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Thicklash: What training/background do you have in music, vocals, performance?
Mike: As a child studied Classical Training on an organ. Involved in choirs as a child as well. In High School (near Chicago) was a keyboardist and one of the songwriters in a band called "Aria" ---the focus of that band was Christian Rock. After moving to Texas in 1994 worked as a synthesist in a Alternative Rock band named "Underground Nation"---we performed throughout Houston venues. After that a short stent with Sociedad Polemica (Latin Alternative Rock group). In 1995 I went solo with the fact that I wanted to chase after the style of music that I was more interested in and recorded my first album, "digital ZEBRA". The album was really what lead to the start of Vertigo Blue. In December of 95 Vertigo Blue was born and we had three members with a style being Synth-Pop. In 97 I went solo and became who I am now... Vertigo Blue. As for synthesizers... self taught... read many books and studied how to program the synths. In 2005 I wrote a book and began teaching others how to use synthesizers. Vocals: I can sing... and in regards to performances: Around or just over 70 as Vertigo Blue throughout Houston, Galveston, Austin and the Dallas area.
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TL: Who/What are your musical influences?
M: Duran Duran with a lot of respect toward Nick Rhodes., Many others such as Depeche Mode, and The Human League...please see my list at
http://www.myspace.com/vertigobluetm
TL: How do you go about composing your new songs?
M: It's a process actually... I decide to what sound and format I want to go with on each song. This leads to making some sounds on my synthesizers then to coming up with my drum patterns then building the song as I go. Sometimes I think of a melody line or lyrics. No matter what I do for some reason I always end up sounding like Vertigo Blue.
TL: How long have you been performing?
M: Been performing live since 1987... With Vertigo Blue since 1996.
TL: Where does the name Vertigo Blue come from?
M: One of the original members of Vertigo Blue (Colin Travis) who is now the bass guitar player in Supavillian and I decided we needed a name for the project we were working on. We both went home and came up with different ideas. Among the ideas, Colin came up with Vertigo and I came up with the name Digital Blue. We compromised and came up with Vertigo Blue in 1996.
TL: How did Vertigo Blue go from a three person effort to its current solo incarnation?
M: WOW!!! EXCELLENT QUESTION!!! Stacey (lead singer) came onboard to help us work on a song for a Control-Alt-Delete compilation... Even though she did work with us on a couple songs as well as a show in Palestine, Texas she returned to her Jazz band. Colin and I interviewed and tried out others for a while as well as started to work on our own songs. Colin went on his own solo project at the time and I continued working and with his agreement I remained to move forward with Vertigo Blue as a solo project. Colin is still one of my best friends and we do work together every once in a while. Colin helped me in the Post-Production of the "Area 51" album and mastering. Colin also collaborated with me on the song, "Dance All Night".
TL: What are some of your most memorable live performances?
M: The Cellar, Numbers, Area 51 near Fort Hood, the first live gig in Palestine, Texas there are so many great memories!!!
TL: Besides Houston, what are some of your favorite places you have performed? Why?
M: Austin, Texas because they are like a second home for Vertigo Blue.
TL: Have you ever contributed to any soundtracks? If so, what?
M: "Read On" and two more I will announce soon. On the "Read On" film 3 of my songs are in the movie... Please see my MySpace profile for info.
http://www.myspace.com/vertigobluetm
TL: Have you ever done any music videos? If not, any plans for such?
M: Yes a video for "Intensity" and a DVD for "Dance All Night" ... yes I would like to have new videos yet I will have to wait to see where that leads.
TL: What other venues/events have you played besides standard live concerts?
M: I have performed in many of the rock format venues in Houston and other cities. Vertigo Blue has performed on two live radio shows as well as a televised show on cable TV. During the RAVE scene---many raves. Also outdoor performances such as Westheimer Street Festival.
Thank you for your time and the interview as well as your GREAT support toward Vertigo Blue. For those of you who would be interested please stop by my MySpace profile at:
http://www.myspace.com/vertigobluetm
TL: Thanks, Mike!
