Mike Antosh: Music is his sanctuary

Mike Antosh has seen it all, from studying at Berklee College of Music to opening for the legendary band Boston. Through every high and low, one message has carried him forward: Keep hope alive. He shared his outlook on life with Humans of Galveston during an interview on The Strand. To learn more, check out his website.

Humans of Galveston: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Mike: I'm a musician, an actor, and a Berklee College of Music alum. I've been playing drums since I was a little boy — music has always been part of me. My mom used to put headphones on her stomach when she was pregnant, playing the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. I guess you could say rhythm has been in me since before I was born.

Humans of Galveston: How did you get into music?

Mike: I picked up a lot of different instruments as a kid — violin, harmonica, trumpet, guitar — but drums were always my best. I was inspired by some of the greats like Carter Beauford, founder of the Dave Matthews Band, and Neil Peart from Rush. That passion led me to Berklee College of Music, and from there, I just kept going, playing wherever and whenever I could.

Humans of Galveston: Who are some of the artists you’ve worked with?

Mike: I've got an EP recorded with Jason Mraz as a producer. He's also worked with Snoop Dogg and Tupac. I’ve played with a lot of great musicians over the years, just soaking up all the different sounds and styles. I’ve been around, moving with the music, letting it take me where I need to go.

Humans of Galveston: What was the moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?

Mike: My first concert. I was about seven years old, and my mom took me to see Sting. I remember smelling something in the air and asking my mom what it was — she told me not to worry about it. Then "Roxanne" started playing, and I was in music heaven. I just knew that I didn't want to be in the audience. I wanted to be on that stage.

Humans of Galveston: What brought you to Texas, and what keeps you here?

Mike: I came down to Texas and just felt the love. People here don’t bother me, they just let me be. I stuck around, and I never came down. That’s the thing about music — it takes you places, and sometimes, those places become home.

Humans of Galveston: What’s your philosophy on music and life?

Mike: Music is about bringing people together. We live in a post-truth world where it's not about politics or religion — it's about us. We the people. We have to help each other. Even something as simple as holding a door open for someone can make a difference. Keep hope alive. And remember, faith isn't a commodity. It’s something you fight for. Oh, and don’t forget: you gotta fight for your right to party!