Hiya Michael thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
It really was a God thing. I feel like music chose me.
Introduce us to you all and your musical history.
I met Sonny in 1987 at a night club in downtown Minneapolis. We ended up playing together, intermittently. About a year after i joined Prince’s band, Sonny came in to replace the rhythm guitar player. But, he asked to play bass, instead. After that, we went on to play with a few international artists, and even toured and recorded with Nick Jonas in 2009/2010. After that, we ran in different circles for awhile. But, we still worked together anytime we could. (BR)OTHERS is a reunion of sorts between us. We just decided to let the world in on it.
What was life like for you before music?
I honestly don’t recall. It seems i’ve known what i wanted to hear since before i knew how to spell or count to 10. Me and music have been together since the very beginning.. Whatever the “beginning” was/is.
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
I remember a lot of Sly And The Family Stone, J5, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin being played in the house. “Superstition” or “I Want You Back” had to be the fuse.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
The music industry seems to get more mysterious to me, all the time. Until the release of “(Br)other”, i had all but lost hope in my ability to say anything that anyone would relate to or want to hear. Being a songwriter/singer is something relatively new to me. But, as a drummer, i’ve always felt i could be useful somewhere, anywhere. So, i feel fortunate that i am not obsolete. There’s a place for my artistry in the world. The fact that you bothered to send a questionnaire is a little victory to me. I’m honored, really.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned from someone else in the industry?
If you’re not doing it for the love of it, you’re in it for the wrong reason. If it’s not a compulsive need, give it up and make room for someone who simply can’t help but make music.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
I have the same birthday as Albert Einstein and Quincy Jones. I have perfect pitch. I once turned down an offer to tour with Michael Jackson.
If you could wish for one thing to aid your career what would it be?
Unlimited resources to invest in and develop new talent.
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
We live in an age where it’s pretty easy to offend someone. And, once you’ve got a reputation, that’s you, in perpetuity, for the rest of your life, basically. The public used to have a short memory. Now, you’re not just a creep in person. You’re a creep forever on the internet. Even if you can disprove what people say, they’d rather believe the worst of it. Somebody said “a lie has already been around the world, in the time it takes the truth to wake up, yawn and get out of bed” or something like that. Because i’m kind of a truth teller, i’m cautious about what i’m saying, who i’m saying it to and what the repercussions might be, all day, everyday. Also, i’ve been married for 11 years. That means i’ve learned when the right response is to say nothing.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If not why not?
Sure. I’ve been sketchy about the moon landing, all my life.
What was the worst experience on stage? Hard to say. There have been some monumentally embarrassing and not-so-fun moments. But, you push through and correct your course, if you can. I’ve never been fired onstage, so i guess things have never gotten that bad.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about.
I’m colorblind. Sonny took a course in Astrophysics.
What are the next steps you plan to take as a band to reach the next level?
Not sure. Right now, we’re just doing whatever our record label tells us and hoping for the best. After all, we work for them. They don’t work for us.
Whats your thoughts on Elon Musks contribution to the world?
I try to think about Elon Musk as little as possible. God is in control. I am focused on my relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s the only thing that AI can’t interfere with.
I hear you have a new music, what can you tell us about it.
It’s about love. Love is the most transformational power in all the universe. Love is the only thing i really write about.
What was the recording process like?
Staggered. I miss recording live in the studio with a rhythm section. But, unless you’ve got a great budget and can afford that, people are gonna be uploading and downloading files and you’re gonna hope that they send you something you can use. It’s always a little dicey.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
How to tell the truth in a way that doesn’t turn people off.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Nope. We lucked out. No complaints.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Love. Only love.
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