Mike Young (a.k.a. Milton Moai)

Mike Young, performing under the persona Milton Moai as the bandleader, creative force, and occasional bartender behind Mr. Moai & The Tikiheads, is a dedicated musician driving a neo-lounge solo project that blends exotica, atmospheric lounge, and elements of Latin jazz into immersive, instrumental tiki-inspired soundscapes.

Originally from Milwaukee, WI, and now based in Charlotte, NC, Mike’s musical roots trace back to age 10 when he picked up the drums, later teaching himself guitar. In the 1980s, he immersed himself in Milwaukee’s music scene, performing in a popular cover band that played hits from icons like Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Marshall Crenshaw, ZZ Top, and other 70s/80s staples.

Life shifted gears when Mike joined the U.S. Marines, serving his country and spending time stationed in Hawaii. There, he discovered Polynesian culture and the captivating world of tiki, sparking a lifelong passion for exotic tropical aesthetics, sounds, and lifestyles.

After stepping away from music for a time and later retiring from his day-to-day career, Mike reignited his creative spark. He returned to recording and producing original compositions inspired by his Hawaiian experiences, classic exotica pioneers, lounge traditions, and Latin jazz influences. This led to the launch of Mr. Moai & The Tikiheads, where as Milton Moai, he composes, plays multiple instruments (including guitars, piano, drums, and percussion), and crafts evocative, instrumental tracks that transport listeners to sun-drenched tiki bars, moonlit lagoons, and rhythmic tropical escapes.

His debut album, Surfotica (released June 14, 2023), marked an early fusion of surf energy with exotica atmospheres, serving as a heartfelt tribute to Polynesian influences and immersive musical journeys. A Surfotica Deluxe edition followed in 2025, compiling the original tracks with subsequent singles for an expanded experience.

Mike’s sound has since evolved toward a sophisticated neo-lounge style, incorporating Latin jazz grooves, rhythmic percussion, and lush, cocktail-hour vibes—evident in releases like Señor Moai (feat. Mark Riddle on vibraphone, May 2024), Tahitian Twilight (feat. Mark Riddle on vibraphone and Kane Manakoora on steel guitar, June 2024), Sugar Cane Spirits, Rongorongo (2025 version, feat. Kane Manakoora on steel guitar), Road to Caliente (July 2025), and the recent single Pufferfish (October 2025). He has also performed live, notably taking the main stage at Tiki Caliente 16 in Palm Springs, CA, on May 1, 2025, alongside collaborators, and contributed to the collaborative album Midday Mai Tais (released 2025) with figures from the tiki scene.

He has collaborated with respected artists in the tiki/exotica community, including Kane Manakoora (The Manakooras), Mark Riddle (Marty Lush, Tikiyaki Orchestra, The Alika Lyman Group), and Darron Long (The Tiki Delights), adding rich layers like vibraphone, steel guitar, and guest performances.

Mr. Moai & The Tikiheads music is available on all major streaming platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and more) for fans of tiki, exotica, neo-lounge, Latin jazz-infused lounge, and instrumental tropical sounds. Physical CDs, digital downloads, and special editions (including the Midday Mai Tais bamboo USB) are offered via Bandcamp (mrmoai.bandcamp.com), with additional purchase options on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and sites like Digitiki.com.

Stay connected for the latest releases, shows, and tiki vibes by following Mr. Moai & The Tikiheads on Facebook (@moaitikiheads), Instagram (@miltonmoai), checking the official site at mrmoai.com, or joining the mailing list. Join Milton Moai’s musical voyage as he continues to channel global travels, Polynesian enchantment, and retro tropical magic into fresh, mesmerizing neo-lounge escapes with a Latin jazz twist.