Composer, Performer, Noise Maker

Described by Discorder Magazine as a “compositional tour-de-force”, Mike WT Allen is a composer, performer, and bandleader based out of Vancouver, Canada.

As a composer Mike’s credits include commissions from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Redshift Music, and the Hard Rubber Orchestra as well as composing award winning film soundtracks and leading his own creative projects. Mike can be found composing anything from large ensemble jazz-metal to contemporary classical to ambient soundscapes.

As a performer Mike has toured internationally, headlined festival stages to thousands of people, and played in a hair salon twice! Whether he’s playing free-jazz bass saxophone, keyboards in a hiphop jam, or sweet instrumental songs on clarinet, Mike is constantly looking for new ways to explore music across a wide variety of instruments and styles.

Mike is also a speaker and educator, talking to university and high school classes, giving workshops, and as a guest speaker at various musical events covering topics such as using effects pedals on horns, big band arranging, and making a living through music.

For any questions about gigs, commissions, lessons, etc email: mike.w.t.allen@gmail.com

MIKE WT ALLEN’S SPACE ELEVATOR

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aka “What’s Mike up to lately?”

Musical Highlights

• Space Elevator’s Space Jamboree 2023, a packed Rio Theatre featuring 10 guest vocalists

• History of Gunpowder main stage Vancouver Jazz Fest 2023 performance

• Five Alarm Funk headlining the 2022 Vancouver Folk Fest

• History of Gunpowder 2022 Italy Tour

• Mixtophonics curated evening of experimental jazz

• Monthly series Improv Karaoke introducing people to the world of free improvisation

• Five Alarm Funk back to back sold out shows at the Commodore Ballroom 2021, 2022, 2023

• Soundtrack for award winning short film Maya directed by Jacquile Kambo

• Space Elevator main stage performance at 2019 Vancouver Jazz Festival

• History Of Gunpowder 2019 Germany/Italy tour

• Space Elevator album release at the Rickshaw Theatre

• “Flashlight” for chamber ensemble, commissioned by The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

• “Sloove The Traction” performed by the Hard Rubber Orchestra

• Big EviL performance at ArtsWells where Al Simmons said we were his favourite band

• Woke Floke Gaze commissioned by Redshift Music, debuted at The Orpheum

• Big EviL main stage performance at 2017 Vancouver Jazz Festival to 3000+ people

• 2016 Capilano Courier Reader's Choice Award for Best Musician

• Soundtrack to award winning short film Help Wanted

• Best Local Avant-Garde Artist Whammy Awards nomination for Key To Abyss

• Soundtrack to the award winning short film A Gift For Amelia

• Commissioned by the Royal Military College of Canada to compose an original piece

• Space Elevator debut performance to a sold out crowd at the Fox Cabaret

• Headlining spots for VaudeVille Vagabonds at Cascadia and Atmosphere music festivals

• Ivy League Brawlers opening for and joined on stage by Angelo Moore of Fishbone

• Space Junk, a tribute to David Bowie's Blackstar featuring Bend Sinister and Cobra Ramone

• Music composed for and used in commercials/videos with clients including BC Hydro

• Guest spots recording or playing with Marianas Trench, Colin James, Los Furios, Bestie, Ben Norton, BRASS, Sadie Campbell