Mike Miley, Drummer for Los Angeles Blues Rock band Rival Sons. Interview December 10, 2012 https://www.facebook.com/rivalsons
Rival Sons Interview
1. Could you tell me about the Rival Sons album “Head Down” and its recording process?
We had about a month between a Canadian tour and a UK/Europe tour last February (2012). We decided to stay with producer Dave Cobb (previous three efforts). He had moved to Nashville though, so we went to him. Spent just over three weeks there and wrote, recorded and mixed it.
You could say we’re musical masochists, haha. but the music produced tends to be energetic, dangerous, yet vulnerable; alot of what you hear is 1st, 2nd takes.
2. What were some of the influences used in writing these songs on “Head Down” album?
leading up to and during we listened to a lot of Staple Singers, Jack White, Black Keys, Creation, the Monks, and the Small Faces.
3. What type of amps and guitars did you use on this album?
Between Scott and Dave there were some great guitars and amps. silvertone and fender supro amps with a shitload of guitars; my favorite being the grestch white penguin. those two are like kids with toys with all there gear and pedals; it’s funny. i bang on things but my dad raised me on guitars so i have a deep appreciation for it.
4. Any tour dates lined up for Rival Sons?
We always have something cooking. 2013 will include Canada where we’re top 5 active rock, USA, UK/Europe/Scandinavia, japan, and hopefully south america.
5. Would you say that Social Media has helped Rival Sons to find new fans?
always. it’s the new thing. everyone’s got a facebook. if you’re not there, you’re not reaching them. i mean, i just won a contest making the final 16 of a “best drummer in the world ever” contest. social networking got me there, not my paradiddles… ha! but there is always the delusion factor too; everyone’s got access now.
6. What do you think of promo videos and its importance now?
we make videos for all our singles. though MTV in it’s native form died, videos are still a viable artistic outlet, simultaneously providing a buzz around a new single; for instance, our new single “Until the Sun Comes” just came out with our new video.
7. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
man, we’re all vinyl freaks. we just went shopping in Camden (london). i picked up the Stones’ Miss You, Stevie’s Songs in the Key of Life, and a 3-record Motown compilation. and Brubek’s Time Out ironically the day before his passing.
8. Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician?
on tour: wake up. make coffee. do some reading. answer some emails and facebooks. around then, sound check might be coming up. eat dinner. then rock a show. hang out with fans. have a beer (or 5). go to sleep. wake up and repeat.
9. How is the Music scene in your area today?
LA doesn’t really have it anymore. the 90’s/early 2000’s were the last era for LA. i hope it can revive again. people are inundated with visually stimulating entertaining; just push “click”. there’s tons of bands, but to see any bustling scenes for live music is gone. LA is all about the nightclubs and who’s on the list and who’s not. who wants to be seen where. ya know? no one knows what’s cool (of course there’s awesome people too but on a grand scale….no).
10. Any words for future musicians?
Be prepared to work hard. we’re just now seeing fruit. I’ve been playing since I was four. Know WHY you want this. Study the music business. read publications. Read interviews of heroes past and present. Don’t dress like the audience; give them a show. And learn your friggin instrument.
Extra Questions for Rival Sons drummer Mike Miley
Life without music would be THE DEFINITION OF HELL (or a Rush 2112 theme)
Favorite movie – Braveheart
Favorite sport -Baseball
Favorite food – Italian, Mexican, Thai, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese
Favorite drink – Juiced spinach, parsley, celery, apple, with a twist of lime
Favorite saying – “i’d be a christian if i knew one” – Ghandi
Favorite car – any James Bond car (AMC Hornet 360 Barrel Roll jump takes the cake. ok. all the Astin Martins)
Favorite book – Ishmael by Daniel Quinn or CS Lewis’ Space Trilogy
Favorite band – The Beatles
Star Wars or Star Trek – Star Wars
PC or Mac – Mac