Mike Gunther

Mike Gunther’s primitive and patently American music melds fiery lyricism and unusual instrumentation with traditional elements of country, blues and soul. On Burn It Down for the Nails (Heart of a Champion), the second full-length release from Mike Gunther and His Restless Souls, Gunther leads a parade of eclectic players as they romp amid the shadows and flames of his storytelling. Gunther’s First LP, Every Dream Thatʼs Dropped and Died, (Heart of A Champion 2003) and charismatic live show garnered the attention of critics with Gunther named “Best Songwriter” in the City Pages annual Best of the Twin Cities issue. The band was then nominated for three Minnesota Music Awards.

In 2004 Gunther recorded and released a split single with acclaimed songwriter Eleni Mandell. Gunther, a Montana native who grew up in Minnesota, put his musical background this way. “I grew up listening to distant AM and shortwave radio stations and a sparse collection of records my folks had. The only instrument my mother owned was a pitch pipe from teachers college. I heard the music of Robert Johnson on the radio when I was 14, bought a Harmony guitar with a warped neck at a garage sale for ten dollars and learned to play. My lack of understanding and left handed instinct lead me to play it up side down without restringing. I played here and there, hopped freights, got scared of hitch hiking, became a diesel mechanic, cab driver, truck driver, carpenter. So here is where the heart lies kissed off, vagabond and all the time writing songs for myself.”

Past Shows


Sep
8
th
2017
Turf Club
Sep
8
th
2017
Turf Club

ANG AND THE RANCH HANDS

with Mike Gunther and The Dollys
Oct
11
th
2015
Indeed Brewery
Oct
11
th
2015
Indeed Brewery

Indeed Brewing Company's Hullabaloo 2015

with The Cactus Blossoms, Mike Gunther, GABE BARNETT & THEM ROUNDERS and more!
Jul
18
th
2015
Turf Club
Jul
18
th
2015
Turf Club
May
16
th
2015
Indeed Brewery
May
16
th
2015
Indeed Brewery

ART-A-WHIRL

with Mark Mallman, Rupert Angeleyes, Nato Coles & the Blue Diamond Band and more!
May
12
th
2015
Turf Club
May
12
th
2015
Turf Club

John Moreland

with Mike Gunther and JESSE SWAN THORSON
Oct
11
th
2014
Indeed Brewery
Oct
11
th
2014
Indeed Brewery

Indeed Brewing Company's Hullabaloo 2014

with Tired Eyes, John Swardson, Crossing Guards and more!
Apr
26
th
2011
7th St Entry
Apr
26
th
2011
7th St Entry

ROEBUCK

with Al Church And State, Mike Gunther, Dewi Sant and more!
Feb
28
th
2011
Mainroom
Feb
28
th
2011
Mainroom

More Shows

Mar
15
th
Amsterdam Bar & Hall

Maude Latour

with MARIS
May
24
th
Fine Line

The Kiffness

May
3
rd
Turf Club

Fox Stevenson

with Yue
Apr
30
th
Amsterdam Bar & Hall

Laura Jane Grace & The Mississippi Medicals

with Alex Lahey and Noun