Corners of Santuary Mick speaks

1. Introduce yourself and your band and tell us why we should listen to you.
Mick Michaels: Thanks so much for talking with me.  My name is Mick Michaels and along with James Pera, Mad T and Ryan Michael, we form the band Corners of Sanctuary.
If you are a fan of old school Metal...the traditional, classic styles, than you will dig Corners of Sanctuary. We are the modern sound of classic Heavy Metal.

2. What do you classify your sound as, Who do you tell people you sound like?
MM: We classify ourselves as Heavy Metal.  But for many, that term does not mean the same thing anymore – it’s a much broader generalization.  So we call it the New Wave of Traditional American Heavy Metal, which is a mixture of the classic styles of the NWoBHM, like Priest and Accept, and the early American Metal styles like Savatage and Queensryche.

3. With digital music in today's world would you vote to keep or eliminate physical media?
MM: I am still a fan of physical media.  I personally don’t do digital downloads. Artists and bands spend a lot of time crafting their content...as a fan I make good on that by purchasing the album.  I like the physical feel and all that is has to offer.

4. What is the reason you decided to be a musician and has that reason paid off?
MM: To create... playing music was, for me, the most freeing way to create.  There are no limitations and there are no restrictions...and it had the ability to constantly change.  The pay off has always been being able to do that and being able to share it with other people, whether that was with other musicians or music fans. Music is magic.

5. How do you feel about females in metal getting special attention? Do you feel it is fair?
MM: I have no problems with anyone, male or female, working hard for what they want to do and receiving the notice for it. Gene Simmons once said “It’s show business, so show them your business.” It only seems unfair to those who aren’t doing anything to make their dreams a reality. More power to them!!

6. In the world climate with hatred being at an all time high and metal being an “angry” music
   Do you think your music contributes to anger and hatred?
MM: With regards to Corners of Sanctuary’s music, absolutely not.  We often talk about the human spirit, personal empowerment and overcoming challenges and obstacles.

Music and songwriting are an artist’s way of self expressing, and more often than not, it is a social commentary from their viewpoint.  It is just one individual’s opinion or perspective though,  based on situation and experience.  I am sure there are those who write in the hopes to provoke a certain feeling or create a bit of shoc,k but that stuff never seems to last. People need to make their own decisions based on their beliefs and their goals...from their experiences, not from those of someone else. Otherwise we all run the risk of losing ourselves and given up our freedoms.

7. Are you opposed to religious beliefs or politics being used in music?
MM: People can write about whatever they choose, however they feel, and about whatever they believe in.  This country was founded on that. We may not all agree but it is our right – at least for now it still is 

8. We have dive into some pretty deep issues here do you think your music sends a message and if so what is it?
MM: Things can be interpreted in anyway someone wants to choose to do so...whether that interpretation is in line with the artist’s views or not. A mountain can always be made out of a mole hill. We are all responsible for our own actions. 

With regards to Corners of Sanctuary’s music: again, I feel a lot of our music deals with self empowerment and overcoming obstacles.  We often use social metaphors to deliver those themes, but in a way that listeners can then make their own decisions about it as it pertains to their own life and experiences.

Music should be fun and enjoyable...for both artist and listener. Making more out of what it is often negates its purposes and detracts from the creative process in my opinion.

9. The market has changed and many bands believe that record labels are a thing of the past, with many labels now charging bands to “sign” how do you think a band can make it in today’s scene?
MM: “Making it” is a relative term these days.  It has many levels of interpretation depending on who you talk to. The bottom line is to keep working, to stay creative and to remain relevant. Explore whatever avenues you can to get your music heard.  Make music and bring it to the people.

10. Why with the thousands of options including netflix , sporting events everything on demand
     Why do you think people should take the time to listen to what you have to say in your music?
MM: People gravitate to what they like for the most part.  That is hard niche to crack if you don’t fit into that mold. So the reality is that not everyone is going to like what we do...that’s the truth and we have accepted that. So regardless of what we say or how we feel, we aren’t going to change or influence someone else.  We let the music speak for itself.

11. How do you feel about pay to play? Do you think it is fair for a band to have to pay money to play?
MM: Pay to play has always existed on some level.  We often say “you pay now or you pay later, but you are always paying.”  So it’s a matter of perception.  It exists because there are those who are doing it, on both ends, and thus, it will continue to exist. Whether you sell advanced tickets, pay for PR and marketing, pay to have your music on some digital platform, pay to have your music produced in physical form, pay to go into a studio or have the music mastered, have a booking agent, manager or road crew.... as an artist we are always paying to play.  If we aren’t, then we are sitting at home creating music for ourselves only.

Do I believe in extorting bands to pay for other acts that cannot draw a crowd... I do not. But again, this is happening because there are those who do it and there will always be those who do. In the end, it is a matter of choice.

12. It is fact that you are the talent and the entertainment, explain what you think is the most important key to success?
MM: I think for an artist to be truly successful in what they do, they need to be true to themselves.  Doing it just to do it or doing it because you’re following a trend is not sustainable. Do it because you want to do and believe it in regardless of what anyone else thinks or feels. Whatever it is you do, do it because you love to do it and not for any other reason.

13. In country music and even in some cases rock music is written and performed by different people would your band perform a song written by someone else?
MM: We have collaborated with other people with regards to songwriting.  Before Mad T became a permanent member of the band, he and I had co-written several of the band’s earlier works.  Several years back we collaborated with Lorenzo Partida of Transmetal on a song.  He and I wrote the lyrics and Lorenzo also added some guitar and vocals parts to the song.  We have also worked with other guitar players to guest on solos.  However, in every case, we were involved in the process.  At present, we have not worked on a song done by someone outside of the band.  Could we be open to the prospect?  Sure.  But at the moment it’s not something we are actively seeking.  This goes back to being true to ourselves.  We know what we want in terms of our music, so bringing someone else in whose ideas might not be in line with ours only dilutes the process. But we never say never...

14. If you are pro female in music are you pro using sex to sell your music?
MM: Whatever gets the boat to the dock...  It is a choice some artists make.  To each their own and more power to them... At the end of the day, we all have to look ourselves in the mirror. If we are content with that, go for it.

15. What is your view on the lawsuits against people saying lewd or unprofessional things to women or men and how does that affect an art described as sex drugs and rock n roll?
MM: Sticks and stones...We have freedom of speech and we have freedom of expression. It’s the old debate of the letter of the law versus the spirit of the law. There are always extremes. I have learned that if you watch what you say you never have to worry about what others say about you.

And BTW, it is not sex and drugs for everyone, but there is plenty of Rock n Roll to go around.

16. Ok let’s lighten up a bit. What is your favorite band of all time and why?
MM: For me it is a toss-up between Kiss and Judas Priest. On the one hand Priest has influenced me in how I write and arrange music as a guitar player. They have influences my sound and my style. They are my go to encyclopedia of what to do. This is the band I strive to emulate with my own music.

Kiss, on the other hand, is the band that set me in motion.  Their dynamic presence is undeniable. They made music more than just a listening past time; it became a visual experience both in sight and in mind.

17. What would you be doing if you were not in a band?
MM: Maybe a bus driver at Disney World... plenty of sun, an air conditioned ride and free park admission.

18. Do you have a favorite sports team?
MM: I am not real big into sports. That’s James’ department.  He is a big Eagles fan.  Though I did golf for a time.

19. If you could get on stage with anyone dead or alive who would it be?
MM: Judas Priest, Kiss, Dio... actually I’ll get on stage with anyone who will have me up there... I’m not picky at all.

20. This is your shot to let loose, Throw down your biggest complaint about the music biz.
MM: I avoid public complaining as it does no one any good. If it’s something that I don’t like, I won’t bother with it.  If it means lowering my standards then I don’t do it.

All artists share the same concerns with the industry. We have all experienced issues at one time or another – the industry is loaded with them. It’s how we choose to deal with them that makes the difference...creating and setting in motion an example for others to follow.  More artists need to take that stand.  Highlight the things that are right in the industry and ignore the things that aren’t – don’t give those things credit or precedence and at some point they will have no power. 

As I mentioned earlier, exploiting artists is a trend that needs to stop. But it is up to the artists themselves to make that happen. Make a choice and know your worth.