Mike Flicker's Music Biography & History
Keeping one step ahead of the consumer electronics revolution of the early 1980’s, Mike assumed the role of Managing Director of Songtech, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of the Taiwanese-based consumer electronics firm Enterprex. His managerial responsibilities expanded to include R&D, manufacturing, production, sales, and marketing of both hardware and “software” Multimedia audio products. In 1989, after completing his contract with Songtech, Mike created his own Multimedia production/consulting company, and served as Chief Music Producer and Interactive Media Consultant for Philips Professional Publishing International. Mike’s diverse career in the music, technology, and film/television industries culminated in the 1991 formation of Mike Flicker Music Services, where he continues to contribute his leadership in successful service to the film, television, and ancillary entertainment industries. Mike complements his active entertainment industry role by conducting music and technology workshops and seminars. He has designed an array of curriculum, from Advanced Audio Engineering and Music Production to Audio Post Production, Music Video Production, and Business Aspects of the Recording & Music Entertainment Industries, for recording arts organizations including the Institute of Audio Video Engineering, Trebas Institute, and ISOMATA. Mike also developed, along with veteran producer/engineer Roger Nichols, the R.I.T. (Recording Institute of Technology), a state-of-the-art facility located at the famed Musicians Institute. |
Mike’s career began at age sixteen in Los Angeles, when his band
The Zoo was given a contract by Bell Records (now Arista Records) and
became one of the youngest groups ever signed to a major label in the
early 1960’s. Over the next four years Mike transitioned into
publishing, A&R, and record producer roles for companies including
White Whale Records, United Artists Publishing Co. (now EMI America) and
Imperial Records (a division of United Artists). After relocating to
Vancouver B.C. in 1971, Mike designed and built Mushroom Studios, the
premiere state-of-the-art studio in Western Canada. He also founded
Mushroom Records and Publishing of Canada, the most successful
independent record company in Canada during his tenure. Mike engineered
and/or produced renowned Canadian artists such as Chilliwack, Tom
Middleton, Songbird, Ian Matthews, Paul Horn, and Terry Jacks, including
the Terry Jacks’ hit, “Seasons In The Sun,” which to
this day remains one of the top international selling singles of all
time. View Mike's (selected) 
1975 proved to be a fateful year for Mike with his discovery, signing,
and production of the Seattle-based band, Heart. Mike received the
coveted Canadian Juno Award for Producer of the Year for his production
on Heart’s debut album, “Dreamboat Annie.” He
relocated to the U.S. the following year, established Mushroom Records
of the U.S., Inc., and became CEO of both Mushroom labels.
Mike left the Mushroom organizations in 1977 and established himself as
a major independent producer with artists that included Heart, Poco, Al
Stewart, Randy Meisner, Toronto, Nantucket, and Wendy Waldman. He also
co-founded Canadian-based Flicker Records, and enjoyed international
success with artists including their band Trooper, one of the top five
selling Canadian bands of all time. Combined net sales of recordings
from these acts exceeded 30 million units!