From Berklee-trained drummer to charting frontman to national ad composer, Mike Kepko is the genre-shaping producer behind some of today’s most impactful music for brands, bands, and screens.
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Mike’s professional music journey began in 2009, studying drum set under Frank “Cheech” Iero—renowned drummer for Yoko Ono and Iggy Pop, and father of My Chemical Romance’s Frank Iero. By 18, Mike had already developed a world-class foundation that led him to Berklee College of Music (2012–2014).
At Berklee, he moved fluidly between personal bands and high-level session work, performing in a jazz ensemble led by Grammy-winning saxophonist Walter Beasley and taking private sessions with Vic Firth–featured drum virtuoso Marko Djordjevic. After two fast, formative years, Mike left to forge his own path—fronting the alternative rock band Civil Youth not as a drummer, but as its charismatic vocalist and keyboardist.
Civil Youth quickly became a national force. The trio was featured in hundreds of press outlets including Alternative Press, Substream, and more. Their breakout singles, “Let You In” (featuring Emarosa’s current frontman) and “Between Me and You,” earned rotation on iHeartMedia’s Radio 104.5FM—appearing regularly on The New Music Discovery Show and across live broadcasts. Their sophomore album Who Rescued Who gained further traction with placements on MTV and VH1.
After years of touring the country and sharing stages with Twenty One Pilots, AWOLNATION, Grouplove, Mutemath, Phantogram, Capital Cities, Judah & the Lion, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and others, Mike transitioned into full-time production and songwriting for artists and television. Early collaborations included Carousel Kings, XOF (Mitch Rodgers of Varials), Daddex, Felly, and Brevin Kim.
Today, Mike’s music continues to appear across major brands including Land Rover, Diesel, The Body Shop, and more. In 2024, he partnered with ANDY Award–winning music house DuoTone, releasing national campaigns for Maaco, Disney x Oral-B, Activia, and several others. He has also created music alongside top TV and advertising powerhouses such as Found Objects, Singing Serpent, Quiet City, and more.
In 2025, Mike expanded further into sync writing with leading publishers including Secret Road and Position Music. His latest releases—across both artist projects and sync—are available on Spotify and at www.MichaelKepko.com.