Mike Kaufmann

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Mike Kaufmann (born Michael Kaufmann, in Oakland, California on April 19, 1966) is an American heavy metal bass guitarist. He is best known as the bass player for the thrash metal band Defiance. Starting the band in 1985 with friends Matt Vander Ende and Brad Bowers, he quickly became a key reason for the bands success, co-writing much of their material, and playing on all three of their LP's, Product of Society, Void Terra Firma and Beyond Recognition. He also handled most of the bands business affairs and was responsible for getting the bands first shows supporting such acts as Testament (then Legacy) and Laaz Rockit which ultimately resulted in label interest. It was Kaufmann who was contacted by Monte Conner of Roadrunner Records which eventually landed them a record deal. He is the only member of Defiance who has been part of the band from its very beginning to the present.

After Defiance disbanded in 1993, he played bass in Inner Threshold and later formed the band Under with long time friend and Defiance band mate Doug Harrington. Under thrived in the Bay Area music scene over the next 5 years playing a number of very successful shows supporting bands such as Machine Head, Exodus, Sevendust and many more. Under was on the verge of signing a record deal when they broke up because of personal and musical differences.

As of 2005 Defiance has reunited, and along with Steev Esquivel, Jim Adams and Doug Harrington have been working hard on the fourth studio album. Following Harrington's passing in 2006, the band has moved on to finish the album with out him as he had requested. Kaufmann also works at a top law firm in San Francisco, is married, and has one daughter.

He is know for his solid bass playing, unique song writing ability and long time involvement in the music industry.