Mike Tompkins has become a YouTube staple for many in Canada and the United States, thanks to his high‑energy mash‑ups and playful video ideas. He recently released a fresh mash‑up that blends Feel Again by OneRepublic with Dog Days by Florence + the Machine, and he has joined Family Channel’s Stand UP! Network to support bullying prevention. With Bullying Awareness Week approaching, audiences across North America are invited to take part in the effort. Family Channel even hosted a Stand UP! rally to energize students, and ahead of the big day the magazine spoke with Tompkins and other speakers for background and context. First up is the multi‑talented Mike Tompkins.
Tompkins explains that he wrote a song called Stand Up about six months earlier, in tandem with the BULLY documentary that was in development. Family Channel reached out about the Stand UP! to Bullying initiative, and he found the collaboration to be a natural fit for his message and spotlight.
Tompkins recalls a difficult period in public school in a small hockey town where theatre and music were not popular. He faced ridicule for pursuing his interests, and those years left a dark imprint. Yet that struggle also planted a resolve to help others facing similar treatment, using music as a tool for empowerment and resilience.
He credits a strong family network with keeping him grounded through hard times. Their unwavering support made the path forward possible and helped shape the person he is today. The experience contributed to a nuanced understanding of confidence, highlighting the delicate balance between self‑belief and overconfidence that he continues to navigate as an artist.
His advice to someone being bullied centers on hope: things tend to improve. The journey to self‑acceptance is not simple, but with time and support, life can shift in meaningful ways, and one can reclaim a sense of belonging.
On tough days, Tompkins finds cheer in his wife and dog, in close friends, and in the privilege of making music for listeners around the world. He is grateful for the opportunities his career has brought and refuses to take them for granted, recognizing that many would trade a lot for a similar platform.
After college, he took a year to pursue music full time. He worked in a music store during that period and built confidence as a singer and artist. About three years ago his first video went viral on YouTube, and the momentum carried him forward into a broader career filled with original music and collaborative projects.
He acknowledges both the positives and the risks of young people expressing themselves on YouTube about bullying. Cyberbullying has become a prominent issue, and negative comments can sting. He advises creators to decide how much they will read and to stand up for themselves when necessary, understanding that online voices can be messy and spiteful.
There is new music in the works as well. He recently released a mash‑up of Feel Again and Dog Days, which has excited fans, and he is developing more original material that lets audiences hear the real him as an artist and songwriter.
Thank you, Mike Tompkins, for sharing his experiences and his commitment to helping others stand up against bullying. Those who want to learn more about joining Family Channel’s Stand UP! to Bullying Network can explore official Family Channel resources. And fans can watch the Feel Again and Dog Days video below to hear Tompkins’ latest creative work. Plus, the original anti‑bullying song Stand Up by Mike Tompkins is included for reference.