about
The story behind the sound.A classic rock band begins…
Skinny Hippo didn’t start with a grand plan—it came together the way a lot of good things do: gradually, and a bit unexpectedly. What started as casual jams quickly turned into something more as the chemistry grew.
What they found wasn’t just a band, but a shared love of playing, experimenting, and enjoying the moment. Skinny Hippo is less about perfection and more about connection—five guys from different paths, coming together to make music, have fun, and see where the next song takes them.
Meet the band.
Mike - Vocals
Mike spent most of his life, keeping his music to himself. A quiet passion, reserved for car rides, kitchen moments and the rare evening when no one else was listening. In his late 50s, that lifelong love for singing finally found its voice. Though naturally shy, and never one to seek the spotlight, Mike took a leap that surprised even those closest to him. Now Mike’s part of a band, showing up regularly to jam, laugh, and lose himself in the music he’s always loved. What once felt intimidating has become something freeing – not about performing perfectly, but about connection, joy, and the simple thrill of being heard. Mike’s journey is a reminder that it’s never too late to step out of the background and into something that makes your soul come alive.
Marc - Keys
Marc began his musical journey in Montreal, studying classical guitar at the ripe age of 10. Marc fell in love with Eddy Van Halen's guitar style and the high-energy of the music, which played a big influence in his approach to music and dedication to the craft. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Marc toured extensively, ultimately finding a home in the hard/classic rock scene playing in clubs and venues across Canada. Marc has always had a keyboard by his side and fell in love with the dynamics that the keys bring to an ensemble. Marc is currently tickling the pearlies full-time with Skinny Hippo.
Ted - Bass
Ted started playing bass in his early 20s and jammed with friends and fellow musicians. He put the bass away for a number of years, and by his mid 40s, he realized he missed making music. For years after, Ted studied bass books and jammed to YouTube. Recently, he was fortunate enough to meet Troy and Steve, and then Mike and Marc joined to make the Skinny Hippos complete. Ted just loves to make music with his bandmates.
Troy - Drums
Troy discovered drumming later in life and has been making up for lost time ever since. With a love of free-spirited jam band improvisation, he enjoys when the Hippo's turn a 3-minute song into an unexpected 15-minute journey. He thrives those electric moments where a song becomes something new in the moment, and the unspoken conversation between bandmates - the magic that happens when a group locks into a groove. For Troy, it all comes down to great music and good times—preferably outdoors at a beach party or backyard BBQ, with a cold beer in hand and Skinny Hippo in full swing.
Steve - Guitar
Steve has been playing guitar since childhood. Honing a few rudimentary musical skills in garages and basements with his friends through high school, he eventually found some musical legs, assembled a full-time rock band to tour the Maritimes, then toured with country bands across Canada as a side musician in the early 80’s. To help fund a second, non-musical career, Steve then played in his way through university in the late 80’s through the mid-90’s. After many years, Steve is now back pursuing his passion for music with his good friends in Skinny Hippo. The band members have a bond that only diverse backgrounds in music and mutual respect could foster.