ONEHEMPCAT OLDRICH’S BIOGRAPHY
(Written December 2008)
by: Teva Teebrook
Mike Majesty (
http://mikemajesty.com), is his real name. He was born and raised in South Amboy, New Jersey (USA), located less than 30 miles from the boyhood home of rocker Jon Bon Jovi. As a teen, Mike could often be found down by the river, playing his guitar in his van with friends, who together, soon formed a band that became known as “Population Zero”, or “PZ”. They practiced in basements, garages, and played a few parties. They played mostly for their love of music and for anyone who cared to listen. That was the beginning. Just as anything grows and flourishes, reaching out for that which sustains life, some grasp what is needed while others wilt and fade. Mike grasped indeed, moving forward . . . (read more)
into yet another band that spawned the name he is most notably known by today: “Onehempcat”. (
http://onehempcat.com , his main official site) . . . What’s in a name? In this case, it’s so much more than meets the eye, even though the name itself implies much. A common misconception, however, derives from the word “hemp” , leading many like-minded associations to the fibrous hemp plant. On the contrary. His famous name actually originated from being a member of this band which was called, “The Hemp Cats”. When asked about himself, he used to say, “I am one of the hemp cats”, or “I am one hemp cat” (out of five), and it stuck from there. In addition, he answers to a few variations such as: “One”, “Hemp”, “Cat”, “Onehemp”, or “Hempcat”.
After “The Hemp Cats” disbanded, One’s love for music and innate desire to share it with others did not end. He has been delivering quality entertainment for over twenty years, involved with various bands, playing the local circuits of Jersey time and again.
His influences include, but are not limited to, Randy Rhodes, Joe Satriani, Steely Dan, Dream Theatre, Incubus, Iron Maiden and Manowar, just to name a few.
Currently, Onehemp is a solo artist who plays acoustic instrumentals and has been writing and composing original music from 1990 to present. He records from his private home studio in New Jersey. Recently he applied to ASCAP, and is selling his music worldwide!
The newest chapter in his life is one you can call his second life. During this past year, he has joined Second Life
http://www.secondlife.com, an online virtual community as Onehempcat Oldrich, the last name of which was chosen from a pre-set list within Second Life, a place where all of your dreams can come true! In only a few short months, he has quickly established himself as a favorite to many. With the help of a great music manager, Throughthesewalls Moody (played by Tara Lopes), record label “Music Not Politics” (
http://musicnotpolitics.com), and various Venue owners, he has been able to stream his music live all over the virtual world, quickly gaining a steady following that keeps growing on a daily basis. His first CD, “Enjoyful SLive“ was recorded by McMuffin Short, and produced by Hempcat, Bones Writer & Tangle Giano, at Trax Music Resource Center in Second Life. It was released on November 27, 2008. Trax has set the bar on CD quality. You can check it out and purchase Onehemp’s CD and/or singles at his online music store here:
http://music.onehempcat.com., or from Trax Music Resource Center, within Second Life.
Even though Hemp has been solo for awhile, he still likes to team up with other musicians to provide his fans with special treats now and again. For instance, he has teamed up with Kevin M. Thomas
http://kevinsl.com , in Second Life to bring you the extraordinary project of Mike Majesty Featuring Kevin M. Thomas, who is also known as KevinMThomas Carpool, in Second Life. Their project is called “The MMFKMT Project”.
http://myspace.com/mmfkmtband . Kevin is an international recording artist with many accreditations that include 2 MTV/Spike TV Productions, among others. If you like heavier sounds akin to Iron Maiden or Metallica, you will be enthralled upon hearing this delectable collaboration! They have cut a spectacular album together, titled: “Sonic Illusions”…to be released December 17, 2008 at Trax Music Resource Center in Second Life.
Hemp is just all over the place, really. Some additional websites/URL’s you can find him at are:
http://myspace.com/1hempcathttp://www.thesixtyone.com/onehempcathttp://stereofame.com/onehempcatMore about his music, he is like a cool cat, laid back, strumming out his creations to a rhythm that will draw anyone in. It is trance-like yet speaks volumes, and is deeply engaging. His depth and versatility is magically relayed, showing his passion and love for music, through every note he plays. Then he surprises with some metal as well. How amazing is that? He is so well rounded and even though his schedule is usually packed, he is most congenial with nothing to hide. He is down to earth, easy going, and always makes time for his friends. There are so many more colorful adjectives that could be used to describe this man. You must meet him and hear him play for yourself so you can decide. All of his fans and friends are welcome to leave their own comments on his myspace website listed above, or IM him directly from his main official site, also listed above.
Here are some excerpts from a few select friends eager to share a word about Hemp:
“OHC is an amazing talent. His creativity never ceases to amaze me.” ---KevinMThomas Carpool
“He is fun to listen to, has a good sense of humor....and he is a very talented guitar player and music writer. I see him every chance I get.” ---Bray Compton
“AWESOME!!!! We enjoy his shows . . . his fans . . .” ---Pen Drake & Golden Falworth
“He’s the rocker that musicians want to be, but he's the friend we all want to have, and at the same time, he’s the coolest CAT there is :)” --- Roxiii Kamachi
“This guy works magic on the guitar and will leave you mesmerized! Every time I hear him I can just feel the meaning in his songs - come check him out." --- Throughthesewalls Moody
“Quintescential, simple yet complex, funny, yet serious. One of a kind!” --- Ocean Mureaux (SLister)
“...he's one talented Cat. He sure is. In addition to his amazing music, he is a sincere musician who connects wonderfully with his audiences!”--- Suka Nishi
"Hempcat is definately one of the most amazing musicians I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. His music continues to overwhelm me no matter how many times I listen to it; it's just that incredibly extraordinary." ---McMuffin Short
And from the man himself: “I am a cat and I lick my own ass. WANNA know more, IM Me” --- Onehempcat Oldrich
Additionally, as if all of this is not cool enough, he also plays for charities such as “Coats for Kids”, “Save the Children”, “Breast Cancer Awareness”, and an annual 24 hour event for “Relay For Life”, hosted by Music Not Politics record label. He has also played in other benefits to help Second Life musicians or fans who have suffered real life losses. (EDITED BY ARTIST) In the very near future Hempcat will also play for Autism Awareness and Crazy Horse Monument charities at his SL built club, Club Be'ne!
His availability is after 5pm (SL time) during the week, and all day and night on the weekends. For more booking information, please contact Throughthesewalls Moody in Second Life. If you don’t have a Second Life account, sign up for one today and experience the thrill of a lifetime! Be sure to search for Onehempcat Oldrich and join his music fan club, “Onehemp’s Cats”, so you don’t miss out on anything! And by all means, please stay tuned . . .