Challenge Theory

Hero as Self was founded as a music project in the basement of the College of Business at Ferris State University in Michigan in 2010. Executive Producer/Lead Vocalist and FSU staff member, Michael Mignano, called on the musical skill and talents of Music Industry Management students to see his vision take shape. Mignano then pulled from his diverse set of influences including: Dashboard Confessional, Radiohead, Third Eye Blind, Ryan Adams and combined those with influential hip-hop artists such as Eminem, The Streets, Jay-Z, Atmosphere, Kanye West, Common and the Beastie Boys to form a unique style of alternative hip-hop. Very much an album of heart break, the project is backed by the musical production genius of Max Griffith, Marshall Oliver (One Missed Call) and Chris Campbell (Endless Summer).