Meet Mike Dimartino | Owner and Design

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Dimartino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, why did you pursue a creative career?
It’s in my blood. My parents were artists and they were “D.I.Yer’s” before the acronym existed. They both worked at home out of a Double Dutch barn and we traveled to art shows like we were on tour! Ha! Needless to say, sleeping next to a bunch of electronic parts feels normal.

What should our readers know about your business?
I grew up on Birdneck Rd, and was very much into underground metal and tape trading with people around the world. The name “Fowl Sounds” is a reflection of that joy; the joy of receiving disgusting guitar sounds from around the world in my mailbox. So, Fowl Sounds is an extension of my teenage self but with the mindset of a person whom has been through a lot in 49 years. As an adult, my play list may go from anywhere from Primitive Man to Adele. So, in the name of branding I keep a loose theme but I also try not limit where it will go. Pedal companies are frankly a dime a dozen. So, I think what sets me apart is the ability to follow my creativity in a realistic way, my connections I’ve made in music since I was 14, and my ability to create pedals for the live players. I got here today mostly through perseverance, and help from others. I also don’t believe in the “one man army” BS. Anyone that says entrepreneurship is easy is probably not being honest. Well, I’ve probably made 99 out 100 mistakes lol. Here is 2 pieces of advice i will share. First, don’t put your customers on blast. Business owners absolutely have the right to defend themselves, and no, the customer is not always right. But, making some post about Customer X will never do you any good other than pandering to customers you already have. Deal with it in private. Tip 2. Get organized before you launch. Create a business model that can level up at anytime. You need to be able to go from 10 orders to 300 orders at any moment. My story has just begun, my brand is a community and life is too short too play garbage riffs. hahahahahaha

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is tough question these day as I mostly just work and go see live music(which is half work when you build gear).
When I travel, I think its fun to only have one or 2 items a day, then ad hoc the rest, so keep that in mind.
I was a chef for 20 plus years but became sadly out of the loop since retirement. We would probably have to go to one of Alex Seidel’s restaurant and one of Failyau’s Park Burgers. Long time Denver peeps will know the connection. City o City and Root Down would be on the list to0. I can walk to Taco de Mexico, so there is no avoiding it. haha. At least one visit to the Stanley Market. Misaki is a Colorado treasure. I recently went to Golden Mill which felt like being in a TV show about what the country thinks CO is. It was actually a great place to socialize and relax though. You have to do a few outdoorsy things while you are here. Buffalo Bills Grave or Red Rocks is quick way to be outdoors. I worked in Summit County from 98 to 03. Id love an excuse to visit for a day or 2. I prefer smaller music venues. Hi dive and HQ are in my hood and 2 of my fav. Bluebird is great because it has re-entry. Mission Ballroom feels small which is an amazing task and its about as big as i like to go to anymore. But, Red Rocks is an amazing venue that you have to see for your self. We might have to hit a house party, but Ill keep those to myself. The New Mutiny Café would be on the list because I haven’t been since they moved. Since most of my BFFS are players, Flipside Music would have to happen as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Tidewater Community College, Harry Delorey, Peter Tomis, Rob Gouldman, Robb Park and Hashtronaut, Eric Wood, Chuck French, Mom, Aunt Jo, Sophia, Brad Frye, Nick Williams, Stephen Kraig, William Mathewson and all of WMD. Filament Amp Works, Primitive Man, and all the Denver Music Scene. Also, a big thanks to my current collaborators; MIDWIFE and Greg Wilkinson. SKINNER and Joe Oliver. The League of Noise Builder’s. KEEPER OF THE LOW END. Everyone whom has bought anything from me, shared a post or just said HI.
P.S. A proper list would fill 2 pages. Thank you all.

Website: https://www.fowlsoundsfx.com/

Instagram: @fowlsounds

Youtube: @fowlsounds6314

Image Credits
Please credit any pic with “MIDWIFE” in title to Alana Wool. Those 2 were both taken at soundcheck for Midwife’s record release party.