon Simpson of Shift and a rotating cast of bald guys—didn’t exactly get him dates, but it did sharpen his chops.

Mike eventually made his way to Yale University, where he studied classical guitar under the legendary Ben Verdery, proving that yes, you can shred and still read sheet music. After graduation, he rejoined the NYC scene, playing with a stack of local acts, and eventually founding Evil Jake—while also sitting in with a grab bag of famous and semi-famous artists including…

  • Kat Dyson (Prince)
  • Sarth Calhoun (Lou Reed + Metallica)
  • Vernon Reid (Living Colour)
  • Pat Metheny (20x Grammy Winner)
  • Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Tears for Fears, Indigo Girls)
  • Steve Conte (New York Dolls, Alice Cooper, Michael Monroe)
  • Pete Levin (Billy Cobham, Willie Colón, Bryan Ferry, John Scofield, Chuck Mangione, Charles Mingus, Jaco Pastorius, Paul Simon, Salt-n-Pepa)
  • Jennifer Maidman (Culture Club, Joan Armatrading, Murray Head)
  • Matt Brauder (Arcade Fire, Father John Misty)
  • Danny Miranda (Queen, Blue Öyster Cult, Meat Loaf)
  • Darren Stanley (Oz Noy, Duane Betts, Jimmy Herring)
  • 2x Grammy Winner Leah Coloff (David Bowie)
  • Grammy Winner Mike Dimeo (Johnny Winter)

Hometown:
Brooklyn, NY

Birthdate:
August 7 (Leo)

Favorite Artists/Influences:
Aerosmith, Aretha Franklin, Black Sabbath, Bob Seeger, Bon Jovi, Brian Setzer, Buckethead, Cheap Trick, Danny Gatton, David Bowie, Dick Dale, Dire Straits, Drivin-n-Cryin, Eddie Palmieri, Elton John, Freddie Jones Band, Guster, Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Jeff Buckley, Letters to Cleo, Mark Knopfler, Meat Loaf, Michael J. Fox, Mike Errico, Neil Diamond, Orbital, Pat Metheny, Motorhead, Early Motorhead, Peter Gabriel, Prince, Queen, Reverend Horton Heat, Sade, Sarah McLachlan, Seal, Squeeze, Steve Stevens, Stevie Wonder, Stretch Princess, The Cult, The Police, The Smiths, The Temptations, The Who, Thin Lizzy, U2, Wendy O. Williams

Favorite Albums:
Sarah McLachlan's "Fumbling Toward Ecstasy", the first Seal album, the "Hackers" Soundtrack, "Toys in the Attic", Peter Gabriel's "So", Meat Loaf's "Bat Out of Hell", and anything by Motorhead

Favorite Movies:
The Wedding Singer, Beautiful Girls, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Hackers, The Crow, Jacob's Ladder, Say Anything

Favorite TV Series:
21 Jump Street

Favorite carbonated, milk-based beverage:
Yoo-hoo

Favorite Book:
1984

Lifetime Major League Batting Average:
.211 (5 for 19), courtesy of baseball-reference.com

Favorite Switch-Hitter:
Mickey Mantle

Favorite Concerts:
Prince @ City Winery, Bon Jovi reunion @ Toad's Place, Diamond Dave @ Jones Beach, Levin Brothers @ Senate Garage, Bon Jovi at the Meadlowlands (Ryan gets arrested)

First Albums:
Purple Rain by Prince, Stay Hungry by Twisted Sister, Synchronicity by the Police, and Can’t Slow Down by Lionel Richie... all from Columbia House (12 for the Price of 1) on cassette...

What Made it Happen:
Eddie & the Cruisers 2, Steve Vai's Crossroads appearance + Full House's Jesse (actually a drummer) & his BC Rich guitars + seeing Mike Errico for the first time + an allergic reaction to ties + meeting Paul and Aaron (onstage during a Paul Mark & the Van Dorens set).

What Made it Happen LIKE THIS:
Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler, Pete Townsend, Joe Walsh, Steve Stevens, Steve Vai, Michael Schenker, Jimi Hendrix

Check out…
Mike's Gear Page