 |
While bands come and go in Ohio, you have to hand it to Cleveland guitarist/singer/songwriter Michael Stanley just for the longevity factor. Having recently released his 23rd effort (add two if you are counting the "best of" discs), Stanley recently mused out loud to OhioOnline music correspondent Peanuts about the rocker's past, present and future. |
| OO: |
What first put you on the musical trail of life? |
| MS: |
"The glib answer is really the true one: make a little money, have a little fun and meet some girls. It was better than working at McDonald's, Woolworth's or whatever was around at the time." |
| OO: |
Who were your early influences? |
| MS: |
"I came of age with rock and roll. I was there when 'How Much Is That Doggie In The Window' became 'Hound Dog.' It was as radical as anything that's happened since. All of a sudden, it was these guys like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Little Richard, the Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis. That covered all the bases going on." |
| OO: |
And, they all affected your song writing? |
| MS: |
"When I started writing I was 16 or so and was writing middle of the road British Invasion songs. I'm one of those people, and I think there's a lot of closet ones, who never thought pop was a bad word. Back in those days, people forgot the Kinks would put out four singles before they put out an album. An album was just something to make a little extra money on. You put out a hit single every two months. That's pressure." |
| OO: |
Any Ohio bands add to the influence? |
| MS: |
"The original version of the Tree Stumps, which evolved out of the Mike Hay Combo. These were the guys. They looked good, they played good, they had cool equipment. And the fact is they were people you actually knew and they were up there doing it. It was totally uncharted waters. Not only did you have to learn to play an instrument, but then you had to learn about being in a band, about equipment, everything." |
| OO: |
Having played many Ohio venues, your all-time favorite is? |
| MS: |
"The old Cleveland Agora on E. 24th St., now torn down. It was the coolest club, had a great vibe." |
| OO: |
On to the new disc. What's the title and where was it cut? |
| MS: |
"It's called 'The Soft Addictions' and was cut at 'The Basement,' which is my home studio. The last seven solo albums, since the Michael Stanley Band, have been cut there." |
| OO: |
I'm going to assume you love having a home studio. |
| MS: |
"I love recording at home from a convenience standpoint. You can record the whole thing in your bathrobe and roll in any time that inspiration strikes. I get the basic track together and then bring in the Resonators, my latest band, as needed. That said, I really miss an entire band recording all at once, but this way is much more cost effective, a major concern when running your own label." |
| OO: |
In the long run, it is better producing yourself or using an outside producer? |
| MS: |
"There are pluses and minuses to both. It's usually better to have someone to 'bounce' ideas off of, but, if you know what you want and have faith in your own 'vision,' it works fine. What I miss most is just hanging with the other folks through the entire process. Luckily, I have a few trusted individuals that I can turn to get me back on track, if and when tunnel vision becomes a problem." |
| OO: |
Long term plans? |
| MS: |
"Totally open ended. I've got some other irons in the fire, but music is always the main squeeze. One of my dearest friends, whose judgment I totally trust, has the job of telling me if I stayed too long at the party, but, hopefully, I'll know if that time comes before he does.
I'll do this as long as anyone is interested, especially me, and as long as it is fun. And, as I've always said, it's cheaper than therapy!" |
