Mike Patton

This article is about the U.S. musician. For other people, see Michael Patton.
Not to be confused with Mike Patto.

Mike Patton
Patton in 2009
Patton in 2009
Background information
Birth nameMichael Allan Patton
Born (1968-01-27) January 27, 1968 (age 56)
Eureka, California, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • voice actor
  • record producer
  • film composer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • keyboards
  • samples
Years active1984–present
Member of
Formerly of

Michael Allan Patton (born January 27, 1968) is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and voice actor, best known as the lead vocalist of the American rock bands Faith No More and Mr. Bungle.[1] Noted for his vocal proficiency, diverse singing techniques, wide range of projects, style-transcending influences, eccentric public image and contempt for the music industry, Patton has earned critical praise[2] and influenced many contemporary singers. In addition to his most popular endeavor, Faith No More, Patton is also co-founder and lead vocalist of Mr. Bungle, and he has fronted and/or played with Tomahawk, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Fantômas, Moonchild Trio, Kaada/Patton, Dead Cross, Lovage, Mondo Cane, the X-ecutioners, and Peeping Tom. Consistent collaborators through his varied career include avant-garde jazz saxophonist John Zorn, hip hop producer Dan the Automator and classical violinist Eyvind Kang.[3]

He has worked as a producer or co-producer with artists such as Merzbow, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Sepultura, Melvins, Melt-Banana, and Kool Keith. He co-founded Ipecac Recordings with Greg Werckman in 1999, and has run the label since.[4]

He saw his largest success with the group Faith No More; although they scored one US hit, they scored three UK top 20 singles.[5] Patton is an outspoken, even mocking, critic of the mainstream music industry and has been a champion for non-mainstream music that he says has "fallen through the cracks."[6]

Patton has been cited as an influence by members of Coheed and Cambria, Deftones, Five Finger Death Punch, Hoobastank, Incubus, Killswitch Engage, Korn, Queens of the Stone Age, System of a Down, Papa Roach, and Slipknot.

  1. ^ Zorn, John, ed. (2000). Arcana: Musicians on Music. New York: Granary Books/Hips Road. ISBN 1-887123-27-X.
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