the joe trainor trio

In an effort to let you nice folks know a little more about the guys, I gave them each a handful of questions. These are Mike’s responses:

1.Who would you say are your greatest musical influences?

A little bit of everything. Everything musical whether it be a solo musician, duo or group has something to bring to the table. I try my best to, for lack of a better phrase, “cherry pick” what I feel are the strongest attributes of said musicians. One last thing, just because I may not personally like what a player or group does, that certainly does not mean that they are not any good at what they do!……

2.Imagine you’re watching a concert and one of the band members spontaneously combusts. You get called to the stage to replace that band member. Who’s the band?

Dream Theater…. or maybe TOOL… ask me again later….

3.Boxers or Briefs?

No comment – perv.

4.Favorite junk food?

I only eat junkfood!

5.Who got you started? Was it with a different instrument?

I started playing as a toddler. I wanted a violin…. (or so I’m told!) I then moved on to Piano. I studied Piano until fourth grade where I started saxophone. (I was given a sure seat in the school band if I played Baritone.) I then also started playing drums (just thought they were cool!) So, I played the sax and drums through high school. (Stuck with the drums.) I picked up the guitar (wich I currently play in another band) about five or so years ago.

6.What’s the most ‘rock star’ thing that you’ve ever done?

I think touring through a few continents constitutes “RockStar!” OR possibly doing nothing but waking up about lunchtime everyday, playing my drums or guitar, and hanging out all day…. THAT’S RockSt*R!

7.If you had to give up music – what would you do to be creative?

Build instruments and old cars!

8.Strangest venue or gig you’ve ever played?

Never played a “strange” gig. Some crappy ones, but not strange…

9.What do you like LEAST about how you play?

I wish I could “warm-up” faster. Across the board.
I hate that I can’t shred on the guitar. I have to say that shredding is a talent on it’s own that I just don’t have.

10.The members of Rush – Marry, Screw, Kill?

Marry – Niel
Screw – Alex
Kill – Geddy

…No offense, but I just think Geddy gets a little too much “credit” (I think that’s what I’m looking for) and unfortunately, Alex is one of the most UNDER-RATED guitarists EVER!!!! (love the PRS’s Alex!)

11.Have you had any ‘formal’ music training?

Decades worth! From some of the most affluent, well known players in the music world.

12.Do you have any other projects you would like your fans to know about?

I’m currently in a…..
Blues Band (Drums)
Rock Band (Guitar)
Cover Band (Guitar)
Open Mic co-host (Drums)

no links at this time, but the blues band is going to be at the House of Blues in Atlantic City early 2010…. (I’ll keep you posted!)

13.Tell us anything else that you would like people to know about you.

I’m a “normal” kinda’ guy. Well, as “normal” as a musician can be. I play music for my job, LOVE Wendy’s (wich I eat everyday), hang back with my friends and drop the top on the car every chance I get. I try to not get “used to” anything because eventually, it, they, or I won’t be around anymore.
I try to enjoy everything I can, as much as I can, as often as I can….. That way, at least I know I tried a little of everything the world has to offer. Life is short and it’s a small small world….ENJOY!