Interview
1. When did you first get interested in playing music?
I have been playing music all my life. I started out as a drummer but once
I went to college at The Citadel in Charleston, SC, I got into different
singer/songwriters like Edwin McCain, Jeffrey Gaines and more. I bought a
guitar and taught myself, the rest is history.
2. You are currently on active duty with the US Marines. Who or what inspired you to join the military?
I wanted to serve my country and after researching all the services, the
Marine Corps to me seemed to have the greatest sense of pride and esprit de
corps. Their motto is "the few, the proud" and I wanted to be one of the few.
The times I spent as an infantry platoon commander were some of the greatest
in my life. There's an incredible feeling of unity when you're out with
your troops facing the unknown. It's a great way to test yourself.
3. What are your plans for the band for getting on the road after your active duty ends?
With the current state of things right now, I cannot give you a definitive
answer on when I'll be back on the road. Soon I hope. To be on the road
for years, playing in front of some great bands and headlining my own shows
I definitely miss the stage and the energy that comes from the crowd. I
reflect on those times when things get tough around here. I cannot wait to
get back and play some of the material I have been working on since being
re-mobilized. For now, I'll have to settle for posting new music on the
internet so people will not forget and give them a hint of things to come.
www.mp3.com/corrado is where I have been posting the new material.
4. You are a newlywed, congratulations! How will being married affect your song writing?
Life is full of new experiences. It is the experiences artists draw upon
for inspiration. Emotionally, it has opened a whole new light for me. She
has been my biggest supporter both on and off the road. We are a team and
she gives me strength and encouragement. It's a plus and I think it has
been a positive influence on my music.
5. Where do you hope to see MCB in five years?
At the Grammy's, Madison Square Garden or just a room full of friends who
want to share some musical experiences.
6. You chose the painting "glitter gig" as your favorite Paul Chase painting. Can you tell us why?
It is the headstock of an Alvarez guitar. My first guitar was an Alvarez.
To this day I have it stored away in a safe place. It has been to many
different countries and will continue to go with me on future deployments
where ever life, the military or the road may take me.
Charity
Mike has come across an organization that helps kids learn through music.
MAGIC, now in its 5th year, is a FREE educational tool that benefits students and teachers. The program combines an award winning, in-school and after school education program, all forms of visual and performing arts and computer technology to make learning fun! For more info on MAGIC, please visit www.getmagic.net. "You Gotta Believe"
