🎸 Mike Dawes: Master of Modern Fingerstyle and the Art of Listening
When it comes to redefining what a single acoustic guitar can do, Mike Dawes stands in a league of his own. With his percussive fingerstyle technique and genre-bending creativity, Mike has become one of the most influential and innovative guitarists of his generation. But behind the technical brilliance and breathtaking performances lies a story about something every musician should take seriously — hearing health.
In this episode of Hear Us Out, we sit down with Mike to explore his journey from solo YouTube sensation to touring the world with artists like Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues. Along the way, he shares how he balances the demands of a high-volume career with the need to protect his most valuable tool: his ears.
🎶 In our conversation, Mike opens up about:
The evolution of his fingerstyle technique and creative approach to guitar
Life on tour and the realities of performing night after night
How he uses in-ear monitors to protect his hearing without compromising on sound quality
The importance of hearing awareness for musicians and fans alike
Finding balance between innovation, health, and longevity in the music industry
Mike’s thoughtful perspective is a reminder that great musicianship isn’t just about mastering your instrument — it’s also about taking care of yourself so the music never has to stop.
🎧 Tune in to this episode of Hear Us Out for a deep dive into the sound, science, and soul behind one of modern guitar’s most fascinating voices.