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

As a piano player my obvious influences would include Billy Joel, Elton John and Ben Folds. As a teenager, though I was drawn in by other keyboardists and listened to a lot of Progressive Rock. Bands like Genesis, Jethro Tull, Rush, Pink Floyd and Yes dominated my CD player. For a time I wrote in that vein, but eventually discovered the nuances of songwriting and realized that lyric and melody are what set songs apart, not odd meters and over-the-top solos. Discovering Ben Folds, Jeff Buckley and The Beatles later on in my career reminded me of the power of simplistic songwriting. So I’ve been focusing on creating music that’s direct in its approach, but also powerful.

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?

My favorite band is still Genesis. They were able to perfectly combine the musicianship found in Prog music with a direct approach to melody and lyrics. On the “replace-a-band-member” concept, I’d have to say Ben Folds. I know it’s obvious. I’d also sit in with the E Street Band.

3.Boxers or Briefs?

Joe neglected to answer this one.

4.Favorite junk food?

Peanut butter on graham crackers

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

I’ve always played the piano. I was influenced at an early age by my Aunt Eileen, who got me started. I formed my first band in high school, playing really bad covers. I began writing at 15. This is just something I’ve always felt I’ve done. I couldn’t imagine NOT playing.

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

There were those 3 girls in Kentucky….just kidding. I’ve gotten to play some really great shows in my life. And every time I get to play I feel a bit “rock star” ish, but I think playing in front of 1200 with Ian Anderson has got to be the closet I’ve ever felt to being an actual rock star.

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

I’d probably write stories. I draw a little, but creating stories is something I’ve tried to do with my music, so it seems natural that if you took the music out of the equation, that I’d still be creating stories.

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

When I was with Xfusion, we went to Connecticut to play some Board Of Directors event for a theater there. Odd having a progressive metal band playing a function like that…

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

My left hand is weak. Coming from a prog backround I focused a good bit on training my right hand for solos. My left hand doesn’t do what I wish it could do sometimes.

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

F – Geddy; Marry – Neil; Kill – Alex

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

Nope…just a few lessons from my Aunt

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

I’m currently a member of a new improv comedy troupe called The Basement. We do shows around town from time to time. I’m essentially the music director for the group, though I do occasionally participate in skits. It’s uncharted territory for me, so it’s fun.

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

I just enjoy writing, recording and performing. It really is what I do best.

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

Rush, Iron Maiden, Miles Davis, The Who, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Beethoven, fIREHOSE, Larry Graham, Victor Wooten

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?

Rush – but someone else will need to sing: my voice is about two octaves lower than Geddy’s

3.Boxers or Briefs?

Boxers, Briefs

4.Favorite junk food?

Ben and Jerry’s “Everything but the…” ice cream

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

I don’t think anyone got me started; it was an option in fifth grade. I picked the trumpet because my dad had played it when he was but a wee lad. I didn’t pick up the bass until I was in college. Both of my roommates played and it seemed like an interesting instrument.

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

Had a threesome with your mom and sister.

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

I would paint. I’ve only been doing it for a year or two but I really enjoy it.

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

My life is boring – I can’t think of any odd place I’ve played

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

I could think of 50 different things…

I tend to hit my strings pretty hard which can produce a really percussive sound, especially on the E string. The sound is fine but sometimes on ballads or quieter passages I forget how hard I’m playing and that strong attack doesn’t go well.

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

I would screw them to death. Except Alex – he’s kinda weird…

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

Bunches – had some basic theory in high school and I was a music major in college. I’ve had ear training, a bunch of music theory, orchestration, and other assorted goodies. Unfortunately there’s a lot I don’t remember.

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

I’m a budding artist. Links forthcoming.

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

I am the shortest and baldest member of the band which means I’m the most attractive and wealthiest.

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!