A LIFE IN THE DAY: MIKEY SABATELLA
Have you ever seen that movie “She’s All That” with Freddie Prinze Jr.? You know the one where Jessica Alba is a major nerd, but Prinze dates her on a bet and ends up totally falling for her? [Emperor’s note: Jeff bitched about me not catching that this was Rachel someone. Fun fact: I don’t watch chick flicks. It wasn’t Jessica Alba, it was a different hot chick. It doesn’t matter.] That’s kind of what writing this article/interview was like (minus the hot nerd girl, and douchebag Prinze…). Before starting this I had never heard of Mikey Sabatella. I did this as a favor for a friend, and didn’t really know what to expect. I was thinking, “Another solo artist? Great… Dashboard Confessional 2.0”. But I will say I was pleasantly surprised at the album I was given. It was a very well written, soulful, folky album that was smooth on the ears, but still stayed at the forefront of my mind. In the end, I wasn’t just doing this as a favor… I wanted to write this.
After reading his bio, I had noticed a little piece of my past as well. Mikey was in a pop–punk band called “Limitpoint” which I had seen open for the almighty No Motiv back in 02 or 03. I remember I had actually bought their CD and enjoyed it, up until my car got broken into and had all my music taken. It’s funny though, the small world we live in… whether it be musically, or running into a friend of a friend, who once banged your ex girlfriend, we all seem to find ourselves intertwining in one way or another. It was also great to see that Mikey had progressed both musically and emotionally with his solo act.
“A Life In The Day” (Mikey’s solo album) is an album full of heart, passion and ingenuity. It dares to break out of the realm of cookie cutter solo acts who are just whining for their girlfriend to come back. It’s more than Dustin from Thrice, or Chuck from Hot Water Music stepping out of the reigns of their band to “try something new”… it’s real, heartfelt and passionate.
It opens with “I’m A Sinner”, which is a smooth track that speaks of life experience and goes through the motions of a acoustic track, to a full band folk song, and back again. The mood definitely progresses throughout the album. You can definitely feel the passion and the intensity in his vocals on “Talk Of The Town”, a song very reminiscent of Gaslight Anthem with it’s slide guitar and swirling melody. My favorite track on the album is by far “’Til The Time Runs Out” which is just a nice soothing track with lyrics like “Baby, just hold on, ‘til the time of day runs out” that almost anyone can relate to. Overall this is a powerful disc, which could cause a various range of emotions. This is definitely a gem, and I cannot wait to hear what is in store next for Mikey. [This disc gets a 8/10]
*head to www.mikeysabatella.bandcamp.com to check it out and buy it if you like it*
I had the opportunity to shoot the shit with Mikey via email. I asked some pretty deep and serious questions about life, and the world in general… Don’t worry folks, there’s the typical Racket nonsense as well…
So, a sound like yours is a rarity these days… with all the regurgitated crap full of breakdowns, tight jeans and bad haircuts, you stand out with a pure sound. What’s your take on the music scene these days, and how do you plan on stepping out beyond the rubble to spread your music to the masses?
I plan to be me. Honest, true, someone who isn’t afraid to be himself. I write honestly about my everyday experiences. For me, music has never been about the fame, the fashion or the glory of it all… it has been a simple formula: family, friends and connection, relating to an audience of one or many. I’ve never looked down upon other musicians for doing what they do. Some express themselves in other ways whether it be their looks or their “persona”. I guess for me it easier to write about things I feel in a first instinct approach and it doesn’t include wearing a mask.
Talk to me about the transition from “Limitpoint” to your solo act. Both are different sounds. Was it a hard transition, or did the solo project come more natural?
Limitpoint has been and will always be a time in my life that taught me everything I needed to know about the music world. The friends I made along the way and over 8 years of playing music in the band were amazing. It was always a “team effort”. My new music is a culmination of what I’ve learned in those years. I’ve always written more “toned down” music when writing for Limitpoint before everyone added their parts; now that I’m releasing music as a solo musician it’s just natural.
I’m a genie, name your wish… you get three.
This is a great question.
1) Unlimited plane tickets, I’d love to travel the world as much I could. Culture is one thing you can’t buy and being that I’ve experienced other countries I’d like to do that as much as possible.
2) Make money obsolete. It ruins everything.
3) I’d like to time travel, visit the 50s and the 1870s. Why not? They seem like better times.
Name two things about the opposite sex that automatically turns you off.
1) a bad attitude
2) being superficial
Men and women could both be guilty for these…you asked me about women ;)
Beavis or Butthead and what deep-seeded psychological flaw do you think your choice reveals?
Butthead. Ignorance is bliss. To be honest…I never really watched that show. Now family guy? That’s a show!
[SIDENOTE – Family Guy is way cooler… – Jeff] [Emperor’s Note: Shut the hell up. B&B& Family Guy both rule.]
Leatherface is in your kitchen. Will you fight to victory, or hide from him?
Fight till the death.
What CD or CDs are you totally obsessed with right now?
This changes week to week. A brief synopsis? The Black keys – Brother, Eddie Vedder – Into The Wild Soundtrack, Queens Of The Stone Age – Songs for the Deaf. Propagandhi and Green Day have always been favorites as well.
[SIDE NOTE – Propagandhi’s “How To Clean Everything” is one of my top 5 records EVER… Well played Mikey]
So, walk me through a typical day in the life of Mikey Sabatella.
Starts off with Starbucks, I’m sure most agree it’s the breakfast of champions. I like to read quotes, one that I’m really into right now “to avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing”. Great one. I’ve worked as a graphic designer for the past 10 years and love what I do, at night I take my dog out for a walk, write some music and hang with my girlfriend Robyn. Right now life is good, real good.
Do you think the social media sites (Myspace, Facebook, Twitter) have helped bands, hurt them, or haven’t made any impact at all?
From about 2001 to 2008 I toured the nation over 20 times in Limitpoint and my last band The Spencer Outfit, in those years Myspace ruled everything when it came to promotion and connecting with fans online. I definitely think, for us, it helped bring fans closer and alert then to “what’s going on” with us. These days Twitter and Facebook are the new fads. They help get the word out and I feel like, if used correctly, they can only help. I do think, however, that people can get “burnt out” on online forums like these if they’re abused. Show alerts and everyday updates can get old. I think if used in moderation they are amazing tools.
What’s your take on downloading music and the impact it has on the music industry.
I believe in getting your music heard any way possible. It’s obvious that downloading music has affected the industry in a negative way for music stores like Tower, Blockbuster Music and more. It seems that most majors have felt negative effects in sales as well. I come from the indie and D.I.Y. mindset. Always have. I feel for most artists, getting you music to the listener is key and these days it’s become easier and easier.
You’re infected… the rest of your family has the cure. One must die for you to obtain it, who dies?
I would do anything for my family. I die, my family lives.
[SIDE NOTE: This is the response I had hoped for… This was a test…. And Mikey passed.] [Emperor’s note. He passed…barely. You know what he got? F+]
If you were to be any flavor of Pop-Tart to be consumed by Lady Gaga, which flavor would you be? Explain…
Gaga berry. No explanation needed.
You have the ability to rid the planet of one band/group; who’s on the chopping block?
Whoever created that monstrous song “I’m Too Sexy”, it’s safe to say no one really liked that song. Am I wrong? Seriously though, who am I to say a band shouldn’t express their music the way they want to. I have my own opinions, as my good friends know, but I will say this…I’d rather concentrate on an artist’s accomplishments. I think some musicians, who die, become more famous for the wrong reasons. I tend to concentrate on the living, the ones still creating an iconic career. In my opinion a great example and influence for me…Eddie Vedder. He still creates amazing, heartfelt music…for me being influential isn’t always synonymous with death.
[SIDENOTE: Right Said Fred’s “Too Sexy” was anthem of a lifetime. I get ready in front of the mirror singing that and flexing daily.]
If you could hang out with anyone (dead or alive) who would it be and what would you do?
I’ve heard of recording sessions with artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and others having taken place all at one time at sun studios. I would love to have sat in on that session and just listened. There’s something about the late 50s/early 60s that just seemed crucial for music and seem to be the ultimate in “new ideas” or at least music that had never been done. I’d love to experience that feeling. Imagine a world of music you’ve never heard? That seems incredible.
Ok… lastly. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I will be playing, listening to and experiencing music. It’s what helps me breathe. I will always write. I also see myself writing for other artists, producing records for artists I believe in. A quote I’ve recently stumbled upon that sums it all up for me? “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones that you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain.
After reading his answers and having a brief conversation with Mikey via Facebook, I can honestly say this is one righteous, solid dude. His outlook is incredible, and overall he just seems to be very humble, and thankful for every opportunity granted. I had cracked a joke that I was going to destroy his record in the review and no one would ever want to listen to it after they read the review. His response was simply “That’s fine. I do this for me and I write what I feel at that given moment. I like what I’m doing and that’s all that matters. If other want to listen with me, then rad…”. To me that was the selling point on his character. Criticism and negativity would not allow him to falter from his path. Kudos, Mikey.
Be sure to check out Mikey online… hear some music, make a friend.
www.mikeysabatella.com
www.iTunes.com/mikeysabatella
www.listn.to/mikeysabatella
www.facebook.com/mikeysabatella
www.twitter.com/mikeysabatella
www.YouTube.com/mikeysabatella
www.mikeysabatella.bandcamp.com
By Jeff Curtis (@Jeff_Leppard)