Mikel Jollett

Mikel Jollett is an American musician, songwriter, and author recognized for his work as the frontman of the indie rock band The Airborne Toxic Event and as the author of the memoir "Hollywood Park." Jollett graduated with honors from Stanford University and has contributed as an on-air columnist for NPR's "All Things Considered," served as editor-at-large for Men's Health, and worked as an editor at Filter magazine. His fiction has appeared in McSweeney's, reflecting his engagement with both the music and literary industries.

Jollett founded The Airborne Toxic Event, naming the band after an event in Don DeLillo's novel "White Noise." The band's music, known for its blend of guitars, keyboards, and classical strings, addresses themes of mortality and personal transformation. Their album "All at Once" reached number 17 on the Billboard Albums chart, and the single "Sometime Around Midnight" was named the No. 1 Alternative Song of the Year by iTunes and achieved gold certification. The band has performed at major festivals such as Coachella and Lollapalooza and at venues including the Greek Theatre, Central Park's Summer Stage, and Red Rocks with the Colorado Symphony.

Jollett's early life experiences, including being born into the Synanon commune in Santa Monica, California, and overcoming poverty and familial challenges, form the foundation of his artistic vision. These experiences are chronicled in his memoir "Hollywood Park," which became a New York Times bestseller and is noted for its depiction of trauma and resilience. The Airborne Toxic Event's album "Hollywood Park" parallels the memoir, exploring similar themes. The band's discography also includes their self-titled debut and "Glory," with Jollett's songwriting frequently addressing loss and redemption. The debut album received reviews from Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Q, and Entertainment Weekly.

In addition to his music and writing, Jollett is recognized for his public speaking on trauma, resilience, and mental health, including appearances at Williams College as part of a mental health and trauma speaker series. Jollett's willingness to discuss his personal journey, from escaping a cult to achieving success in music and literature, has established him as a prominent voice on topics of trauma, mental health, and creative expression.