About Us

Our Story

Welcome to the official website of Mere Mortals! This is the space where we share our story, our music, and everything we’re passionate about. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering our sound, we’re thrilled to have you here. Mere Mortals formed in 2023, but the band’s story began nearly a decade earlier at a local paint store. For years, they talked about playing music together, but it wasn’t until 2023 that they finally decided to make it happen. What started as late-night jam sessions in the middle of our drummers living room quickly turned into something bigger. With nearly a decade of friendship behind them, they combined their musical talents and created Mere Mortals. We’ve spent countless hours perfecting our sound, performing live, and writing songs that reflect our journey. We’re often described as high-energy rock with a blend of classic influences a mix of alternative rock with an edge. If you’ve ever found yourself tapping your foot to a song or belting out lyrics in the car, that’s exactly what we aim for with our music – a connection, an emotion, a moment. We’ve played at the Madeira Beach snack shack, The Bamboo Beach Bar, at several parties, and we can’t wait to bring our music to even more fans as we continue to preform. We’re more than just a band. We’re a group of friends who truly believe in the power of music to bring people together, make memories, and create change. Our fans are our family, and we wouldn’t be here without your love and support. Thanks for being a part of this journey with us. Stay connected by following us on social media or simply listening to our latest tracks. We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to see what comes next!

Meet the Band

Basist / Vocals

Joey Nicklin

Joey has been playing bass since he was 12 years old, diving deep into music from an early age and developing a passion for the low end that would shape his style for years to come. Drawing influence from bass legends like Cliff Burton’s iconic metal tones, Les Claypool’s playful yet complex rhythms, and Ryan Martinie’s heavy, intricate grooves, Joey crafts bass lines that are as dynamic as they are powerful.

Armed with his Fender Rumble 500 and Ibanez Balvirar, Joey’s playing is a perfect balance of precision and punch, adding a driving force to the band’s sound both in the studio and on stage. His technical expertise and musical ear continue to elevate the band’s rhythm section to new heights.

Drummer

Michael Baum

Michael is a seasoned musician whose journey in music spans over 45 years. It all began in his childhood at Horace W. Porter Grammar School in Columbia, Connecticut, where he was captivated by the drumming skills of upperclassman Jeff Pepin, performing on a stunning 20-piece drum set. Inspired by Jeff, Michael pursued drumming through high school, private lessons, and involvement in various bands, orchestras, marching bands, and summer music camps.

This foundation eventually led him to Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he focused on alternative music performance and composition, honing his skills and expanding his musical horizons. Throughout his career, he played with several bands, including The Antics, One 900, Theatre, Blue Cartoon, and other unlisted projects, contributing to the rich tapestry of his musical experiences.

After taking a 20-year hiatus to raise a family and manage a business, Michael returned to drumming in 2023. Today, he continues to share his passion for music with his daughters, turning his lifelong dream of connecting with the next generation of musicians into a reality.

Guitarist / Backup Vocals

Dan LaJoy

Dan's passion for music was ignited at a young age when he first saw local garage bands performing, sparking his desire to pick up the guitar at just 14 years old. With influences ranging from the iconic Jimi Hendrix to the timeless rock sounds of The Who and the experimental vibe of Radiohead, Dan has cultivated a playing style that blends technical prowess with raw emotion.

His favorite guitars, the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul, are his tools for creating everything from fiery solos to melodic riffs. Paired with Marshall and Orange amplifiers, his sound is loud, bold, and full of energy. One of Dan’s favorite aspects of playing live is the direct connection with the audience, feeding off the energy in the room and bringing an electrifying performance every time he hits the stage.