PrintMike is Carman’s smooth talking, music-loving security guard who swipes the IDs of hundreds of first-years with a smile and a fist-bump. A favorite of most everyone in the residence hall, Mike often works through the night but never fails to offer first-years a “How’s it going?” or a “Stay cool, baby,” as a classic song plays in the background. As many who have stopped to comment on his tunes know, this security guard is also a musician who sings and plays guitar, piano, and bass for a band that has produced four albums to date.
What new projects are you working on, and where do you see yourself headed as an artist?
The CD I’m working on now is unfinished—it’s still got a lot of tracks missing. But I’m making another one. It’s the same type, a mixture of covers, reggae, and rhythm and blues. I even do some pop, Sinatra—just about everybody.
Who are your musical influences?
Motown. I also like Bob Dylan and some British bands, like The Beatles. And, of course, James Brown. “I Feel Good,” you know what I mean?
OK, we know it’s the party dorm. What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen working at Carman?
Honestly, some folks take it for granted that I’m going to let them in just because they know me. They forget that there are rules that I have to follow, and there’s that big eye of a camera watching us right there. Plus, a lot of times people try to get into the lactation room. I don’t know what they’re looking for in there.
Mike is currently taking a two-week break from his job as a security guard to work on his new album. In his absence, Carman will not quite be the same.