Transitioning from a career as a public defender to a full-time musician might seem like a monumental leap for most, but for Mike Massé, it was a natural evolution. His journey began with the creation of his own YouTube channel, where he showcased his exceptional talent for covering and arranging popular songs, ranging from David Bowie’s “Heroes” to Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars.”
Performing solo and occasionally collaborating with his bassist friend Jeff Hall, Massé quickly garnered a following of over 300,000 subscribers on his channel. His renditions captivated audiences worldwide, earning him international acclaim as both an artist and a highly sought-after arranger.
One of Massé’s notable achievements was a live performance alongside members of the band Boston, where he flawlessly tackled the band’s most challenging rock vocals. His ability to preserve the essence of each song while infusing it with his own creativity and unique sound earned him praise not only from listeners but also from the original artists themselves.
In particular, Massé’s cover of Toto’s “Africa” received glowing endorsements from the band, with Toto declaring it as their favorite among all the covers of their hit song. The video amassed an impressive 15 million views, becoming one of Massé’s most popular performances to date.
What sets Massé’s covers apart is their simplicity and authenticity. Accompanied only by his guitar and Jeff’s bass, Massé delivers each song with heartfelt sincerity, evoking the spirit of the original recordings. His uncanny vocal resemblance to the original singers, such as David Paich and Bobby Kimball of Toto, often leaves listeners spellbound.
The impact of Massé’s covers transcended the digital realm when Toto guitarist Steve “Luke” Lukather reached out to him after seeing one of his videos. This led to a surreal encounter with Toto’s frontman and “Africa” songwriter, David Paich, who expressed gratitude for Massé’s cover and even admitted that he preferred Massé’s rendition over their own.
For Massé, the encounter was a humbling and unforgettable experience, reaffirming the power of music to forge connections across boundaries. As he continues to inspire audiences with his soulful interpretations, Massé’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of music and the universal language it speaks.