We sit down with Columbus newcomer Mike Defendant, a 20-something punk rocker, founder of Ohio Riot, founding member of The Defendants, fresh off tour with some of the biggest names in punk rock. Mike’s music is acoustic, strongly performed, with vocal acuity coming through a gravely disposition. Activist themes, fun and upbeat delivery. 

IATU: What’s up Mike?
Mike Defendant: Oh nothing much. Just chilling.

IATU: So you play music?
MD: I play acoustic folk-punk. Acoustic folk and punk. I play acoustic songs and punk songs.

IATU: And you’ve just started working in town?
MD: Skully’s and Bernies. I’ll give them a shoutout.

IATU: You’ve toured with some notable people.
MD: Reagan Youth, Angry Samoans, and GBH from England. Does it matter that that was all the same tour?

IATU: You just moved to town right?
MD: Yep

IATU: What made you come to Columbus?
MD: Columbus is a land of opportunity. Within one week here, I went from having nothing to having a job and a place to stay.

IATU: What are your goals with music?
MD: Goals for music… I want to make a sustainable living traveling the world and promoting other musicians.

IATU: Tell me about ‘Ohio Riot’.
MD: Ohio Riot is collective that was formed in 2010 that is dedicated to supporting the Ohio DIY music scene and promoting DIY shows, and helping any musician in any aspect possible. DIY musician.

IATU: And you tour a lot?
MD: I tour as often as possible.

IATU: Coolest show, shittiest show?
MD: The coolest touring show I’ve ever played was at the Rat and Slug House in Greenville North Carolina. It was a backyard punk festival and a lot of people supporting. The worst show I’ve ever played.. well every show I play is the best show. As far as worst show I don’t want to burn any bridges and say stuff about venues.

IATU: Anything else you wanna say?
MD: Uh, I don’t know.

IATU: Where can we find your music?
MD: Google ‘Mike Defendant’ and I’m on over 50 social media websites. MikeDefendant.org … ProfaneExistence.org … And on any street corner in Columbus Ohio.

IATU: What’s the deal with ‘The Defendants’?
MD: The Defendants are a… were a hardcore punk band formed in July of 2008. And [I’m] currently looking to reform that band and relocate to Columbus… but that’s really not a main priority at the moment. It can be if I find the right people willing to work with me.

We’re thankful Mike Defendant sat down with us to share all the above anecdotes. Keep an eye out on High St, you might see him walking around. 

You can check out his music here:
https://mikedefendant.bandcamp.com