Births on January 27

Mike Patton, American singer, composer, and voice artist

Michael Allan Patton, born on January 27, 1968, stands as an extraordinary figure in contemporary music, renowned globally as an American singer, innovative producer, evocative film composer, and versatile voice actor. He is perhaps most widely recognized as the captivating lead vocalist for the seminal alternative metal band, Faith No More, a group that profoundly influenced the landscape of 90s rock with its eclectic sound.

Patton's artistic signature is defined by a remarkable vocal proficiency, demonstrating an astonishing array of singing techniques that span an impressive purported six-octave range. This vocal dexterity allows him to seamlessly transition between operatic crooning, soulful melodies, visceral growls, intricate scat, and even spoken word performances, truly transcending conventional genre boundaries. His vast catalog of projects, coupled with influences that traverse multiple musical styles—from experimental jazz and avant-garde rock to classical and hip-hop—have solidified his reputation as a master of musical chameleonism. Beyond his sound, his eccentric public image and an unwavering, often mocking, contempt for the mainstream music industry underscore his commitment to artistic integrity and independence. Such dedication has garnered widespread critical acclaim and established him as a significant influence for countless contemporary singers across various genres.

Mike Patton's Diverse Musical Endeavors

Patton's career is a mosaic of groundbreaking and genre-defying projects:

• Faith No More: As the charismatic frontman, he helped define the band's innovative blend of alternative metal, funk, and experimental rock. While they achieved a significant US hit with "Epic," their impact on the UK charts was even more pronounced, securing three top 20 singles that cemented their status as pioneers.
• Mr. Bungle: Co-founder and lead vocalist of this highly influential, genre-bending experimental band, Patton pushed the boundaries of music, incorporating elements from jazz, metal, circus music, surf rock, and more into their complex compositions.
• Additional Projects: His prolific output extends to numerous other acclaimed bands and collaborative endeavors, including the alternative rock supergroup Tomahawk, the avant-garde metal project Fantômas, the experimental Moonchild Trio, the unique duo Kaada/Patton, the hardcore punk outfit Dead Cross, the trip-hop/R&B project Lovage, the classical pop orchestra Mondo Cane (where he performs Italian traditional songs), and the experimental pop venture Peeping Tom. Each project showcases a distinct facet of his boundless creativity.

Collaborations and Production Work

Throughout his varied and extensive career, Patton has cultivated consistent and fruitful collaborations with other visionary artists, including:

• John Zorn: A celebrated avant-garde jazz saxophonist and composer, Zorn's exploratory musical approach frequently aligns with Patton's experimental tendencies.
• Dan the Automator: This acclaimed hip-hop producer has lent his distinctive touch to several of Patton's projects, notably Lovage and Peeping Tom, bridging the gap between alternative rock and hip-hop.
• Eyvind Kang: A distinguished classical violinist and composer, Kang's contributions often add an intricate, orchestral dimension to Patton's diverse sonic landscapes.

Beyond his performing roles, Patton has also left an indelible mark as a producer or co-producer for a diverse roster of artists, showcasing his keen ear and artistic guidance. His production credits include the extreme noise musician Merzbow, the mathcore titans The Dillinger Escape Plan, Brazilian heavy metal pioneers Sepultura, the legendary sludge metal band Melvins, the Japanese noise rock duo Melt-Banana, and the iconic experimental rapper Kool Keith, among others.

Ipecac Recordings: A Haven for the Unconventional

In 1999, embodying his passion for unconventional music and his critique of mainstream industry limitations, Patton co-founded Ipecac Recordings with Greg Werckman. This independent record label has since become a vital platform for artists whose work defies easy categorization and often falls outside commercial norms. Ipecac Recordings is dedicated to releasing challenging, experimental, and unique music, providing a home for artists who might otherwise struggle to find an outlet within traditional music distribution channels. Patton's direct involvement in running the label reflects his unwavering commitment to supporting artistic freedom and diversity in music.

An Enduring Influence and Advocate for Non-Mainstream Music

Mike Patton is an outspoken and often sardonic critic of the mainstream music industry, consistently championing non-mainstream music that he believes has "fallen through the cracks." His advocacy extends beyond his own projects; he actively promotes and supports artists who push creative boundaries. This steadfast commitment to artistic integrity and experimentation has resonated deeply within the music community. Patton is widely cited as a profound influence by members of numerous prominent bands across the rock and metal spectrum, including Coheed and Cambria, Deftones, Five Finger Death Punch, Hoobastank, Incubus, Killswitch Engage, Korn, Limp Bizkit, Queens of the Stone Age, and System of a Down, underscoring his lasting impact on a generation of musicians.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mike Patton

What is Mike Patton best known for?

Mike Patton is primarily known as the lead vocalist of the alternative metal band Faith No More. He is also highly celebrated for his incredible vocal range, diverse singing techniques, and his extensive work across numerous experimental and genre-defying musical projects.

What is Mike Patton's vocal range?

Mike Patton is widely stated as possessing an impressive vocal range of six octaves, allowing him to perform a vast array of vocal styles, from crooning to operatic, and from growls to intricate scat.

What are some of the notable bands Mike Patton has been in?

Beyond Faith No More, Mike Patton has been a key member of Mr. Bungle, Tomahawk, Fantômas, Dead Cross, Mondo Cane, Lovage, and Peeping Tom, among many other collaborations and solo endeavors.

What is Ipecac Recordings?

Ipecac Recordings is an independent record label co-founded by Mike Patton and Greg Werckman in 1999. It serves as a platform for releasing unique, experimental, and often unconventional music that might not fit into mainstream categories, reflecting Patton's commitment to artistic freedom.

Why is Mike Patton considered an influential musician?

Mike Patton is considered influential due to his vocal mastery, willingness to consistently defy genre conventions, prolific output across diverse projects, and his unwavering commitment to independent and experimental music. His unique artistic vision has inspired countless musicians and altered perceptions of vocal performance in modern music.