Mika Miko
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 in Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Founder | Victor Fandgore (Jennifer Clavin), Jet Blanca (Jenna Thornhill), Michelle Suarez, Jessica Clavin, Jon Erik Edrosa |
| Defunct | 2009 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Area served | United States, Europe, Japan |
| Products | Albums, EPs, singles |
Mika Miko was a band originating from Los Angeles, California in 2003. By the following year, they had established a strong local presence through their dynamic live performances. The founding members were Victor Fandgore (Jennifer Clavin), Jet Blanca (Jenna Thornhill), Michelle Suarez, Jessica Clavin, and Jon Erik Edrosa. After issuing their initial demo CD-R and a 7" record, they embarked on an extensive tour along the West Coast of the United States. Subsequently, they replaced their drummer with Kate Hall and undertook a nationwide tour during the summer of 2005. That same year, they contributed to two compilation albums released by Los Angeles–based record labels, self-produced two cassette tapes, and participated in the Hawnay Troof EP titled Community.
Their first full-length album was jointly released in summer 2006 by Post Present Medium and Kill Rock Stars, with a vinyl edition later issued by Sweden’s Deleted Art. In August 2006, Mika Miko appeared on the cover of Maximum Rocknroll, featuring an interview alongside a photoshoot. They also appeared in the 2006 documentary 40 Bands 80 Minutes! and were profiled in issue 76 of Punk Planet magazine. The band was closely involved with The Smell, an all-ages venue in Los Angeles, where they frequently performed and volunteered. In 2008, their touring extended to Europe and Japan.
Although their recorded output was notable, the group prioritized their reputation as an intense live act. Jessica Clavin expressed to ClashMusic.com that "We probably come across stronger in concert than on record... If given a choice between excelling live or in the studio, we would choose live."
In October 2009, Mika Miko disbanded as members shifted focus to academic pursuits and other ventures. Their farewell performances occurred on December 30–31, 2009, and January 1, 2010 at The Smell.
Following this, the Clavin sisters formed Bleached in 2011 and released their debut album Ride Your Heart in 2013.
Mika Miko reunited for a performance at Teragram Ballroom in Los Angeles in August 2023.
Band line-up
- Victor Fandgore (Jennifer Clavin) – vocals, guitar, keyboards
- Jet Blanca (Jenna Thornhill) – vocals, saxophone, keyboards
- Michelle Diane Suarez – guitar, keyboards
- Jessie Clavin – bass
- Kate Hall – drums
EPs/singles
- Demo CD-R (Self-released, 2003)
- Mika Miko 7" (Post Present Medium, 2004)
- Mika Miko Tape (Self-Released, 2005)
- Live and Rare! (Self-Released, 2005)
- 666 EP (Post Present Medium, 2007)
- Sex Jazz 7" (Sub Pop, 2008)
Albums
- C.Y.S.L.A.B.F. (Kill Rock Stars / Post Present Medium, 2006)
- We Be Xuxa (Post Present Medium, 2009)
Compilations
- 666 and Rare CD (Post Present Medium, 2007)
Compilation appearances
- Treasure Tropics EP (Not Not Fun, 2005)
- Under 21: Los Angeles! A Compilation of Rad Youth (Olfactory Records, 2005)