One of the more recent artists to walk the line of innovative style in concert with creativity, Mike Botello has reached new heights that not only touch your inner being through compelling lyrics and intriguing interludes, but also has completed new insights through song, rhythm, melody and harmony. Mike Botello was born and raised in Austin, TX. Since early beginnings with his father to his 1st major release in 1990 (Awake – Spiritual Warfare) and to his most recent to date, Mike has developed a humble following in parts of Europe and in regional sections throughout the U.S.

At the tender ages of 3-13, Mike began playing the drums at his parents’ home, playing to records of bands like Kiss to Queen, Boston, Rush and Heart, just to name a few. As the year’s progressed Mike’s father, Jesse Botello Sr., who is an accomplished musician in the tejano music scene and was very active in live performances at the time, began inviting Mike to sit in with his group. This eventually led to Mike forming his first band at age 14. By age 16, Mike began playing drums with a locally popular heavy metal group known as “Assalant”. (Assailant without the “i”)

“Assalant”, who was fronted by lead vocalists Mike Soliz of “Militia”, consistently filled clubs and venues which led to the release of a three song demo titled, “The Damage is Done” in 1986. The demo was originally recorder with the vocals of Jason McMaster of “Watch Tower” and “Dangerous Toys”. To this day, Assalant’s demo is in current circulation throughout Europe and the U.S. With this experience behind him, this led to a deeper interest in recording and music production.

From adolescents to a young adult, Mike Botello had been writing songs of many types. This eventually led to his first major CD release, “Spiritual Warfare”, with his newly formed group “Awake” in 1990. By this time, Botello was at lead vocals and playing the bass guitar. Along with former guitarist of “Militia”, at the time, Jesse Villegas and drummer Rob Battalion, “Awake” acquired local and regional success; which led to “Awake” becoming an opening act for bands such as “Holy Soldier” and “Vengeance Rising”. Awake was part of the new “Christian Rock” movement at the time. Although, it did seem rather promising for the young trio, in 1992 the band split up and Mike officially began his solo career.

In 1999 Mike moved to Nashville, TN and began working with guitarist and song writer Jason Barrett, along with many solo artists, song writers, and various church/worship groups. In 2001, Mike developed his own independent record label known as “Mijaces Records”, or just simply MJC Records, and has been involved as a producer/studio musician with dozens of artists; along with many recording projects in Christian Contemporary, Rock and Country, Blues, Jazz, bluegrass and Worship. In 2013-2016 Mike reunited with former front man from “Assalant”, Mike Soliz and former guitarist from “Awake/Militia”, Jesse Villegas; returning to his roots, playing drums for the legendary Texas heavy metal band “Militia”.

Currently, Mike is focused as a solo artist with his most recent album release, “Indigenous” (spring of 2020), along with two single releases; “Secret Identity” (2019) and “I’m Down” (2020).  – Mike Botello has five studio/album releases under his belt; “Awake – Spiritual Warfare” (1990/2006 digitally re-mastered), “A Timeless State” (2006), “Rule of Law” (2010), along with a Christmas CD titled “A Botello Christmas” (2010), which he collaborated with his Father Jesse Botello Sr. and Brother Jesse Botello Jr., to his latest album, “Indigenous” (2020).  In 2006, Botello released the digitally “re-mastered” version of the original 1990 released album by “Awake” (Spiritual Warfare). All under his own independent label; Mijaces Records.