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10 Questions with ... Mikeschair
August 17, 2009
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NAME:MikeschairTITLE:Band
Line-up:
Mike Grayson (vocals, rhythm guitar)
Jonathan Haire (bass)
Jesse Hale (vocals, violin, programming, keys)
Sam Tinnesz (vocals, lead guitar)Label:
Curb RecordsDiscography:
Mikeschair (2009)1) Introduce the members of the band using personality traits.
Mike Grayson is the leader and spokesperson for the group. His outgoing personality works well with being our main communicator.
Jonathan Haire is like the father figure. Responsible and levelheaded, he allows for a balancing between the artistry and the business.
Jesse Hale is the mad scientist. He comes up with some of the most creative aspects of MIKESCHAIR. Between the unique programming that shows up throughout the songs to the videos that are displayed on our Myspace, Jesse is a big part of the creative force behind the band.
Sam Tinnesz is the crazy, fun redhead that really keeps the band having fun. He does a great job matching his creativeness with his jokes.
2) Can you offer a brief look at how the band started and eventually signed with Curb Records?
The process began throughout our time at Belmont University. There is an A&R class that showcases unsigned bands through class projects and comes up with a way to pitch them to actual record labels. Without even realizing it our band had been pitched twice to the record label that we ended up signing with. It really wasn't until 3 1/2 years later that our manager at the time met with head of A&R at Curb to officially start the negotiations. Because Curb had been on the outside looking in for so long and they had seen positive growth, Curb was excited to bring us on as an actual signed artist.
3) What's the message you hope is conveyed through the new self-titled album?
Our prayer is that when someone hears our record, they are overwhelmed with God's faithfulness, hear the honesty in the writing and respond through worship to play an active role in becoming the hands and feet of Jesus to change the world.
4) What is your favorite city/venue to play?
Sam: I'm sure this answer would be different for each one of us, but so far my favorite city and venue that we've played has to be Cup O Joy in Green Bay, WI. The leadership at Cup O Joy has a really amazing heart for outreach and the attendees aren't afraid to let go and have fun during the show!
5) Is there any special story behind the debut radio single "Can't Take Away"?
"Can't Take Away" was actually the very last song to go on the record. In fact, the record was finished when we wrote this song but we knew right away that it had to go on the record. This song was written right when gas had reached over $4 a gallon, a hurricane had just hit down South, election season was well under way and the news was covering nothing but how bad the economy is doing. We sat down to write and practically all we felt was defeat. As we were talking, it was almost as if rebellion set in, and we decided that even though the world around us is in turmoil, God is still exactly where he has always been-on his throne! No matter what is going on in our lives, no matter how bad it gets, no one and nothing can take away our God. This song is our reminder that it doesn't matter who is in office or what the economy is doing or what troubles come our way, our hope and our trust lies in the hands of a God who is unchanging.
6) Do you have any funny or interesting stories from your stops and talks with radio over the past year?
Sam: One time we were driving to a station up in Michigan during the winter. It was like a blizzard outside and Mike was the one who was actually maneuvering the van (and trailer) during it. We get to the station and we were blindly running to get inside. The snow was piled up so high that it was at thigh level! We barely survived the blizzard and arrived at the station relieved! What we didn't know was that the person that we came through the snowstorm to see was actually on his way out for the day! Ooops! Haha.
7) Was there a moment in the studio, working on the record, that you thought, "Ah-ha! Wow. Now we have a record!"?
I specifically remember sitting in the studio working on the [new radio single] song "Let the Waters Rise." We had spent quite a bit of time laying the foundation for that song when Jesse came in the room and played us some programming that he came up with. The drums that Jesse sampled completely changed the vibe of the song into an epic experience. That moment was the moment that made the experience come alive.
8) What's your favorite song to play live?
Sam: This is a tough question because I love playing all of our new songs from the record, but if I had to choose I would probably say 'Straight to Your Heart.' I love seeing people's reactions when we bust out a dance break, synth solo and guitar shredding all in about 2 minutes and 30 seconds!
9) If you weren't doing music, what would you be doing?
Sam: I probably would have continued my education and gone to law school. I always loved my Business Law class. Is that nerdy or what?!
10) Do you have much time to listen to other artists' music? What are you listening to right now?
Sam: Yes, with all the traveling we do I feel like I have endless time to listen to new music! I am listening to a lot of music from a Nashville-based band named Paper Route. You should definitely check out their song "Are We All Forgotten" if you have time.
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