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Interview: Mikey Sabatella

The following is an email interview with Mikey Sabatella conducted by Wendy Ford.

What made you want to go solo after being in a band for so long? How long were you in a band?

For me, going solo happened by accident. I was writing a lot in 2009 and had been showing demos to good friends whose opinions I valued and respected. Several of those good friends convinced me to create a record with the demos and turn them into a solo album. Then I just started recording. I've always loved to write poetry and putting them to music was just the next step. Becoming solo was not intentional but I've grown a lot since the beginning of this process.

I sang and played guitar for Limitpoint from 1999 - 2007 and The Spencer Outfit from 2007 - 2008. I loved playing with those bands.

Is it harder being a solo artist? Do you feel more vulnerable since it is all your lyrics, music, and emotions?

Being a solo artist isn't hard if you keep one thought in mind, that all of the music and experiences you create are for you. Love what you do, love what you write and it's easy. I wrote most of the music when I was in bands, so the transition to being a solo artist was easy. However, it's still hard to get used to seeing my name on flyers and records. It's hard to hide when your life is out there for people to hear.

How have you grown musically since your band days?

This question is hard to answer unless you really know me, but I will say that who I am today is attributed to a lot of mistakes I have made in the past. Many of which I am not proud of and many that I am more than proud of. I don't take anything for granted, I don't live with regrets, I just live and learn. To me, that represents growth.

When did you know that music was something you wanted to do? Was there one specific event that happened that made you want to express yourself through music?

I realized that I wanted to play music when my cousin Brian and I first started messing around with it. I was 18, he was 15 and there was nothing in the world we wanted to do but play, write, and record music. One of the first shows we ever played was with Fenix Tx at The Loft in Pasadena, CA. I remember being so nervous to play in front of 900 people that I almost couldn't do it. However, we did it and it was incredible. The feeling of expressing me to a large group and connecting with people never left my system, I guess. I live for it.

Which of your songs is your favorite? Why?

‘Starting Over’ off of my solo record is one of my favorites. It's just something that I think everyone has experienced. The feeling like no matter where we go, we always deal with troubles and have to take it upon ourselves to just leave all of the bullshit behind and start from scratch.

 What musicians influence your music the most?

I love certain musicians for their contribution to my life. Artists like Billie Joe from Green Day, Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash… these are all musicians I grew up listening to. You know when you hear a song and it takes you back to a moment that completely changed you? That’s what these musicians have done for me.

 If you had to pick an album that could sum up who you are as a person, which would it be?

Eddie Vedder - Into The Wild Soundtrack. It's a record that embodies a traveler, someone whose home is the road. I love that record.

  Why "Mikey"? Why not "Michael"?

When I was younger I worked for a market called Wild Oats in Pasadena. There were too many Mike's. They offered to call me Michael #2, or something… I wasn't having it. They said…”Well, how about Mikey?” and it stuck. I've been Mikey for a long time now. It's funny, people sometimes ask me, “As you get older, don't you feel like you want a grown up name?” What does that mean, exactly? Our names determine our age? In that case I will be Mikey until the day I die. And yes, “Mikey likes it”" I've heard way too often!

 Aside from music, do you have any other talents?

I'm Italian and I've always heard talking is one of my biggest talents. I've been known to talk most people in or out of many decisions. I guess it just comes with my nationality. [Laughs] Cooking is another; creating my own style. My Bomblette’s" and Godzilla-dilla’s" rule! Ask around, and yes those terms are copyrighted!  I am also a graphic designer. I've been creating merchandise (shirts, stickers, etc), CD artwork, websites and posters for over 10 years now. It's something I've always loved. Artwork and expressing me through graphics have been my passion as long as I can remember. [Mikey's work can be found here: www.ILMDesigns.com]

 Do you think your transition will still attract the fans from your previous bands?

My newer music has opened me up to a broader audience. I've had emails written from fans ages 15 to 65. I truly believe that if your music connects with people, it doesn't matter what genre you are. Unless you're a death metal band, in that case I think one of the main requirements to being a fan is levitating. [Laughs]

  What is next for you now that you’ve released your debut full length as a solo artist?

I plan to play as many shows as possible. I have a great band of very talented musicians that I love playing with. I have been writing demos for the next record and plan to release at least one if not two albums a year. I also will be touring in parts of Texas in September as well as Las Vegas in October. Right now, things are good. Real good.