Micky Torpedo is a multi-instrumentalist Composer, Producer, Performer, and Music Educator from Rockford, IL who has performed with, and/or collaborated with many artists throughout the United States. Most notable being Cameron McGill (Parasol Records) from Chicago, IL, Cory Chisel and The Wandering Sons from Appleton, WI (Black Seal/RCA), Bill Dolan (5 Style, Heroic Doses) from Rockford, IL (Sub Pop), Henry Wolfe from Los Angeles, CA (Undermountain), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) from Rockford, IL, The Snaggs from Rockford, IL, The Rusted Hearts from Rockford, IL (Rowtown Records), Kelly Steward from Rockford, IL, Jeremy Buck and The Bang from Los Angeles, CA (Chateau Motel).
Notable performances include Monolith Festival at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, CO, The Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, The Casbah in San Diego, CA, Troubadour in Los Angeles, CA, many performances with various artists at The Basement in Nashville, TN, Navy Pier Skyline Stage in Chicago, IL, Roseland Theater in Portland, OR, Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI, SXSW Festival in Austin, TX, House of Blues in Chicago, IL, EXIT/IN in Nashville, TN, Majestic Theatre in Madison, WI, The Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO, 3rd And Lindsley in Nashville, TN, The Viper Room in Los Angeles, CA, Schubas in Chicago, IL, Rockwood Music Hall in New York, NY, The Double Door in Chicago, IL, The Walnut Room in Denver, CO, Coronado Theater in Rockford, IL, The Chicago Theatre in Chicago, IL, Strawberry Music Festival in Groveland, CA, First Avenue & 7th St Entry in Minneapolis, MN, WXPN World Cafe Stage in Philadelphia, PA, The Metro in Chicago, IL, Midwest Pop Overthrow Festival in Chicago, IL, KEXP-FM in Seattle, WA, many performances with various artists at Daytrotter in Davenport, IA, JBTV in Chicago, IL, many performances with various artists at Sessions From Studio A at WNIJ in Dekalb, IL, and plenty of other stops in between.
Throughout his travels, Micky has shared the stage with such artists as Jackson Browne, Dawes, Bernie Worrell, Conor Oberst, Dr. Dog, Ryan Bingham, Cheap Trick, BoDeans, Soul Asylum, Chuck Prophet, Meiko, Drivin' & Cryin', Rachael Yamagata, Joe Pug, Andrew Bird, Marcy Playground, She & Him, Margot and The Nuclear So & Sos.
In 2007, Micky founded Underground Squirrel Studio in Rockford, IL. Underground Squirrel is a "creative space dedicated to the production, recording, learning, teaching, practice, and composition of music". This is where you'll find him most days producing various artists, writing, or teaching students of all ages.
In 2014, Micky founded Black Squirrel Underground, a small record label and publishing company, based in Rockford, IL. This label was created as an avenue to release his own music, but also to help other original artists create and share their music with the world. This is also the same year that Micky co-wrote the music score for the indie film "A Beautiful View Of Nothing" written by David Pederson and directed by Blake Labriola.
Formerly an adjunct Professor of Music and Audio Engineering for Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL, Micky holds A.A. and B.A. Degrees in Music. He is a graduate from Northern Illinois University Music Program, and was the Co-Founder of Rock and Roll Institute NFP, a 501C3 nonprofit music camp where he served as president until 2022.
Along with helping other artists, music students and clients find their musical voice, he's constantly refining his craft as a producer and writer. In recent years, he has created everything from instrumental, ambient compositions, to rowdy rock and roll with bands like Go Go Torpedo, Evil Zenith, Purple Hell, and others.
His newest album, "Birdsongs, Vol 2 - Sounds Of The Bell Bowl Prairie" was released on May 11th, 2024 (Black Squirrel Underground). This was the second in a collaborative series with Sinnissippi Audubon. The compositions are inspired directly by bird call elements from various species. The instrumentation varies between piano and acoustic guitar, to woodwinds, brass, and strings. It stylistically blurs the lines between ambient, classical, avant-garde and folk. The project is meant to be both entertaining but also educational, as Micky is equally passionate about conservation, education, and music. He was awarded the distinguished 'Performance Artist Of The Year" award by RAAC for his work on the Birdsongs project in 2023. You can visit his online store to support the cause. All physical cd and merch sales benefit Sinnissippi Audubon Society and Natural Land Institute.
Between 2020 and 2021, Micky released a four part series of instrumental albums based on the seasons called the Season Cycles. Those compositions were strictly structured around keyboard instruments, both acoustic and electronic. With an occasional drum machine (1960s "Rhythm Ace") and only one track welcomes the human voice to create an atmospheric backdrop.
He is currently writing for Birdsongs, Vol 3 which will explore the environmental impact on bird species from the quickly disappearing Great Salt Lake. He's also writing and recording the sophomore release from his band EVIL ZENITH, recording and producing upcoming artists like Midwest Silhouette, Prairie Smokee, The Anys amongst others, and is in the early stages of Music Therapy research for a new venture, soon to be announced.
Page photo by Greg Farnham