Mike Viola

Mike Viola
Viola at a thrift store
Background information
Birth nameMichael Anthony Viola
Born (1966-09-26) September 26, 1966
Stoughton, Massachusetts, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Songwriter
  • producer
  • musician
  • singer
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
  • bass
Years active1985–present
Member ofCandy Butchers
Formerly ofThe Shining
Websitemikeviola.com

Michael Anthony Viola (born September 26, 1966) is an American producer, musician, songwriter, and singer, best known for his work with Panic! at the Disco, Andrew Bird, Ryan Adams, J.S. Ondara, Mandy Moore, and Jenny Lewis. His original music has been featured on soundtracks for movies such as That Thing You Do!, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, and Get Him to the Greek.

As a teenager in the early 1980s, Viola played Boston-area clubs with his band, the Bottom Line, and was billed as "Boston's youngest musical talent." His parents, Charlene and Larry Viola, bought his equipment and allowed their basement to be turned into a rehearsal room.

Viola got his major professional start in the mid-1990s as the musical architect for New York–based band Candy Butchers, releasing three critically acclaimed albums with RPM/Sony Records before focusing on music production.