The Drummer/Shades, Lol

Tell us about yourself and your music

I think like most musicians that start out at an early age, While they are practicing in the basement or garage they are thinking that “Maybe someday I will be a Rock Star”. At least that was mine. I played and started writing songs in high school and playing in my first band in Jr. High. Of course, I then started playing clubs, Recording with anyone I could, and tried getting in front of anyone connected that I could. This really helped me get started with Chuck Berry, he sat in at a club he went to all the time and complimented me and asked me to play drums for him. I also recorded and performed with as many artists as possible, I then became the drummer For Head East after doing a few fill-in shows for them. I have been touring and recording my whole life and loving it. This is my life and why I am so proud of our New Music Video/Single/CD “TOGETHER” I hope you all enjoy it and I personally appreciate your support, Michael

Talk to us more about your latest release

I actually started writing the single Together for Head East but we never recorded it. I was working with guitarist Matt Arana who is amazing at guitar arrangements and had toured opening for Nickelback, Alice in Chains, Stained and more. So we started working on ideas he and I had. We need a killer vocalist and matt was in a band with Dave Farver who also was a great writer, Vocalist, and sax player. So Dave, Matt, and I put all of this together and added Bob Guion one of the most solid bass players around and that was American Greed.

http://americangreed.hearnow.com

What inspired you to write this release?

Together itself was written for all of those that travel and are away from there families, of course, musicians but our military families, truck drivers, all of those that travel away for business. There are so many, and as the words go “I’m sorry for the tears you cried, I’m sorry I wasn’t by your side when you needed me I couldn’t be there”. That is why I wanted to do this video because in these times we all have someone we miss, that’s home alone, is out there on the front lines keep us safe, or someone we lost. This song is for Americans and all the people of the world. It’s all about Together, We Will be Together. And that is from the heart, This song and video mean so much to us.

Describe the writing and recording process

We wrote this probably in a year’s time, we found a producer who had worked with collective soul and many others. We went to Memphis and did all the basic tracks in one of the old studios that many artists recorded their big hits.

Any plans to hit the road?

Of course like everyone during these times we wish we could be out there touring. This is the reason we are getting everything we can out there to promote this Video/Single and CD so that when we can start performing we will be ready to bring you a show that you will be ready to see and not want to miss.

As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?

We have been getting great reviews in the article’s stating our power, the freshness of classic and new rock, That it’s a mix of Coldplay to Aerosmith to The Black Crowes. But it is what makes American Greed stand out at this time. We bring you songs that have meaning like Together, Bigger Than Life, revolution, Livin the Dream, Flesh, and Blood. we are excited and ready to bring it.

Who have you been listening to lately?

everything from classic rock to Lady gaga. Crazy right, but we love most music and support.

Who are your biggest influences?

Sorry, they are classic’s, but Deep Purple, Cream, Montrose, to a Coldplay, Elton John, etc.

Tell us about your passions

Sorry to be short, but it’s performing, being on the road, enjoying the different parts of the country. Everything to do with playing and recording.

What else is happening next in your world?

Hopefully, we get through this and find a way for everyone to be safe and healthy so we can all get back to what we love doing no matter what it is for you. We believe and that’s all you can do at this time. Being a part of the solution.