MICHAEL STANLEY – Back in his arms again

1.       The Michaels Stanley band has been successful through the 70s & 80s, which are your best memories from that era?

As far as my memories of the MSB years, the shows often blend into one (although setting the still-standing attendance records at all the major Cleveland venues still feels pretty good) but having the chance to tour with artists we were fans of (and some we weren’t) was great…but what remains the most are the memories of seeing the world and making music with a great bunch of friends!

2.       Why did the band call it quits in 1986?

We ended the band in January of 1987 (with a series of fourteen “farewell” shows in Cleveland) because we no longer had a major label and that made extensive touring a money-losing proposition.

3.       What was your artistic route after splitting up? Did you stop playing music?

After the band broke up I took about six months off and then returned to the studio to start on a solo career and a bunch of shows with a revolving cast of musicians. It was a chance to play with some folks that I hadn’t had the chance to before.

4.       What were the reasons that brought you back as a solo artist in the 90s?

Why did I come back? Wouldn’t you if you could? Before anything, I’m a songwriter and there felt like there were a lot more songs to write…and once you write them and record them you take ’em out live and see what people think.

5.       Are you in touch with any of the old members of the Michael Stanley Band? Where are they now?

Three former members of MSB, Bob Pelander, Tommy Dobeck, and Danny Powers have been playing with me ever since the band broke up and others such as Michael Gismondi and Jonah Koslen will occasionally join us for a show here and there.

6.       You have a new album that is called “The Hang”. There’s a nostalgic atmosphere in both music and artwork. Can you tell us more about the album?

“The Hang” was written and recorded during a very difficult period where within an eighteen month period I lost both my parents, my wife, and two dear friends who had been on our road crew for years. And although there are some dark moments on the record I think it also speaks to a feeling of hope…a hope that better days are around the corner.

7.       How did you decide to cover tunes by Mark Knopfler in this album?

I decided to cover Mark Knopfler’s “Romeo & Juliet” because, first of all, it’s a great song but most of all because it had been “our” song when my wife and I first met.

8.       What is the hidden track in your album?

The hidden track on the album is my father (who was the first all night DJ in the country) interviewing me when I was four years old…it just made me smile to hear his voice again.

9.       I am reading your lyrics from the track, Hang: “Hang with the ones who see the truth / just forget the rest/ Hang with the ones you love and make your stand”. However who are the ones that are true and you love to hang with?

The lyrics of “The Hang” refer directly to my family, friends and bandmates!

10.   Do you hang out with “virtual friends? Do you use social networks such as twitter and Facebook?

No, I really don’t venture into the Facebook world very often. Old dogs and new tricks and all that…

11.   Do you believe in the promotion of music through social networks?

 I believe in promoting the music any way possible but I leave the details to those far more versed in the cyber-world than I am.

12.   Who are the other members of your band now?

The current band line up is Tommy Dobeck on drums, Bob Pelander on keyboards, Danny Powers & Marc Lee Shannon on guitars, Jennifer Lee on vocals, Eric Sosinski on bass, Rodney Psyka on percussion and Paul Christensen on sax…add yours truly on guitar and you’ve got quite a loud bunch!

13.   What are your plans for touring?

Since most of the band have regular employment we tour as much as we can on the weekends.

14.   Besides the music activities, you have been involved in the entertainment industry as a TV host, DJ, etc. What kind of impact did it have to view the music scene from a different role?

My TV and radio careers have been fun but you never really know what the music business truly is until you do it full time; and everyone in this band has done that and we’re just proud to be able to continue to make new music and keep the older stuff alive.

15.   How different is the work of a DJ in 2012?

Being a DJ in 2012 has very little to do with how it use to be. Radio is now a very corporate entity and the days of being a “rebel” on the radio are long gone and it’s sad…both for the artists and the DJ’s.

16.   Do you think that Payola still exists today in the world of DJs? Do you have any memories from the Payola scandal during the previous decades?

Payola? Well I guess as long as people are making “records” there will be people trying to garner airplay any way possible…but I work at Classic Rock station and trust me, no one feels the need to try and influence you to play more Pink Floyd or Zeppelin!

17.   Nowadays DJs and laptops are considered to have the same value as musicians and instruments in the world of electronic music. Would you like to comment on that?

DJ’s and laptops, huh? They are what they are and there is a lot of cool stuff being done and there certainly is a place for that…but listen to ‘Abbey Road” or “Born To Run” or “Dark Side Of The Moon” or any other great album and ask yourself if those folks could create that. I believe in musicians using their craft and their inspiration to move people…old school, I know, but there’s no DJ who can beat a live band on the top of their game!

18.   “It’s time for a commercial break”, please end  this interview in the way you want before we get back to you Mr. Stanley…

Well, this was a first…I truly appreciate your interest and help on this project and now continue to rock until otherwise notified…that’s what I’m going to do!
 

More info: http://www.michaelstanley.com/