Tina Lobosco sat down with Michael Rochelle to talk about his career to date and the upcoming International Blues Competition that his band is competing in.
Interview
Michael, can you tell me about your musical background?
My first instrument was drums. I started out on pots, pans, and pillows. Then I moved to my desk in study hall in school. In high school I took up guitar but never really played much until years later. I played keyboards a little bit but only for myself. I sang in church choirs since I was a kid and, in church I sang in 4 choirs. I still sing in my church choir today. I started writing my own songs in college and have self-produced a few videos on YouTube. I played in bands since the 70s when I moved to New York. I’ve played a lot of different genres, Hard Rock, Funk, Jazz, Folk, Pop, Gospel, and Blues.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Music has always been a part of my life so pursuing a career in it was a natural progression. Music has gotten me through some very dark times in my life and I’m thankful to God for giving me the talent to be able to play it.
How would you describe your musical style of genre?
Right now, I would say my main musical style is Blues-based. I love the Blues.
Can you share any memorable or defining moments in your musical journey so far?
Being able to play with Shadetree Mechanics in the IBC (International Blues Challenge) ranks up there in the top moments. Years ago, we played at the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Festival in Red Bank. That was awesome!!
What challenges have you faced as a professional musician, and how did you overcome them?
As a songwriter, I’m like everyone else. I suffer from the occasional writer’s block. I’ll start writing a song and can’t go any further, so I have to put it on the shelf. Months, and maybe years later I’ll get inspired, and I’ll go back and either finish it or rewrite it all together. It’s a matter of patience.
Other challenges are getting good gigs and building up our fanbase. That’s a constant challenge. Unfortunately, The Blues has been neglected and pushed aside by the youth of today in favor of other styles of music. They forget that those other styles probably wouldn’t even exist if it hadn’t been for the Blues. Radio and TV keep pounding out one style of music, whatever is “trending now” and ignoring the “building foundations” of where today’s music came from. But Blues is still in the picture. Again, it’s a matter of patience.
Are there any particular artists or musicians who have influenced your work?
There are so many influences for me. B. B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robin Trower, Buddy Guy, Muddy Waters, Clapton, Montrose, Living Colour.
How do you approach the process of creating and composing music?
Since I’m a drummer, I usually start out with a drumbeat, then add bass, a melody line, then guitar and whatever else I need. Lyrics and vocals are usually last. I’ve learned a lot over the years and it’s an interesting and fascinating process putting a song together from start to finish. I’ve done work on other recording projects of friends of mine and no matter how much I think I know; I end up learning something new with every new project.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?
I just finished writing a Christmas song and published it on YouTube. I’ve been composing demos for the next Shadetree Mechanics release. I did an alternative pop song for a friend of mine, Jon Wettingfeld, called Summer Groove. That’s soon to be released on Spotify.
The biggest event is Shadetree Mechanics representing the Jersey Shore at the IBC in Memphis this coming January!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey?
Learn all you can. You’ll never get to the point where you know it all and can’t learn something new that can help you. Don’t pigeon-hole yourself to one specific genre. You’re only limited by your own imagination.
Never give up. It took Shadetree Mechanics over 8 tries to win the local IBC and go to Memphis and now we’re going back for the 3rd time. Not everyone gets the recognition, rewards, and money that the top artists do; but that doesn’t mean you’re not just as talented as the “big dogs” are. If you have “the gift”, use it. Keep using it, improving it, until you can’t physically do it anymore.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of a music career?
Fortunately, I have someone in my life who is very supportive and proud of my talents. That makes it easier to find balance. That and having an all-powerful and loving God who makes all good things possible!
Any final thoughts?
We have a Go Fund Me account to help us get to the IBC or the competition. Here is the link: https://gofund.me/f9345e6e.
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