Hello everyone. I would like to say that it is great to be back blogging. And as the title suggests, what better way to comeback than to interview Ex-Misfits Singer Michale Graves while on his “When Worlds Collide” tour. The tour has not come through my town yet,but the last time I saw him perform was at a show that I had the distinct privilege of opening up for him. The energy from Michale and his band that night was unprecedented. I was able to get in touch with Michale while he is out on tour and this is what he had to say:
Nate:How did you first discover your love of music?
Michale:My home growing up in New Jersey was filled with music – classic rock n roll, early punk and big voices like Sinatra and Elvis
Nate:How did you develop the Michale Graves image and persona?
Michale:I had been interested in the theater for years – in front of and behind the curtain. Over the years I have evolved both the voice and my make-up – to now what we call the “Skel-crow”
Nate:Who are your influences?
Michale:Metallica, Megadeth, the Ramones
Nate:Tell me about this new album,what inspired the theme of this one? what songs stand out? how is this different from your previous releases?
Michale:The title that Mark (my business and music collaborator) came up with was “When Worlds Collide” and from a vocal and style standpoint that is exactly what this album is – called it “Graves fusion”. There is punk, rock, heavy metal, monster rock – all on one album. The range of song (11 on the album) are all very different yet still within the same family to be on the same album. “Bedlam” is an absolutely frenetic train ride…while “When Worlds Collide” is a more focused rock song….
Nate:Mark Allen Stuart is producing this album, how did this collaboration come to light(should I say dark lol)and how is it working along side of him as you both molded these albums into finished products?
Michale:Mark and I meet 4 years ago. We met several times in person and decided to become business partners about 5 years later. Mark not only operates the business and produces our music but he also writes and directs our video projects.
Nate:How did the songs evolve from your ideas on paper to the final recordings?
Michale:Mark created the concept for the album – 9 of the songs are based on classic horror or sci fi films. After the concept is created we discuss each title and have “homework” to watch the original film. Then I write the music and I send a demo to Mark. We then work out the final lyrics. The 2 songs that weren’t based on classic films are “3 Days til Dawn” – that is a unique concept Mark had for a potential film project. The last song “Dying on Sunday Morning” takes up where “Crying on Saturday Night” left off.
Nate:Are there any personal favorite songs on this album? If so what are they and what are they about?
Michale:That’s like saying who is my favorite child….:-) I think that “Robot Monster” is a really big song….very heavy – and 3 Days til Dawn is like listening to a monster movie.
Nate:What is the message that you are trying to give to your fans with When Worlds Collide?
Michale:The message is that we are in a very turbulent yet dynamic time….think about it, don’t let it get by you.
Nate:Will there be any music videos?
Michale:Yes we did a music video for “Old Dark House”. Mark had the idea of using footage from William Castles classic “House on Haunted Hill” and he reshot the beginning with me doing the intro and we used some fans in the video as well.
Nate: How did the album art come to life? was this your concept? who did the final draft?
Michale:Mark does all of the art concepts – directed Tony Treloar for the art.
Nate:What is band line up for this album and tour?
Michale:We have Loki, JB and Tony Bones again on this tour
Nate:What is it like being on tour with these guys both on and off the stage?
Michale:After 55 venues…you get to know each other really well. But they are great –real pros
Nate:Comparing this to previous tours, what is something that you hope will happen again on this tour?
Michale:We are focusing on the new music this tour. We will play the classics and I know how people love them, but I still go out and people ask “You don’t have any new work since the Misfits?” So the new music is really important to me.
Nate:How is the tour going so far?
Michale:Actually – it is starting out as the best tour ever! Huge crowds and really happy people!
Nate:What is your favorite thing about being on tour?
Michale:Simple – meeting the people – its why I do it.
Nate:What are favorite cities to play in and why?
Michale:Really as long as fans are there – I would play on a bus Really I like each city for different reasons.
Nate:Would you like to say something to your fans?
Michale:Thank you thank you thank you – for all of the continued support!!!
For more information on upcoming tour dates, please see the poster below and for more information on how to Purchase When Worlds Collide and Michale’s Other releases please Visit:
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