Mike Martin Interview

Hey guys. So I had the pleasure of interviewing Ex-Fozzy and Stuck Mojo guitarist, Mike Martin. Hope you enjoy.

So the first question I have is: When did you realize you wanted to play guitar?

"I think I must have been about 7 or 8 years old. I had started playing violin when I was just about 4 and was always singing in church. Took piano lessons for a time as well but I loved the sound of the guitar I heard on the radio. My parents had taken me and my brother and sister t visit some of their friends and they had an acoustic guitar and I couldn't take my eyes off of it. I knew then I had to play it one day!"

That's really cool. Is there something about playing guitar that you really enjoy? Like maybe experimenting with riffs. 

"Guitar, for me, in every iteration, electric, hollow-body, acoustic, classical, all just speak to me. I feel most expressive with it. Whether I am writing, recording or playing tunes or improvising. Something about it just feels like my voice more than anything else. Like a real extension of myself, ya know? The best is standing in front of my speaker cabinets and feeling the notes moving the air around me. I am absolutely addicted to that feeling!"

I can relate to that. I'm addicted to the sound of a guitar when it's being played right. So I'm aware that you were in Fozzy and Stuck Mojo, so I want to know how you met Rich Ward? Did he discover you? Or did you contact him somehow?

"I actually met Rich way back in 1992 when I had first moved to Atlanta. Stuck Mojo was already one of the best bands to see in town at that point and that was still a few years before they signed with Century Media and put out "Snappin' Necks." There was a point back then when we were all hustling for work and a mutual friend of ours got us jobs doing landscaping with the same company. 

We didn't really know each other back then, I was aware of him because of being a fan of Mojo and I had a band I was trying to break into the scene at the time. Years later, around 2004, that same friend, Sean Delson, was playing bass for Fozzy and Ryan Mallam had just left the band and when Rich asked Sean about guys to audition he recommended me. We met up and I did an audition with the guys and the rest, as they say, is history!"

So did you enjoy your time in Fozzy? Or was there any tension between you and guys? I've never really heard anything about it.

"I loved it! Every tour was a blast. I can honestly say that touring and working with them was more like being around your best friends. Never any drama or stuff like that. Things always go sideways in the music business and Rich and Chris and the guys always have great attitudes about how to best deal with things as they happen. Proof that cooler heads always prevail fore sure. I earned a tremendous education getting the opportunity to work with them for those years that I will always look back fondly on.

My leaving the band after "Chasing The Grail" really had more to do with issues I was having in my personal life that were creeping into my professional life. I felt the need to control my work on the music I had written for the album to a fault as I did not feel I had control of much else in my life at the time and I was definitely over-compensating. I ended up alienating myself at a time when I needed those relationships more than I could estimate. Both professionally and personally. I am proud of the work, though. It came from a real emotional place for me. Definitely a high note for me and I am so glad to see the continued growth and success of the band. I love those guys as people and brothers very much."

I'm sorry you went through that. But I'm glad you enjoyed your time with Fozzy. So now, are you currently working on any music?

"Yes I have a few things I am working on at the moment. My band The Dreaded Marco have just about finished up our follow-up album to "Safe Word". We plan to get to work on full recording production for it later this year.

I have been working for a while now on my next solo instrumental album. It's called "Drive" and it is shaping up to be a double album of about 2 hours of music. Pre-production is still ongoing as it's a bigger project than I had initially anticipated but I plan to start full production and a pre-order / funding campaign this summer. I'm both crazy excited and terrified of this project. It is my most ambitious and emotional work to date. I think I am taxing and challenging just about every facet of myself on this one as a composer, guitarist, producer, recordist and mix engineer.

I also have some singles floating around that I am intending to work in collaboration with some other artists. Some of those may end up coming out before "Drive" and help me fund and promote this new full album."

So what can your fans expect from you in the future? I know in a way you technically answered this, but I was wondering if you have more to add. Like maybe something you want to work on in the future.

"There are several things I am working on and plan to roll out over the coming years including more content on my youtube channel, live stuff, live chats, gear demonstrations and reviews, lesson stuff, etc. I'm also working very hard to be able to tour with my new music and I want to bring that to as many places and countries as I can. Looking into not just traditional venues but home concerts and the like. This industry is in constant flux and I want to be able to perform and tour in a way that makes the most sense both artistically and financially. Live streaming shows is another avenue I am looking into as well. There are lots of ways to do it but I want to makes sure the quality and economics of it make the most sense. Using a platform like Patreon to fund it could be the most simple and direct too.

I plan to spend much more time on my classical composing too. It has been several years since I have premiered any new work and it's long overdue! I have a couple of other projects I am working up as well that will involve me transcribing music for the electric guitar that was originally composed for traditionally orchestral instruments as well as a presenting some of my favorite rock albums in concert as modern literature. Treat the rock band more like a modern ensemble, if you will. I think there is a lot of fun to be had exploring music this way without trying to be a "cover" or "tribute" band."

So when I asked about what Guitarist you would like to jam with, you said Frank Zappa. Was he a idol of yours? And did he influence your guitar work?

"Frank Zappa is my hero! Not only is his guitar playing hugely influential to me, but his style as a composer is out of this world. I have always said that if I had any hope of anyone listening to my guitar playing I would need to write a piece of music that they would have to care about. Then they would have to suffer through my playing! lol

Because I admired Frank so much in this way I majored in Music Theory and Composition in college rather than the guitar. I was fortunate to get to speak with Steve Vai about this and how big of an impact he, Frank and all of the guitarists and musicians that worked with Frank throughout his career have had on me. All of this stuff and Frank was an incredible producer, engineer, recordist and mixer. He was really doing some amazing things and working in a very independent way. I think Frank Zappa is someone that every musician and artist should learn about and consider studying. And not just for his creative processes and work, but his professional ideas and work ethic. Absolutely amazing to think about all of the work he managed to do!"

Final question: Do you have any advice for young up and coming guitarists?

"My advice to any guitarist or musician up and coming is to be open to everything and enjoy the process of discovery. The work we do never really stops. There is always more to learn, see, hear and do. Follow all of the paths that interest you and share your passion for ideas with others. We all need to remember to always be students as well as teachers. Some of my greatest experiences and influences are not necessarily with guitarists or guitar related music either. Music is not just about notes, theory and genres. It's all about life so make sure you go out there and live it!"

Thanks again to Mike Martin for taking the time to do this interview. Hope you guys enjoyed it.

Be forever metal.

Fozzy Judas music video (so far)

So today, Chris Jericho announced on twitter that the music video for Judas off of their new album(yet to come out), will be launching on May 2! I am so excited. What made me more excited was watching the 30 second sample video that Jericho posted on Instagram.
You can check it out here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BTWTIAbFroi/

It really wetted my appetite for new Fozzy tunes. It's been three years since Do You Wanna Start A  War came out, but we are finally here. I cannot wait. After watching the video, I've had Judas stuck in my head. Nothing works. I can't stop humming it and singing along. It's so heavy and catchy. Which is good. That's something I expect from Fozzy, and it's something they delivered perfectly. I've watched the video 11 times already, and I can't wait to see what happens in the video. You can't really see too much. All you can see in Chris singing, with two women dancing behind him. Then the rest of the band is playing in the background, including Paul Di Leo!

Yep. He's back. Paul left after their last album, for reasons that were never addressed, but he is back and hasn't lost a step. I can't wait to hear more of what him and Fozzy have in store with this album.
I will be doing another post with my thoughts on the music video when it comes out. Will also be doing a review for the album when it comes out, which will hopefully be soon. The wait is killing me.

I do want to let you know that I will be doing an interview on Monday, and will hopefully get it posted that day. If not, then Tuesday. So look forward to that.
Thanks for reading. Be forever metal.

Update (part 2)

Hey guys. So I just wanted to give you an update on what I'm working on. I just got word that I will be interviewing Mike Martin, who used to play with Fozzy and Stuck Mojo. I will be conducting the interview here soon and will have it posted ASAP.
I'm also trying to set up when I'm going to interview Vicky Psarakis of The Agonist.
Another thing coming up are my conversations with Stuck Mojo front man Robby J. We will be discussing music topics. Really looking forward to it.

If you guys have any recommendations on who you want me to interview, or maybe a band you want me to check out and review, then tell me in the comments. I also have a twitter account @MJWesney. I would love for you guys to be able to participate. So if you have anything, then let me know.

Thanks for reading. Be forever metal.

Hasta La Muerte

Hey guys. Sorry for not blogging for awhile. I've been getting stuff set up and I was also working on my other blog. But I have a band recommendation today.

My recommendation is a band called Hasta La Muerte. I discovered them a couple days ago, and I'm glad I did. This band is led by the one and only Robby J Fonts, who is now the front man for Stuck Mojo. This band is energetic and heavy. I honestly don't have words to describe them, because they're that good. All I can say is, I see why Rich Ward hired Robby. After watching one of Hasta La Muerte's music videos, I was blown away. I love Robby's energy.

If you are looking for some new music, then I would definitely check this band out. To help you out, here is a link to one of their music videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRcyr2VKln4

Some might find this video offensive, even though it's not. It has a message. The message is explained on Robby's blog The RANTidote. He explained it because MetalSucks. Net described it as offensive and horrible. Here's the link:
http://therantidote.com/metalsucks-is-fake-news-run-by-pedophiles/

Anyway, I think their music is good. It's not for everyone. So check it out if you want, and if you don't, that's your choice.

Thanks for reading guys. Be forever metal.

Wrestlemania 33 weekend thoughts

   So Wrestlemania 33 weekend is over. I've got quite a few things to say.
First off; the Hall of Fame was pretty good. I really enjoyed the speeches by DDP and Beth Phoenix. They both really inspired me that night, and gave me the motivation I needed. All the speeches were pretty good, but those two affected me the most.
Second; NXT Takeover Orlando was really good. If you didn't get a chance to check it out, then head over to the network and watch it when you get the chance. The one thing I love about NXT is even if you don't like the wrestlers that are in the match, you end up watching it anyway because everyone on that roster is really talented and can put on some great matches.The match I really enjoyed was the tag team championship match.

Speaking of tag team championship matches. The one at Wrestlemania 33 was amazing! Only because of two words, Hardy Boyz. Yep, the Hardy Boyz are back. I was as shocked as everyone else. I also got really excited. I love the Hardy Boyz in ladder matches. Their ladder matches with Edge and Christian and the Dudley Boyz back in the day were awesome. Anyway, the Hardys are back and they won the tag team championships. This ought to help shape the tag team division, which was must needed.
Also, The Revival from NXT made their debut on Raw last night. So them plus the Hardys should really help this division out, and give us some really good matches.

The biggest thing I want to talk about is the ending to Wrestlemania 33. Literally, the saddest moment in Wrestlemania history for me. If you don't know, The Undertaker retired. Also, he had his last match that night; losing to Roman Reigns. Yeah. Screw you, Vince. What the heck do you see in this pathetic, poor excuse of a wrestler? He is literally the most talentless, hated wrestler in this era. I would rather root for John Cena, and that's saying something, because I don't like Cena.
Anyway, The Undertaker had to retire because he needs a hip replacement. I knew he was going to have to retire soon, being 52 and all, but I was not looking forward to it. I still feel like a part of me is missing. He was my childhood because he was the first wrestler I was introduced to. I loved his matches, his mind games, his storylines(especially the one with Kane), and of course his iconic entrance. So thank you Taker, for everything. Wrestlemania won't be the same without you.
Hopefully he goes into the Hall of Fame next year.

The last thing I want to mention, is what was announced by Vince McMahon on the Raw after Wrestlemania last night. He said that next week there is going to be a superstar shakeup. So here we go again. It sucks because the Hardy Boyz, Finn Balor, and The Revival just showed up on Raw, and could get moved to Smackdown.I really wish they would just rejoin the two brands. It's not doing any good. It sure didn't the first time, and the same goes for this time too.
The one good thing about Raw was that the new GM is Kurt Angle.  He has decided to be the goofy GM. Hopefully this doesn't change, because right now he's our only hope.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my thoughts on Wrestlemania weekend. Sorry it was a day late, I was busy setting up my new blog. Plus, I decided I wanted to include Raw from last night in this post. You can follow me on Twitter @MJWesney. Also, if you like dark stories and poetry, you can check out my other blog, here: https://darkpoetrycom.wordpress.com/
Thanks for reading guys.

WWE Hall of Fame 2017

   It's finally here. Wrestlemania weekend. A very exciting time. To start off Wrestlemania weekend, I thought I would give my thoughts on the class of 2017 for the Hall of Fame tonight. I also want to share my favorite Hall of Fame moment.

To start off, I want to talk about the biggest surprise going into the Hall of Fame. Kurt Angle. Kurt Angle is a gold medalist who had a very successful WWE career, but stepped away from the company for 11 years. No one knew what happened, or if he was coming back. (If you want to know why he stepped away, and you have the WWE Network, then check out his interview with Corey Graves.) Anyway, when they were going to announce the first inductee into the Hall of Fame, Kurt Angle was the last person I expected. I just didn't know if he was going to do anything with WWE anymore, because he was in TNA.
But, I'm glad he's going into the Hall of Fame. It's very well deserved.

The next inductee I got excited for was DDP. This is a man who I respect a lot, not just for wrestling but also because of the type of human being he is. DDP saved Jake the Snake and Scott Hall from dying, and helped put them into shape. (Check out the Resurrection of Jake the Snake. Warning: it will make you laugh, cry, yell, and cry some more. But it's a good documentary.) So also well deserved. Another surprise is the fact that Eric Bischoff is inducting him. Yes, you read that correctly. Could this mean Bischoff might do something with WWE? Maybe even be the new RAW GM? Who knows. Guess we'll wait and see. But I'm excited nonetheless.

The other inductees include:
Beth Phoenix
Teddy Long
The Rock N Roll Express
Rick Rude
Erie LeGrand (For the warrior award)

Now to end this, I am going to share my favorite moment from the Hall of Fame. Mick Foley was inducted in the class of 2013. In his speech, he talked about how he never beat Chris Jericho. So during his speech, Jericho(who was in the front row) got up on the stage and lied down. So Foley dropped an elbow on Jericho, and then CM Punk goes on stage and counts 1,2,3. It was a great moment.
Here's the link to the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqQDueIkfDc

Hope you guys enjoyed this, and I hope you enjoy the Hall of Fame on the WWE Network. If you do miss it, USA will be showing a 1 hr version after Raw.
Thanks for reading guys.

Why I think Robby J Fonts is perfect for Stuck Mojo

    So today I want to discuss why I think Robby J is the perfect front man for Stuck Mojo. Now before I start, I just want you to know that this is just my opinion. I'm not going to tell you that you have to like him, because you don't. You have the right to like him or hate him. I was just want to give my reasons as to why I think he is perfect in Stuck Mojo.

To start; Robby grew up listening to Stuck Mojo. (If you don't believe me, you can check out my interview with him, right here on my blog. The title is From fan to front man.) Because of this, he knows what Stuck Mojo is all about. So he has knowledge of what Stuck Mojo songs should sound like. It's not like Rich Ward just plucked a random kid off the street. He knew exactly what he was doing when he picked Robby.

Another thing; Robby has passion and energy. A perfect example of this is in Stuck Mojo's music video for Rape Whistle. You can check it out on their YouTube channel. It's a pretty sweet video. Anyway, if you watch Robby perform, you can see the passion in his performance. From the way he moves about the stage like a crazy man, to the way he can grab the attention of the crowd. Now, I've never seen him perform in person(though I hope to some day), I have done some research on YouTube. A perfect example of his performance is from when Stuck Mojo played at Brutal Assault last year.

The last thing I want to touch on, to go along with his passion, is his passion for writing and making music. He works really hard because he cares about the music his makes. In the interview I did with him, he talked about working with Rich Ward in the studio and how they got along. I also asked him about future projects, and he talked about doing some solo stuff since Rich is in Fozzy. So you can tell he is really passionate, cause he doesn't seem like a slacker. He's a hardworking, passionate, intelligent guy.

So these are some reasons as to why I think Robby J is perfect for Stuck Mojo. He gives the music this energy that they really needed, and I think he is going to continue doing great in the future. For those of you who don't like him, I respect your opinion, but I hope that maybe this will make you respect Robby a little bit. He is working hard and doing well in Stuck Mojo. But again, I'm not trying to make you like him.

Thanks for reading guys. Be forever metal.