Daily Inspiration: Meet Hank Mehren

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hank Mehren

Hi Hank, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started off playing piano when we were gifted an upright from an old friend when I was about 8 or 9. After learning some songs by ear my folks signed me up for lessons. I took classical lessons through high school. In middle school I joined a band that gave me the experience of playing LA venues like the Roxy, House of Blues, Henry Fonda, and others. After leaving that band in 10th grade or so I continued playing in bands with friends and family that furthered my relationship with various style of music like blues, soul, funk, r/b, and country. After high school I went to PCC where I followed my curiosity in the world of “jazz”. Taking improv classes, playing in the big band, and accompanying peers for performances prepared me to be accepted into the jazz program at CSUN where I continued my education and pursuit of music. In 2017 I graduated with a degree in music which propelled into the freelance world of gigging and teaching in LA.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the grand scheme of things I think it has been a pretty smooth road, though every story has its set of hurtles. One that’s comes to mind is when I broke my wrist my first semester of formal jazz lessons at PCC which felt like a set back at the time and, of course, my eagerness to get back to playing caused me to disregard a proper physical therapy and healing process which has led to some pain and discomfort even today. I think, though, that I have put up more hurtles for myself than anything and it wasn’t until I devoted some time and love to myself that I was able to see past the mirage of comparison and self-doubt.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
These days I have been spending a lot of time on the road with Pokey LaFarge. I play piano/organ and sing in the band. We really have a good time on stage and off, traveling to a new city every night. When I’m not touring with them, I try to maintain some gigs in town. Some include, Sunday mornings at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena, Checker Hall in Highland Park on Thursday/Sunday nights, and The Nice Guy in West Hollywood on a month to month schedule. Not to mention, the random gigs for party’s that, to my good fortune, call more often than not. I love to pull from a lot of the classic standards and show tunes, singing and playing piano, and get much of my inspiration from the likes of Oscar Peterson, Nat King Cole, Chet Baker, and Frank Sinatra.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you’re interested in working with me you can shoot me a message on instagram at @hank.mehren or send me an email at hankmehrenmusic@gmail.com.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hank.mehren?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Danielle Head, Mollie Ophelia