Micah McFarlane: Reveling in Reggae and His Roots
In episode 16, Micah McFarlane (no. 7 in a family of 12), talks about growing up in Minnesota, and how he got his unconventional start in the music industry as a tour manager with his siblings. At the age of 21, and without any experience, he put together a multi-band music concert, featuring his family’s band, Ipso Facto, in order to give them a platform. They were a reggae/rock band that eventually went on to open for bands like the Clash, and briefly scored a record deal with Epic Records in the late 1980s. Since then, Micah has worked as a tour manager for the likes of Cindy Lauper, Blondie (Debbie Harry), and Bob Newhart. These days, he loves to share his passion for agave-based spirits, as the CEO of Revel Spirits.
CEO, Revel Spirits
Micah McFarlane is an LA-based entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience as an executive in the entertainment industry. After serving in the U.S. Army for three years, he returned to Minnesota in the early 1980s with music on his mind. He started a reggae-style band called Ipso Facto with some of his siblings, and acted as their manager for many years. His family band has performed all over the world in front of thousands, and was inducted to the Minneapolis Music Hall of Fame. Over the years, Micah has managed all aspects of multi-million dollar tours as manager for Bob Newhart, Baby Face, Dwight Yoakam, Cyndi Lauper and Debbie Harry. In 2012, Micah became the co-founder and CEO of a new business called Revel Spirits, a company that handcrafts premium alcohol from 100% Blue Weber agave in Mexico.