A native Oregonian, Scheidt did time in the ’80s hardcore scene in the mid-Willamette Valley (he’s lived all his forty-one years in the Eugene area). But with Ken Kesey’s Oregon Country Fair so close, and rainbow gatherings on a seasonal basis right next door, Scheidt was inevitably drawn to some roots beyond his punk and metal leanings. Taking guitar lessons from none other than Zoot Horn Rollo (of Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band) and learning to fingerpick while selling guitars at McKenzie River Music, he found weight and passion in albums by Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Merle Travis, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

After releaesing his first solo Album „Stay Awake“ on Thrill Jockey in 2012 Mike agreed to record 3 songs for the Songs of Townes Van Zandt Series.

He choosed guitar and vocals.

Songs of Townes Van Zandt Vol. II recorded and mixed by Tad Doyel at Witch Ape Studio:

www.taddoyle.com/wicht-ape-studio

1. To Live Is To Fly – Mike-Scheid – guitar and vocals

4. Rake – Mike Scheidt – guitar and vocals

7. Highway Kind – Mike Scheidt – guitare and vocals