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Band Advice by Mike Michel

Dear Musicians,

I thank you for profoundly impacting my life in a positive way and helping me understand who I am as a person. It’s so cool we have met and have shared the bliss of music together. I wish you the best on your music journey this coming year!

I was recently asked to contribute some random thoughts and advice about group collaboration in a local music blog and here’s what I came up with. I’ve expanded it a bit here and these are just my humble opinions. Everyone is on their own music path and has the brain and soul power to successfully obtain whatever music situation they want, whether it be super part time, part time or full time. Any music dream or goal takes extreme patience, constant internal introspection, and consistent hard work at your craft. Introverted or extroverted it doesn’t matter, working on social skills over time and multiple experiences is crucial if we want to present our music in public. Dropping the ego, and reaching out to other musicians, & supporting other musicians is crucial as well. Going to see live music for inspiration is job #1 and simply the best way to meet fellow music lovers or potential bandmates, collaborators or music business people. You live in one of the twelve super fertile music zones in the United States and with the internet age at your hands, it’s easier than it’s ever been in all of our lifetimes to play music with other people. Quite frankly, there aren’t a ton of excuses not to go for it. Playing music is one part psychology for sure and overcoming any inner blockages will only liberate you even more and help you enjoy the moment in our music making. Release your reverence for the almighty sound vibration!

BAND & SOLO ARTIST ADVICE

Bands & solo artists make fatal decisions based solely on wanting to be known. It’s a normal human trait musicians should work hard to bypass. I was guilty of this in my early 20’s. Most music entities that are special or become part of the public conscience on any level started as simple pure spark nurtured by innocence, great songs and their primal love of music. We are all human beings and all band members are far from perfect, but traditionally successful collaborations are in synch as much as possible on their most fundamental long term goals and intentions for playing music as a unit. When something is pure and good, bands actually don’t have to work 24/7. Mystical things seem to happen fast and naturally to bands that are on track with their collective music soul. I truly believe that. Audiences overall seem to like what you are doing. Of course you can’t please everyone, but you’ll sense that the majority of fans dig what you are doing. You’ll touch the listeners whether it’s a Friday night party band helping people forget about their problems, or an introspective original music group that inspires people to solve their problems. Both have value. If you keep hitting consistent brick walls with your band or personal music path, you have to drop your ego, be objective and ask why things aren’t working. It’s painful but you have to look at your deepest layers. I mean the deepest layers. The internal kinks, fears and belief system contradictions can be hidden. Something has to be adjusted, worked on or terminated. An artist’s internal drive to be “traditionally successful” can completely overshadow the reality of their music situation, ability, and self-awareness level. Being highly driven is very different from actually believing in yourself. Knowing or believing comes with a sense of calm, confidence, and an intuitive sense“ you’re on track.”

My best advice is to always remember the first day you got an instrument, or heard the most powerful song that got you into music and never loose that feeling! That’s your guide, roadmap, or “ happy place” to help you find whatever your definition of “music success” is. Not to mention, these primal memories aid your recovery if you have a challenging day, rehearsal, recording session or gig. Those were your purist music moments and they help remind you why you play music. Keep it real, and don’t forget to balance out the seriousness of craft with the seriousness of fun. Gigs fly by fast and if you didn’t enjoy some of the art process that got you to that gig, then you’ll have one thin scrapbook to look at. I get that we’re all different as some folks are loose & some uptight. I’m generally wound up a bit and have high standards like most but I finally, after 20 years of playing music professionally, get the cliché “ enjoying the ride.” Yes be conscious of the ride.

EVERY band’s main challenge is communicating regularly with other band members. This is key and really hard sometimes as all musicians are quirky human beings who are sensitive deep down. You wouldn’t be playing or pursuing music otherwise if you didn’t have artistic sensitivity. If certain band members can’t communicate like adults (continually) and are void of civility or honesty, I’d think about leaving that band or ask that person to leave no matter how good the music is. Aren’t you looking for something long-term verses short term? A music family? Community? A relatively painless creative place to internally excel? Aren’t you getting enough weird shit throw at you during the day at work, school, or at home? Why would you want somebody to throw a wrench into your sacred music turf? If they can’t listen to what you have to say and your seeing a high unawareness level with them, then I would rethink your relationship with that band member. There’s truly not too many life lessons to learn here after a while, as someone with these traits is simply internally challenged and not ready yet to collaborate in a healthy manner and may never be able to do so. I’d move on and channel some of your energy from your frustrations into finding the right team. You aren’t alone with any of these group personality predicaments and having the openness, belief, and resilience to find another collaborator is where you should focus your mental energy. You will find another collaborator over time. It’s best to sort through your personal intentions and goals aka “get your cards on the table” as soon as you can with fellow collaborators. We’re all adults here and time is most precious to all of us. With any relationship it takes an ongoing process to really know someone, but in my mid-adulthood I don’t have any time to waste so I try to respectfully tell people my deal ASAP once I find the music we’re creating has potential and feels natural.

Last thought for the night, never forget about the people you play for. Don’t play at them. You’re not above the audience. Don’t pull an “Oasis” ( the band Oasis) on your fans. You play for them. The energy you receive from them is a gift to keep on writing, playing, & trying. You are just part of a bigger picture. Music is deep, primal, communal, and hits us on a cellular level. I think of music as an entity and I’m just a part of it, as music needs you to help spread it’s amazing power. It’s worth the sacrifice as you are giving something back to the world, not just taking from it. How many times during the day at school, home or work do you get to express yourself to the fullest degree without filters? Not many right, but playing, performing, and recording music allows you that freedom of self-expression full time. That is the greatest gift that music gives us, freedom!

I always tell people playing in bands or playing music solo feels like your celebrating Halloween all the time. You tap into your creative mind, your youthful imagination, which eliminates life’s daily fears and anxieties. You react, create, emote, take risks, overcome obstacles, put forth effort, feel inspired, and hopefully at the end of a good rehearsal, gig, or recording, you’re totally exhausted in a beautiful way. Don’t stop playing music. It’s worth the investment now as you could be 90 and still be playing music, feeling it’s bliss, seeing it’s positive effects upon humanity, and working for one of the most powerful entities on earth.

Best Wishes & Happy Music Making

Mike Michel

#band advice #mike michel #music education #being in a band #communicating in a band #music group #music tips #band tips #the rock and roll therapy room #rock and roll therapy room #getting along in a band #band harmony #speaking your mind #standing up for yourself

RRTR's 10 Questions w/ Angelo Barbera, Bassist For The Doors & Robby Krieger

RRTR's 10 Questions with Angelo Barbera! Bassist for The Doors Of The 21st Century & Robbie Krieger.

When I recently found out that my old bud and former bandmate Angelo Barbera was relocating to Chicago via Los Angeles, I became instantaneously blissful as his energy is that much closer to all of us in Minnesota. Outside of being a world class bassist and human being, Angelo has taught all the musicians he has played with the importance of purity, integrity, and creative collaboration. Son of a well know 1950's & 1960's Los Angeles jazz saxophonist, Angelo was engulfed in the vibrant & diverse music world of Los Angeles at an early age. Having collaborated with producing/engineering giant Ken Scott ( Beatles, Bowie), & most notably The Doors of the 21st Century & Robbie Krieger's band, Angelo has always maintained a humble and peaceful persona and has let his ferocious & groove oriented bass playing speak for itself. Hats off to Angelo one of the best musicians I've ever known and what a great teacher he has been for so many. Thanks Angelo! Mike Michel RRTR/Founder & Director.

1. Since we all are human, musicians have creative peaks & valleys. What inspires you outside of Music to keep on creating and exploring your artistic side? My fascination with vintage electro-mechanical devices such as pinball machines and jukeboxes from the 50's and 60's. This seemed a dying art to me, so learning how to restore and repair them to bring them back to life is truly a rewarding experience. As musicians, we all need to put the instruments down from time to time.

2. What was the earliest most awe striking music moment you can recall that started your music journey? The moment you felt music was an internal force for you? Definitely, the first time I heard Cream. Their music to me seemed to have no corners even though it was structured in a very melodic sense. Songs could go from a simple I IV progression to "free form " and then come back to the top still feeling like a cohesive composition.

3. Who was the first artist who inspired you and made you want to get a bass?Jack Bruce, his bass playing just seemed to go all over the place. Being a kid, I was very attracted to that even if I didn't know what it was at the time. I met Jack Bruce while touring with the Doors in 2002 and told him "Everything I am as a bass player I owe to him." His reply was "I guess I did my job." Then there's John Paul Jones, John Deacon Gram & Robert Deleo of STP.

4. Name one band or artist that isn’t over exposed in the commercial that everyone should check out and discover. Richard Bona just blows me away every time I see him and may be known in the jazz world but can do stuff with great pop and sensibility.

5. You been involved with many deep and important music recording sessions in your career in Los Angeles. Where did you develop your ear and music production chops? As a kid starting in the studio scene I was always what you would call, the diaper. Some of the top studio guys took me under their wing and taught me the importance of the dynamic of the songs rather than the chords. This really helped and is something that one develops over time because every bass player starting out will get what we call "Red Light Fever." The key to being a good musician in the studio is what your creativity is going to bring to the track and the attitude how you bring it.

6. Most musicians have a little nervous energy and adrenaline before a big gig. What legal and pro-active thing would you recommend a musician to do on his or her down time before a gig to eliminate some of that anxious energy? I think the anxious energy is needed. I still to this day get anxious before I go on stage, whether it's 2 people or 2,000 people. As a bass player, we should always look at ourselves as character actors because you aren't the starring role in the movie. You will always need a Joe Pesci to your Robert DeNiro. At least that's what works for me.

7. You’ve met many notable musicians in your travels. Was there one person who surprised you as an unexpected guru? Robby Krieger of the Doors because his knowledge of the guitar. He an amazing blues player with unique finger picking techniques that I've never heard before. Not to mention he's a great surf guitar player which I didn't expect.

8. Getting good food on the road is a challenging endeavor. Name one of your favorite dives, restaurants on the US interstates or highway. When you get on I-40 going east in New Mexico going towards the Midwest, there's a Mexican fast food chain, Taco Cabana. They sprout up from New Mexico to the end of Oklahoma City. Don't know if they are around anymore but they're great.

9. The USA is a young country and compared to many older countries we tend to under value the arts. What’s one thing the general public can do keep build the arts in America? The arts are so important, especially in today's society. It seems to get a backseat as the U.S. government likes to cut fine arts funding first. Compared to other first world nations,the arts in America are under nourished but it's up to artists to educate the general public of it's value and also create art with substance.

10. Do you recall any mentors or music teachers in your life that inspired you and changed the way you looked at music or helped you become a pro musician? Definitely my father. He taught me how to play the right notes, how to handle myself at a gig and how to be a true professional with the least amount of words spoken. These traditions and lessons he taught me are extremely valuable to me.

11. BONUS QUESTION. Name a few other recording sessions you've done that you deem "monumental." I played bass on the Marvin Gaye tribute' CD the song was " What's Going On." They did a dance mix of it and it featured Jay Z, Nas, Fred Durst and other fab musicians all singing and rapping on the track. When I started tracking the bass, the producer said he wanted a disco feel like Bernard Edwards (Chic bassist). What I ended up doing was 2 tracks of the song. One was the Chic influenced line and then the other was a James Jamerson influenced line (like the original) over the loops of the tune. That was the one they ended up using and not to mention, all the money went to the aids foundation so that session was magical. Also you can goggle the band "i94" to hear all the songs I have written, produced, & co wrote with that band.

p.s. Photo features Angelo, Ray Manzarek & Stewart Copeland (The Police). Here is a cool clip of Angelo Barbera playing with THE DOORS! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zlLnKU-Ur4 Angelo Barbera on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/angelo.barbera?ref=ts&fref=ts Angelo's rock band, I-94 http://www.mtv.com/artists/i-94/ Angelo's long time friend, collaborator & producing giant Ken Scott http://sxsw.com/music/news/legendary-producer-ken-scott-speak-sxsw-music-2013

Click here for The Rock & Roll Therapy Headquarters!

http://www.rockandrolltherapyroom.com/

#The Rock And Roll Therapy Room #Angelo Barbera #The Doors #The Doors Of The 21st Century #RRTR #Mike Michel #Rock And Roll therapy Room #RRTR Blog

RRTR’s Women Who Rock Minnesota Series! 3 Creative Forces Who Are Changing Music Culture In Minnesota!

Creative Force #3 Pamela Espeland

In order for any city or town to cultivate a healthy arts scene, it’s takes much more than the artists who reside and practice their art. It’s a collective force of progressive arts media, business owners (venues, promoters), and a supportive population of listeners who are open to diverse music forms and support their local artists without bias. We happen to be living in one of them. Smack dab in the middle of the Northern Plains is a big old state with a big music heart we call Minnesota. Minnesotans are extremely fortunate to have a rich cultural heritage of progressive female musicians and female music business entrepreneurs that have worked the different music scenes of each decade. RRTR would like to feature three multidimensional & creative music forces behind Minnesota’s thriving music culture; Andrea Swensson, Stacy Schwartz, & Pamela Espeland All three women have promoted, wrote about, photographed, marketed, and assisted more musicians and Minnesota music institutions that one could ever imagine. On top of this and most importantly, they are great human beings void of trend, attitude, and bias who in turn just like the musicians they promote, want Minnesota to continue to be a global music force. RRTR will feature one each artist each week and celebrate their contributions to Minnesota Music

1. Name

Pamela Espeland

2. Hometown

Born in Glen Ellyn, IL but consider Minneapolis my hometown.

3. Current music creations, endeavors, music occupations

I cover music and other arts/culture happenings in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota for MinnPost.com in a column called Artscape. I write about jazz for my blog, bebopified.com; for mnartists.org, a partnership between the Walker Art Center and the McKnight Foundation; for JazzPolice.com; for the Minneapolis Star Tribune; and for National Public Radio. I’m an Art Hound for MPR.

Mostly I try to see and hear as much live music as I can. Jazz is my passion, though my definition of jazz is loose. I especially love free, outside, highly improvised jazz – music played locally by people like George Cartwright, Fat Kid Wednesdays, Milo Fine and his many collaborators, Brian Roessler and Nathan Hanson, Ellen Lease and Pat Moriarty. But I pretty much love our whole local jazz scene and its many layers, from New Orleans traditional to straight-ahead to free, with one exception: smooth jazz.

I also enjoy classical music, especially contemporary classical/post-classical/new music. Rock, of course, though if I have to choose between jazz and rock on the same night, I pick jazz. Some pop/indie. Some hip-hop/rap. I love Dessa and Brother Ali. Some country, some folk. Bluegrass, not so much, but put Bela Fleck on the same stage with Edgar Meyer and I’m good. World. And electronica. What else? I’m forgetting something.

4. Proud music creations & endeavors of the past

I created the Twin Cities Live Jazz Calendar, then maintained and sustained it for five years. This was an attempt to list every live jazz event happening here every day of every week. It was my time-sucking labor of love, and a real eye-opener: who knew so much live jazz happens here on a regular basis? Isn’t jazz dead? Guess not. It’s not America’s popular music anymore, as it was during one brief, shining moment, but jazz is still being learned and played, studied and dug by a lot of people, including many musicians who make their homes in or near Minneapolis-St. Paul. You can now find the live jazz calendar at JazzPolice.com, which stepped up and took it over when I had to let it go.

I’ve interviewed a lot of people, including plenty who intimidate the bejesus out of me. My first national interview was with the bassist Charlie Haden, who spent the early part of his career with Ornette Coleman. Looking back – holy crap, what was I thinking? Since then I’ve spoken with Ahmad Jamal, Maria Schneider, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Kurt Elling, Ethan Iverson, Bill Carrothers, Esperanza Spalding, Dr. Billy Taylor, and more big names in jazz, most of whom were wonderful to talk with. (A few, none named here, were jerks.) I’m especially proud of a series of interviews I’ve done for mnartists.org, called Conversations on Improvisation. When I wanted to know more about improvisation, which is a huge mystery to me, I asked people like Milo Fine and Douglas Ewart and George Cartwright to tell me about it. I want to do more of those interviews because I still have much to learn.

I guess I’m proud that I’m able to write about music, in particular jazz, in a way that reaches people, in a way they can understand. Writing about jazz is hard, almost impossible. Whenever I sit down at the keyboard to try, I think I must be crazy. But I want more people to know about it, to go out and hear it, and maybe to experience that moment when our bizarre cultural resistance to jazz and the barriers we set up to block it – the convenient and rote “I don’t understand jazz” and “Jazz is too hard” and “Jazz is just noise” excuses – all crumble and the music breaks through. Because jazz is the most consistently exciting, inspiring, and satisfying music I know. And it’s the only music that embraces and includes all music.

5. Biggest source of inspiration outside of music

Theater. Dance, as I learn more about it. Film. The visual arts. Pottery. Indian food. Cocktails. My husband and partner, John Whiting, jazz photographer and great supporter of my crazy writing hours.

6. Under the radar artist, event, venue that everyone should know about

These are constantly changing. Here’s right now, this minute.

Artist: violinist Kip Jones, who has played around the Twin Cities at Zeitgeist and Café Maud and Barbette, and who just became the newest member of ETHEL, the New York-based post-classical string quartet. I first met Kip Jones through accordionist Patrick Harison, another very fine young musician, who said, “Watch out for Kip.”

Event: The Dakota calendar lists some great upcoming shows: Pat Metheny Unity Band (with Chris Potter) in early September, and, all in October, Cassandra Wilson, Bela Fleck with the Marcus Roberts Trio, Kurt Elling. Also in October, at the Artists’ Quarter in St. Paul, Ari Hoenig and Bill Carrothers. Plus the chamber group Accordo’s season starts soon. And the Walker’s performing arts season, which includes a whole day with John Zorn and a night with Craig Taborn. And Kate Nordstrum’s new Liquid Music series for the SPCO. And did I mention I love opera?

Venue: Icehouse any night of the week, but Monday nights are my favorite, when JT Bates does that thing he used to do at the Clown Lounge and brings his friends in to play, people like Dave King and Adam Linz and Michael Lewis. Also Studio Z, a performance space on the second floor of the Northwestern Building in St. Paul’s Lowertown, home to the Zeitgeist New Music Ensemble.

7. Earliest inspirational music moment

Maybe it was singing “Carmina Burana” with my high school choir. Maybe it was in the concert hall at Carleton College when the Juilliard String Quartet was playing and I actually left my body. Maybe it was hearing Abdullah Ibrahim at the old Dakota in Bandanna Square and bursting into tears. Maybe it was when The Bad Plus played Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring.” Maybe it was hearing the Stones play “Sympathy for the Devil.” I have no idea.

9. Your number one tip for up and coming music biz kids

Remember there may be writers in your audience. Throw us a bone. Tell us what you’re playing, especially if you just wrote it last night.

10. Where can we find you and your creations online

MinnPost.com, “Artscape,” Tuesdays and Fridays. Bebopified.com, my blog. Mnartists.org, “Conversations on Improvisation.” Out and about.

#minn post #pamela espeland #the rock and roll therapy room #rock and roll therapy room #bebopified.com #mike michel

RRTR’s Women Who Rock Minnesota Series! 4 Creative Forces Who Are Changing Music Culture In Minnesota!

Creative Force #2 Stacy Schwartz

In order for any city or town to cultivate a healthy arts scene, it’s takes much more than the artists who reside and practice their art. It’s a collective force of progressive arts media, business owners (venues, promoters), and a supportive population of listeners who are open to diverse music forms and support their local artists without bias. We happen to be living in one of them. Smack dab in the middle of the Northern Plains is a big old state with a big music heart we call Minnesota. Minnesotans are extremely fortunate to have a rich cultural heritage of progressive female musicians and female music business entrepreneurs that have worked the different music scenes of each decade. RRTR would like to feature four multidimensional & creative music forces behind Minnesota’s thriving music culture; Andrea Swensson, Stacy Schwartz, Pamela Espeland, & Cyn Collins. All four women have promoted, wrote about, photographed, marketed, and assisted more musicians and Minnesota music institutions that one could ever imagine. On top of this and most importantly, they are great human beings void of trend, attitude, and bias who in turn just like the musicians they promote, want Minnesota to continue to be a global music force. RRTR will feature one each artist each week and celebrate their contributions to Minnesota Music

1. Name Stacy Schwartz

2. Hometown Grew up in Stillwater, live in Minneapolis now (whew)

3. Current music creations, endeavors, music occupations

McNally Smith College of Music - I currently work in the Provost’s office - some legal-ish magic and also admin stuff. I teach Music Business classes to both undergrad and graduate students – Event Mgmt, Promotion & Publicity, and Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century Music Industry

Photography – I shoot live music for Vita.mn & City Pages, among other publications

Legal – I work with local bands and fans setting up businesses, band agreements, copyright, trademark, etc.

CakeIn15.com – I run this local blog with my partner Carl Atiya Swanson. We write about music and other creative things in the Twin Cities. We also are proud hosts of The Cake Shop, a living room venue. We’ve hosting acts such as Jeremy Messersmith, Caroline Smith, Roma di Luna, The Pines, Dark Dark Dark, and more. All the money we make goes directly to the artists. [Side note: Our next show is with Communist Daughter on September 9th. It’s $10/person and details can be found via our Facebook page or website.]

Damaged Goods Booking – I book music at events like Vita.mn’s Music & Movies at Lake Harriet, Art-A-Whirl, and the Stone Arch Bridge Festival. I really try to find ways to support and encourage local musicians via booking them at these events. I believe it’s important to mix popular bands with up-and-coming ones so fans can hear new music. I also like that most of these events are all-ages, so parents can bring their kids and get out of the house.

4. Proud music creations & endeavors of the past

Stone Arch Bridge Festival – I’m really proud of the way this festival has grown in the past five years. When I started it was small and not really on anyone’s radar (including my own). Now it’s featured on 89.3 The Current’s Local Show, Radio K’s Off the Record and it’s written about in various blogs and media publications. It’s grown from 20 random music acts to over 40 local bands. I generally receive over 175 applications a year, and it’s hard work (but great fun) to work through and select each year’s lineup.

The Cake Shop – It’s very important to Carl and I to support the local music scene. Because we are a photographer and writer, we get into shows free a lot (thanks guys!). We do, however, want to give back in some way, and The Cake Shop is a great way to do that. We’ve helped bands pay rent, record albums, go on tour and just relax a bit financially by hosting our house shows. The bands get 100% of the money, but we do the work for the show. Hopefully it’s an easy way for them to get some funding and it’s great for the fans because they get a super intimate experience with a band they love.

First published photo! 2007, Cloud Cult in the New York Times

5. Biggest source of inspiration outside of music

Photography! Although I’m sure that’s not a huge surprise. I like many forms of visual art, but photography is my favorite. I’m especially attracted to alternative processes and large format film work. I like the way you can capture a moment, a feeling, and really sink into it.

6. Under the radar artist, event, venue that everyone should know about

Spirits of the Red City. Lovely, amazing band, that just doesn’t play that often. Mostly because the members are spread from Alaska to Minneapolis to NYC. Geography makes things a little harder for these guys. BUT if you ever get a chance to see them live, DO IT. http://spiritsoftheredcity.com/site/

7. Earliest inspirational music moment

The first concert I remember seeing with my dad was Sha Na Na at the Taste of Minnesota (when it was on the Capitol grounds). It was sometime in the 1980s, but I can’t remember exactly when. I liked their doo-woppy sound and that carried on up until today.

9. Your number one tip for up and coming music biz kids

Be nice. Seriously! It’s that easy. You never know who you’re going to meet or work with in the future. Be yourself, be kind, and treat everyone equally and fairly. You’ll do fine if you stick to that.

10. Where can we find you and your creations online

Blog - www.CakeIn15.com Concert Photography - www.staciaannphotography.com Fine Art Photography - www.stacyannschwartz.com Booking - www.DamagedGoodsBooking.com

CONTACT RRTR http://www.rockandrolltherapyroom.com/

#Stacy Schwartz #McNally Smith #Cakein15.com #mike michel #the rock and roll therapy room #rock and roll therapy room #damaged goods booking #stone arch bridge festival #the cake shop #stacy ann schwartz

RRTR’s Women Who Rock Minnesota Series! 4 Creative Forces Who Are Changing Music Culture In Minnesota!

Creative Force #1 Andrea Swensson

photo by Derrick Stevens

In order for any city or town to cultivate a healthy arts scene, it’s takes much more than the artists who reside and practice their art. It’s a collective force of progressive arts media, business owners (venues, promoters), and a supportive population of listeners who are open to diverse music forms and support their local artists without bias. We happen to be living in one of them. Smack dab in the middle of the Northern Plains is a big old state with a big music heart we call Minnesota. Minnesotans are extremely fortunate to have a rich cultural heritage of progressive female musicians and female music business entrepreneurs that have worked the different music scenes of each decade. RRTR would like to feature four multidimensional & creative music forces behind Minnesota’s thriving music culture; Andrea Swensson, Stacy Schwartz, Pamela Espeland, & Cyn Collins. All four women have promoted, wrote about, photographed, marketed, and assisted more musicians and Minnesota music institutions that one could ever imagine. On top of this and most importantly, they are great human beings void of trend, attitude, and bias who in turn just like the musicians they promote, want Minnesota to continue to be a global music force. RRTR will feature one each artist each week and celebrate their contributions to Minnesota Music!

1. Name Andrea Swensson

2. Hometown Moose Lake, Minnesota

3. Current music creations, endeavors, music occupations

My main gig is writing about local music for 89.3 The Current, most of which exists on the Local Current Blog and my Twitter feed, @LocalCurrent. I’ve worked at The Current since January of this year, and prior to that I worked for four years as the music editor of City Pages. Over the last decade, experiencing music – and Minnesota-made music in particular -- has slowly evolved from a hobby of mine into a 24-hour-a-day obsession; if I’m not out at a show or interviewing a musician the I’m either listening to music on my headphones or sitting in silence and thinking about something I’ve just seen or heard, trying to figure out a way to put it into words.

4. Proud music creations & endeavors of the past

I’ve been lucky to work with a lot of musicians, writers, and photographers over the years while at The Current, and previously with City Pages, Reveille Magazine, and HowWasTheShow.com. I enjoy the process of collaborating with other creative music people to document what’s happening in our community.

I also have a long history of playing music, something that I put on the back burner after switching majors in college (I started out studying classical piano) and have revived recently. Right now I’m studying jazz piano with Bryan Nichols, and very occasionally I bring my flute on stage and make weird noises with an improvised group.

5. Biggest source of inspiration outside of music

Nature. I grew up on a lake and start to feel strange if I haven’t been outside in a while. There’s something essential and peaceful about communing with the plants, animals, and water.

6. Under the radar artist, event, venue that everyone should know about

I’m really intrigued by what’s happening on Icehouse on Nicollet and 26th, especially with the resurgence of JT Bates’ Monday night improvised music series. I’ve also been paying attention to the surge of talented high schoolers breaking locally – John Mark Nelson, Bomba de Luz, and even Observer Drift, who is just 20. I really like what places like McNally Smith and the School of Rock are doing to reach out to young kids and plant the music bug early.

7. Earliest inspirational music moment

My mom played piano at home throughout my childhood and I desperately wanted to learn how to play. She was hesitant to put me in piano lessons because she didn’t want it to become a chore for me, but eventually she caved and signed me up. Also: dancing in the living room while my dad played records. He instilled a love for the Beatles in me before I even learned to walk.

9. Your number one tip for up and coming music biz kids

There are all kinds of “tricks of the trade” you should learn, like how to create a one-sheet for your band and how to submit your music to the press and radio stations, but the biggest secret, in my opinion, is that you need to be kind. As you book gigs and work to put your music out there, you’re going to come into contact with a lot of people – the best advice I can give is to remember that they are people, and treat them as such. Set the ego aside and show people that you can behave professionally and respectfully. Work hard and be kind, and doors will open for you.

10. Where can we find you and your creations online

The Local Current Blog lives here: http://blog.thecurrent.org/ And I also publish some occasional personal writings here: http://www.slingshotannie.com Follow me on Twitter at @LocalCurrent and @SlingshotAnnie

#andrea swensson #mike michel #rock and roll therapy room #the current #the current 89.3 #the rock and roll therapy room #mpr

10 Questions with drummer Steve Goold of Owl City

After many moons of being a blessed full time professional musician, I have the learned the most crucial component of any rock or pop ensemble is that the drummer must rule. Outside the human voice, great rhythm speaks to our entire being and is the connector between band and audience. A focused drummer pushes other band members to their maximum potential and sets the tone for an entire performance. Renowned Minnesota veteran studio and touring drummer Steve Goold sets the benchmark for rock and pop drumming. With his John Bonham-like pocket, Red Bull-like energy, Cirque Du Soleil-like finesse, Steve has inspired countless musicians and fans with his musicality, positive outlook on life and his passion for music education.

The purpose of RRTR's "10 Questions" is to provide inspiring " real life music info" to connect, educate and inform emerging and re-emerging musicians. These interviews will be a part of The Rock And Roll Therapy Room's regular online magazine," The RRTR Monthly Prescription." Thanks for your support…RRTR founder Mike Michel.

1. What was the earliest most awe striking music moment you can recall that started your music journey? The moment you felt music was an internal force for you.

I think it was hearing Pearl Jam's "Alive" in 7th grade. I had heard some wussy Christian rock before that but never anything that moving. The way it made me feel was something I have chased ever since.

2. Since we are human, all musicians and have creative peaks & valleys. What inspires you outside of Music to keep on creating and exploring your artistic side?

I feel a distinct and pointed motivation to share with others in a way that blesses them, whoever that may be. I want to my life to be a positive force in their lives. Music has had such an impact on me that I feel obligated to impact others. So it's fascinating to search through all the options of what to play and how to play it with the intention of discovering what really affects people. My daughters, for example... I've learned a ton from them. I play music around the house all the time, and certain things they respond to and certain things they don't. The cool thing is that they don't have an agenda, at least not yet. A 2-yr-old isn't trying to decide if a given track is "cool enough" for her to like, and she's not trying to build her identity off the bands she listens to. She just lets the music make her feel the way it will and responds accordingly. I love seeing what kinds of grooves and songs make them light up, and trying to figure out how to apply that stuff to my own playing.

3. First drummer who inspired you and made you want to play drums? First band that blew you away?

Dave Abbrussezze from Pearl Jam. He played all the live dates after the Ten record came out, and I remember seeing him on MTV Unplugged and loving it. And Dave Grohl too, with Nirvana. And Tre Cool from Green Day... Chad Gracey from Live... Eric Kretz from STP... Jimmy Chamberlain from Smashing Pumpkins... I'm a child of the 90's. :)

4. Name one band or artist that isn’t over exposed in the commercial world that everyone should check out and discover.

THE POSIES. Especially drummers. Holy power pop perfection. Their second record "Frosting On The Beater" and then the third record "Amazing Disgrace" are both totally worth getting into. I'm also super into this techno producer called Photek right now. His first two DnB records are ripping... "Modus Operandi" and "Form And Function."

5. You play drums, compose, teach, and conduct many music groups in many diverse settings. Where did you develop your ear, sense of harmony and rhythmic orchestration chops?

I started playing drums in 7th grade in my church's youth group. By 8th grade I was playing in the main church services on Sunday mornings, and I've done that ever since. By the time I was forming bands in HS I had already played hundreds of church services with all kinds of styles and energy levels. I think I had a really unique and helpful opportunity to learn how to listen during those years.

Push-ups. Seriously. I do like 30 pushups before I play a lot of the time.

7. You’ve met many notable musicians and many interesting artists in your studio & touring life. Was there one person who surprised you as an unexpected guru?

I did a record a few years ago here in Mpls for a roots-rock classic rock kinda guy. ON the session was an aux guitar/keys player that I had never met. He was WAY older than me... probably in his 50's... and I was like 27 or something. It turns out it was Phil Madeira, an A-list Nashville session musician and long touring member of Emmy Lou Harris' band. He was a freaking GENIUS on anything that had strings or keys. We would cut a track and then he would do overdubs for 30 minutes... on B3, slide guitar, acoustic, banjo, whatever... one-taking everything. It was so inspired and so pro at the same time. I couldn't believe his control and the depth of his knowledge. Also, I should mention Darren Rust from the Twin Cities' vocal quartet The Blenders. He has an ear for vocal harmony and production in that genre that is world class. He's the MD for the band, and he just knows everything. He always blows me away.

8. Staying healthy, motivated and getting good food on the road is a challenging endeavor. Do you have road traditions or tips you can share that keeps you sane during a long stretch of travel?

Less coffee than your sleep schedule might suggest. Coffee dries you out has no nutritional value. I drink it sometimes, but I try to not drink it a lot while I'm traveling. Like on the plane or whatever. I just drink tons of water.

9. The USA is a young country and compared to many older countries we tend to under value the arts. What’s one thing the general public can do keep build the arts in America?

Man. I almost disagree with this statement. Aside from Western Europe, the US has much more artistic fertility than anywhere else in the world, at least from my experience. Sure, the Japanese have a big hunger these days for all things American culture, but the sheer volume of artistic output from our country makes me not worried about how we value art. That being said, I'd love to see parents just ditch the "kids music" thing and go straight to "real" music. That's what I did with my girls and they didn't know the difference. Except my daughters will sing you Peter Gabriel or U2 tunes instead of Hannah Montana. The mindlessness of Barney and stuff like that CAN'T be good for the upcoming generation's artistic palette.

10. Do you recall any mentors or music teachers in your life that inspired you and changed the way you looked at music or helped you become a pro musician? Absolutely. Dave King. I studied with him super intensely for 2.5 years and he changed the game for me. I also gleaned some super helpful information from Michael Bland that was very helpful

COOL LINKS TO STEVE GOOLD'S CREATIVE WORKS....

I currently tour with platinum electro-synth-pop recording artist Owl City. http://www.owlcitymusic.com/home

I spend a medium amount of time writing on my blog too.http://stevegoold.wordpress.com/

Despite my "kids music" rant, I'm the Music Director and drummer for a kids band called Go Fish http://www.gofishguys.com/cms/ Our stuff is pretty rocking and just an all-around good time for families.

I can also be heard with Mike Michel in BMB (Bill Mike Band) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_nUtXUXgnA

Mike's 10 Questions with Semisonic's John Munson!

The purpose of RRTR's "10 Questions" is to provide inspiring " real life music info" to connect, educate and inform emerging and re-emerging musicians. These interviews will be a part of the Rock And Roll Therapy Room's regular online magazine," The RRTR Monthly Prescription." Mike Michel's 10 Questions with John Munson

1. Since we are human, all musicians and have creative peaks & valleys. What inspires you outside of Music to keep on creating and exploring your artistic side?

It's hard to say what "outside of music" inspires me to keep on creating. I mean… the world inspires me everyday to create things. Just looking outside, and inside, makes me want to make music. But when I have my instrument in hand, that's when I'm looking for inspiration to strike.

2. What was the earliest most awe striking music moment you can recall that started your music journey? The moment you felt music was an internal force for you.

Well, I will say that I made my decision early. I think that primarily I loved musicians and music. My mother was a singer, and she'd have musicians and poets over for rehearsals and planning sessions and I would sit under the piano and listen in. The singing, and the sound of the piano, along with the occasional invitations to join in on some percussion instrument… made me feel a part of something. Music was very important to my mom and dad, and they were always taking me off to see different things that they thought I might be interested in. I saw a concert at Northroup Auditorium in the early seventies of ONLY Moog synthesizers on the stage. That made a big impression. Another show that sticks with me is seeing Gunther Schuller with his Ragtime Orchestra at O'Shaughnessy. And my brother had a rock band that I recall seeing play in the church basement. It was loud and cool.

3. First bass player who inspired you and made you want to get a bass? First band that blew you away?

I first played bass because I wasn't good enough on guitar! I think that happens to a lot of people. "Who will play bass?" "Duh, I will, if you promise not to kick me out of the band!" I grew up listening to The Beatles and Stax records because of my brother, and then later Carole King, Carly Simon, James Taylor and Jackson Browne through my sister. Loads of great bass playing on all those records. Lee Sklar is probably a huge, largely unacknowledged influence on anyone who grew up in the seventies.

When I started to listen to music on my own I got going on all the heavy stuff: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, The Who and some lesser known bands of that era, then moved on to Rush and Yes. Great bass playing is a hallmark of every single one of these bands.

I think that Jaco was probably the first bass player that just blew my mind. Of all his stuff, I like his work with Joni Mitchell the best, which I came to much later, after I had given up on ever being Jaco! I think that speaks to my love of the poetry of song over virtuosity. Virtuosity is very boring to me.

4. Name one band or artist that isn’t over exposed in the commercial world that everyone should check out and discover

Well, that's tough… There are too many to mention of course. I've been very inspired by Mason Jennings. I think his Blood of Man record is one of the best to come out of Minneapolis. Period. EVER. Jeremy Messersmith is also great. Reluctant Graveyard is a remarkable record, very funny and dark. Haley Bonar can break your heart with her beautiful voice. Low is very worth your attention. Nico Muhly is doing some interesting compositions, very odd and inspiring. I have just recently seen Vijay Iyer and his piano playing is quite blow away. There. That's one.

5. You play bass, compose, teach, sing, and conduct. Where did you develop your ear, sense of harmony and music orchestration chops?

I'm not formally trained. I just try to listen hard and figure it out. But I wouldn't necessarily recommend this approach. The bigger your vocabulary (something that a music education can enhance) the better your chances of making yourself understood to other musicians, which is so important in trying to accomplish sophisticated, complex musical thoughts. I had many opportunities to get more training, and somehow I couldn't act on them. A regret. One among a few. But things have sorted out okay.

6. Most musicians have a little nervous energy and adreneline before a big gig. What legal and pro-active thing would you recommend a musician to do on his or her down time before a gig to eliminate some of that anxious energy?

Well, I must cop to the beer approach. But obviously this is not for everyone. Many people go with the banana before the gig. Potassium improves brain function I hear. Going out with a clear head can be very fun too, as long as you don't get shaky.

7. You’ve met many notable musicians in your travels. Was there one person who surprised you as a unexpected guru?

I have had the good fortune to have a guru-ish guy in my band! Dan Wilson is a wonderfully smart man, and he has been my guru for years. His brother Matt is my jester, which is, as you know, a kind of guru.

8. Staying healthy, motivated and getting good food on the road is a challenging endeavor. Do you have road traditions or tips you can share that keeps you sane during a long stretch of travel?

It's easier now than ever before to eat right on the road. Back in the day there were few options except road stops. Now you can hit a nice Coop and get all sorts of healthy stuff, put it in your cooler (a must have for your van) and eat well and exactly as you please. I recommend learning how to read in a moving vehicle. Make sure that you are not traveling with knuckleheads who will bring you down. If you have knuckleheads in your band, fire them. It will never work out. They will not get smarter or less grating than they are right now.

9. The USA is a young country and compared to many older countries we tend to under value the arts. What’s one thing the general public can do keep build the arts in America??

Keep seeing music! Keep reading! Keep going to museums!

10. Do you recall any mentors or music teachers in your life that inspired you and changed the way you looked at music or helped you become a pro musician?

My bandmates have always been my greatest inspiration. That's a fact. I feel very blessed.

Some great Links To John Munson's current music projects....

1. Semisonic

http://www.semisonic.com/

2. The New Standards

http://www.thenewstandards.com/

3. The Twilight Hours

http://thetwilighthours.com/

4. Trip Shakespeare ( One of John's first rock bands that I wanted to include on this page)

http://www.tripshakespeare.com/

#mike michel #john munson #semisonic #new standards #trip shakespeare #dan wilson #rock and roll therapy room #the rock and roll therapy room #rock n roll therapy room

Mike's Interview With Michael Bland! King Of Pocket!

The Rock & Roll Therapy Room Presents…"The Monthly Prescription" with Mike Michel & Special Guest, Minnesota drumming Icon, Michael Bland! The locomotive, pocket, pulse, force and key ingredient for any band is simply the drummer. We as listeners on a primal instinct connect with great rhythm, and a good drummer provides the connection between the music and the audience. Great drummers like Michael push and inspire others on stage and in the studio to reach their peak performance. Michael is simply a music force and talent. His list of drum credits would fill a Roman scroll, but must notably his collaboration with Prince, Soul Asylum, Paul Westerberg, Thrush, Dr Mambos Combo, and producer John Fields has put Michael on the global stage. Michael Bland is a musician's musician who oozes integrity, diversity, and a deep loyal connection to his Minnesota roots. Outside of his drum duties, Michael is an accomplished music producer and music director who has helped such Minnesota talent like Mayda and Ladyboi.

1. What was the earliest most awe striking music moment you can recall that started your music journey? The moment you felt music was an internal force for you." It was probably in 1977. There was a guy at Van Cleve Park in southeast minneapolis named John Otieno(Hot Rod). He was playing a beat with his hands on the top of the staff desk in the office area. The beat he was playing just stopped me in my tracks. It was like electricity going through my body."

2. Since we all are human, all musicians and have creative peaks & valleys. What inspires you outside of your music to keep on creating and exploring your artistic side? Music is my life. "When i'm not making music, i'm just waiting for the next opportunity to come up. i don't really do anything else, except watch television."

3. First drummer who inspired you and made you want to drum? First Drum Kit? "Jeff Corbett. He also frequented Van Cleve Park. He played drums in a cover band that rehearsed across the alley from the back door of my folks' house. His drums were set up underneath a basement window. I would sneak into the yard and look down there to see how it all worked, until i'd get chased out of the yard. My first kit was a Gretsch. Weird kit. 14" rack, 18" floor tom and a 24" kick. I was 9 years old, playing these huge drums! It really helped me develop my sound, i think."

4. Name one band or artist that isn’t all over the airwaves that everyone should check out and discover. "Ladyboi."

5. You produce an amazing Minnesota pop/funk musician named Mayda (she is a killer guitarist, singer and front woman). I was fortunate to play on a gig with you and Mayda. You have a intense passion, understanding, and execution of many genres of music and have amazing skills as a music director. Where did you develop your ear and music production chops? "On top of having perfect pitch, i've always listened to a wide variety of music. Consequently, i know what to listen for, as an music director. As far as music production goes, the two most influential people that gave me the confidence to take it seriously were Prince and John Fields( producer of Iffy, Pink,The Jonas Brothers)"

6. Most musicians always have some nervous energy or adrenaline rushes before a big gig. What legal(haha) and pro-active thing would you recommend a musician to do on his or her down time before a gig to eliminate some of that anxious energy? "Anything that takes your mind off of what you're about to do. Getting worked up doesn't help. I always take a nap before the gig."

7. You’ve met many notable musicians in your travels. Was there one person who surprised you as a unexpected guru? "No, not one. I can always see a guru coming. I'm always looking for them, long before they get to me."

8. The USA is a young country and compared to many older countries we tend to under value the arts. What’s one thing you can recommend to the general public that they can do to keep building up the arts in America? "Keep music in the schools."

9. Do you recall any mentors or music teachers in your life that inspired you and changed the way you looked at music or helped you become a pro musician? "Denny Malmberg ( South High School)"

10. Your favorite gig outfit that empowers you behind the drum kit is? " Black bibs."

Thanks Michael Bland! Here's a great drum solo/video of Michael tearing it up on stage with Nick Jonas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ceg-V2rH8gM

#rock and roll therapy room #rock n roll therapy room #mike michel #prince #michael bland #soul asylum #jonas brothers #funk drummer #the rock and roll therapy room

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