Posts Tagged ‘interview’

As many of you know, I have a very eclectic music taste. My favorite artists span across nearly all genres, many which the average music listener would probably think contradict each other. But in high school, there were only two types of music I listened to: industrial/electronica and heavy metal. And if you were like me, as odd as it sounds, one of my favorite soundtracks EVER was the “Mortal Kombat” soundtrack. It had artists such as KMFDM, Gravity Kills, Type O Negative, Napalm Death, Orbital, George Clinton with Buckethead, and my favorite, Fear Factory.

Credited with pioneering the “machine gun” kick pedal styling that is fairly prominent in much of today’s modern metal music, Fear Factory’s original drummer Raymond Herrera was just as much into video games, if not more so, than music. In addition to founding a company that helps artists put their music into Rock Band, he even started a production company many years ago that works closely with some of the biggest players in the gaming industry!

I recently had a chance to catch up with Raymond Herrera and ask him some questions about himself, his music with Fear Factory and Arkaea, and his fascination with video games. This is one RBN artist interview you do NOT want to miss! Check it out!

RockBandAide: For some of those in the Rock Band community not familiar with you, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Raymond Herrera: My name is Raymond Herrera, I am best known for being the drummer in the band Fear Factory, from the inception of the band in 1990 through 2008, I currently play drums in a band called Arkaea and have recently featured a couple of songs from our debut album onto the Rock Band Network, via my company Alt Strum Productions (ASP). Arkaea released our debut album in the summer for 2009. I also play drums for my production company called 3volution Productions who specializes in music for the video games industry. I co-own a recording studio in Chatsworth, California entitled Temple Studios, and lastly I also own a beverage company called Redux Beverages, we are the makers of the famous Cocaine Energy Drink/Supplement.

RBA: How would you describe your personal style of music to people who have never heard it?

RH: The personal style of my music has been based around precision, speed and rudimentary patterns which are very much highlighted with the kick drums. With Fear Factory we essentially pioneered a number of musical styles that have become the norm in the metal industry, but my music has dominantly been more on the heavier and faster side of the spectrum.

RBA: Who were your early musical influences? What album do you remember listening to growing up that had the biggest impact on you?

RH: My earliest influences were bands like The Police, U2, Ministry and many others, but these were among the top ones.

RBA: What is the most recent artist that you’ve added to your iPod?

RH: The most recent artist I added to my iPod was Fashion Bomb.

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Living in the midwest during this time of year, it’s no surprise that there’s sometimes a drought of good concerts. If it’s not snowing, it’s bitterly cold. If I was in a band, I would think twice about visiting the colder parts of the country this time of year, as well. And what better way to avoid the cold than by living down in Florida, like RBN artist Orange Avenue.

Orange Avenue is a pop-rock band from the shores of Daytona Beach, Florida. Starting up as a diverse group of local musicians, they have since formed into one of Florida’s largest concert draws. The five-some released their self-titled debut CD (known by fans as the orange album) in the middle of 2007. Building on their hard work and do-it-yourself attitude, the group has pushed their first CD with no major marketing/tour support other than shameless self-promotion at gigs and on the street. In the few short years since the album’s release they have shared the stage with The All American Rejects, Rihanna, Smash Mouth, Hello Goodbye, Low vs. Diamond, Egypt Central, Pop Evil and many more talented artists.

I recently had a chance to send over some questions to the band, and you will see their responses below, followed by a video of their song being played in Rock Band 3!

RockBandAide: For those in the Rock Band community who may not be familiar with you, why don’t you tell us a little bit about the band?

Orange Avenue: We’re five guys from Daytona Beach, Florida that lucked out and found some synergy.

RBA: Where does the name “Orange Avenue” come from?

OA: It’s the place we used to rehearse and we just got used to saying “meet me on Orange Avenue”.

RBA: How would you describe your music style to people who have never heard it?

OA: And roll… Rock n Roll!

RBA: Who were some of your early musical influences?

OA: Hey, you asked for it… Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul, Sha Na Na and Wham.

RBA: What album do you remember listening to growing up that had the biggest impact on you?

OA: There are so many answers from each band member, but one album we can all agree on is Nirvana’s “Nevermind”.

RBA: What is the most recent artist that you’ve added to your iPod?

OA: The Script.

RBA: I’m always intrigued about the song writing process for musicians. What’s more fun for you to write, the lyrics or the music? And when you create a song, which comes first?

OA: It’s like the age old question, “What came first, the chicken or the egg?”. Every song can take us any direction. There isn’t just one way we do it.

RBA: Where do you find inspiration for your songs? What has been the oddest source of inspiration?

OA: Inspiration for us comes from everyday life.

RBA: Which one of your songs has the most meaning to you?

OA: The one that hasn’t been written yet.

RBA: How often do you perform live?

OA: 12-16 times a month.

RBA: I noticed that you have played shows with some big artists including the All American Rejects, Rihanna, and Smash Mouth, just to name a few. Is there any artist that you would love to play live with or even collaborate with for a song?

OA: Eminem would be cool.

RBA: What is your favorite song to perform live (originals or covers)?

OA: “Just Refrain” it’s fun to play and it’s an audience favorite.

RBA: You have gained popularity in your home state of Florida by mostly grassroots efforts and with no major label assistance. Are there any tips that you can give to aspiring artists that are trying to get noticed?

OA: Fanbase, fanbase, fanbase!

RBA: How did the opportunity present itself for putting your music in the Rock Band Network?

OA: We’re huge fans of Rock Band and the opportunities arose from the contacts we had made. Big thanks to Miguel from Rock Gamer!

RBA: How did you decide on what song you wanted to make available for Rock Band? Was it a long process, or a simple decision?

OA: “Just Refrain” always stood out to us as being an exciting process and people seem to like it. It’s our first single so it was a simple decision for us.

RBA: What about games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero having an impact on a player’s interest in playing a real instrument at some point… do you think fans of the game would be more or less inclined to give the real thing a shot after playing these games?

OA: We think they definitely have the ability to spark interest in playing the real instruments.

RBA: With Rock Band 3 now available, gamers finally have a chance to play REAL guitar in the game, not just a plastic version. What advice do you have for those who wish to make the ultimate transition and learn to play the real thing?

OA: Stick with it. It may seem hard at first but it gets easier the more you practice.

RBA: Being that your music will be featured in Rock Band, have you played the game? Would you play your own song in the game to see how it is?

OA: Yes, we love Rock Band and are really excited to play our song in the game.

RBA: What’s next for you guys?

OA: NEW ALBUM COMING SOON!!!

RBA: Is there anything that you would like the Rock Band community to know about you that we haven’t touched on yet?

OA: Check out “Just Refrain” video at www.justrefrain.com. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter (@OrangeAvenue) and Facebook.

RBA: Thanks guys!

Like they said, for more info check them out on Twitter, Facebook, or at their site http://www.orangeavenuemusic.com/.

Be sure to check out their first RBN single “Just Refrain” below, with a video courtesy of vVvGamer.

One of my favorite things about the Rock Band Network is that it gives me and others a chance to check out music that we might not normally be exposed to. But every now and again, a song comes to the RBN that I am a HUGE fan of, and this is one of those times! I have had no problem hyping this song, either! Stan Bush’s “The Touch” is one of those songs that keeps coming back and finding me ever since it was released back when I was a kid.

I recently had a chance to interview Stan for the site, and here’s what he had to say about his song “The Touch,” his other music, and Rock Band. Check it out!

RockBandAide: For those in the Rock Band community who may not be familiar with you, why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself.

Stan Bush: I’m best known for my song “The Touch” featured in “Transformers: The Movie”. An anthem for Transformers fans around the world, “The Touch” was also featured in the movie “Boogie Nights,” on Chuck (NBC), and on American Dad (Fox). Another track from my last album, “Til All Are One (Transformers Theme)” is featured in the new Activision game, “Transformers: The War For Cybertron” released June 2010.

In 1997, I won an Emmy Award, and another of my songs “Capture the Dream” was featured in the 1996 Olympics. I had songs in the first two Jean-Claude Van Damme films: “Kickboxer,” and “Bloodsport,” and I’ve written with many top songwriters like Jonathan Cain (Journey), Jim Vallance (Bryan Adams; Aerosmith), and Paul Stanley of Kiss. I just released my 11th album, “Dream the Dream”.

RBA: How would you describe your style music to people who have never heard it?

SB: I guess my musical style would be considered 80′s rock. I’ve always loved songs with a big chorus and a memorable melody.

RBA: Who were some of your early musical influences?

SB: I grew up listening to the Beatles and Led Zeppelin and I always loved Motown songs. Some later influences would include Foreigner and the Eagles.

RBA: Where there any moments in the history of rock that had a profound effect on you?

SB: I would have to say seeing The Beatles on Ed Sullivan when I was a kid. It was the most incredible feeling. I think it changed music forever.

RBA: One could say that you had your first big break in getting your music, including “The Touch,” featured in the 1986 animated feature film “Transformers: The Movie.” How did this come about?

SB: I was signed with Scotti Bros Records and my co-writer Lenny Macaluso and I originally wrote “The Touch” for the Stallone film “Cobra”, and the record label instead placed the song in “Transformers: The Movie”. I remember being a little surprised that our song was in a cartoon movie about robots, but of course it became this amazing cult phenomenon.

RBA: A few years later, you had your music featured in two different Jean Claude Van Damme movies, “Bloodsport” and “Kickboxer.” What is it like having contributed to not one, but two, of JCVD’s early blockbusters?

SB: It was really cool. I still have fans comment on how much they love those songs. I went to a screening and met Jean-Claude. He’s a nice guy. A few years later he came to a night club I was performing at, and we chatted a bit.

RBA: In the late 90s, a movie was released starring Mark Wahlberg called “Boogie Nights,” which featured Mark “singing” “The Touch.” Where you aware of this prior to release? And what was your reaction when you saw the
movie?

SB: I found out about it after the film came out, and when I saw the scene in the movie where Mark Wahlberg sings “The Touch” it was really funny. It was totally a spoof on 80′s music.

RBA: With the most recent live-action Transformers movies, there was an effort to get your music into the new franchise’s soundtrack. From what I’ve read, it looked like chances were good, but ultimately your additions
were not included. Why do you think this never came to fruition?

SB: Well “The Touch” was supposed to be in the first live-action film, but was pulled at the last moment. I never found out why. A lot of fans still consider “The Touch” to be the anthem for Transformers, and the fans are the reason I’m still recording and performing music.

RBA: You were however successful in landing one of your songs in the Transformers video game released this year. With a third Transformers movie coming out next year, is there any hope to an inclusion in the soundtrack
to the new one?

SB: Yes, “Til All Are One” is featured in the “Transformers: War for Cybertron” game, and I’m working on two new songs to submit for consideration for the new TF game coming out next summer.

RBA: Your song “The Touch” has been featured elsewhere, as well, including episodes of “Chuck” and “American Dad.” What’s it like to have such an iconic song?

SB: It’s an awesome feeling. “The Touch” is one of those songs that kind of has a life all its own. I suppose if I have to be known for one song, at least it’s a song with an uplifting, positive message.

RBA: Can you explain its longevity and popularity among its fans?

SB: I think a lot of kids grew up with “The Touch”. Maybe they had the movie and heard “The Touch” and “Dare” over and over. I’ve had a lot of people say things like ‘the soundtrack to my childhood’. It’s awesome to hear things like that.

RBA: Based on everything that you’ve done, what has been your favorite memory as an artist thus far?

SB: Winning the Emmy was obviously a big moment for me, but honestly one of the most moving things was getting a fan letter from a kid in the Midwest who said “The Touch” and “Dare” changed his life. He had been close to suicide at one point, and he said the songs gave him hope and encouragement.

RBA: Any words of advice for aspiring musicians?

SB: It’s been an amazing ride. I guess the one thing a singer friend told me once was ‘never quit!’ You have to believe in yourself and keep doing what’s in your heart.

RBA: You’ve previously had your music released for the Guitar Hero franchise. What was it like knowing people were going to be interactively enjoying your music in this way?

SB: That was really cool. I was at BotCon last summer (2009) when “The Touch” came out on Guitar Hero. Activision had a booth set up and I was playing my song (badly) along with fans at the convention. It was great!

RBA: How did the opportunity present itself for putting your music in the Rock Band Network?

SB: Well, I had been approached many times about putting the song on Rock Band Network, and I finally checked into it.

RBA: What about games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero having an impact on a player’s interest in playing a real instrument at some point… do you think fans of the game would be more or less inclined to give the real thing a
shot after playing these games?

SB: That’s a good question. I suppose if the desire is there, it could lead someone to pursue the real instrument.

RBA: With Rock Band 3 now available, gamers finally have a chance to play REAL guitar in the game, not just a plastic version. What advice do you have for those who wish to make the ultimate transition and learn to play
the real thing?

SB: Practice! Guitar is one of those instruments that no matter how good you are, it’s still fun. You can learn three chords and play entire songs, or learn really intricate music. It’s a blast. I’ve always been as much a singer as a guitarist, though most would say I’m better at singing.

RBA: Being that your music will be featured in Rock Band, have you played the game? Would you play your own song in the game to see how it is?

SB: I’d love to try Rock Band. I’ve only played Guitar Hero before. It’d be an honor to play my own song in the game.

RBA: What’s next for you?

SB: Well, I have a brand new song “Heat of the Battle”, which will be released as a single on iTunes very soon. We’re also planning to shoot a music video for it.

RBA: Is there anything that you would like the Rock Band community to know about you that we haven’t touched on yet?

SB: I’d just like to thank everybody for their support. Please visit stanbush.com!

RBA: Thank you very much, Stan!

Check out full gameplay of Stan’s song in Rock Band in the video at the bottom!

Stan is partnering with RBN author The Authority to offer a contest where you can win signed merchandise from Stan. Check out the video below, or head on over to The Authority for full details. You have until January 11, 2011 to enter!

HUGE thanks to Clinton at The Authority for helping to set this interview up!

Recently, I had the chance to catch up with Make Love And War, an upcoming band that is currently rocking the Baltimore and DC areas of the East coast. Their first Rock Band Network song, “Alone”, is currently in peer review (RBN Creators access required) and should be available for download within the next few weeks.

Their current album, It Is What It Is (IIWII) has 15 tracks and is currently available for digital download from iTunes.

The full interview reveals such things as the bands that Kujo refers to as the holy trinity, more details on the inspiration for such songs as “Charlie Brown Days” and “Alone”, as well as how a certain game we love helped one of the members become a better drummer. Enjoy!

The Interview

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Hot off the release of the RBN Megamix, Rose of Jericho has shown that they have what it takes to be Rock Band Network superstars. They already have 4 songs available from the RBN store (Beautiful Machine, Buried Cold, Take Me Away, Wrong Side of the Sky) with plans to release more from their upcoming album, Out of the Maze.

The full interview reveals details about the band such as where the band name came from, sources of song inspiration for both lyrics and music, and how they ended up in the Rock Band Network.

The Interview

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Background Tracks in Order of Appearance

• 00:00 – 04:10 Signed with Love (Out of the Maze)
• 04:10 – 08:00 Wrong Side of the Sky (These City Lights)
• 08:00 – 10:20 Buried Cold (These City Lights)
• 10:20 – 12:30 Romancing the Ordinary (Out of the Maze)
• 12:30 – 17:10 Midnight Eyes (Out of the Maze)
• 17:10 – 20:55 Beautiful Machine (Out of the Maze)
• 20:55 – 26:18 Find Beauty (Out of the Maze)

Parting Thoughts

I had a great time talking with Matt and Andrea! Many thanks to them both for spending time with me and answering our questions.

If you’d like to know more about Rose of Jericho, be sure to check out their Official Site, YouTube, Twitter, and RBN Profile. They have 2 songs in RBN playtest right now (Midnight Eyes and Signed With Love), so if you’re a creator, I’m sure they would appreciate the reviews and feedback!

Check out their video blogs and additional band photos after the jump!

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The more I get a chance to talk with some amazing guitarists, the more I find out that as big as the music industry appears at times, there is a much smaller fraternity of amazing guitar shredders. I like to picture a smoky underground club where amazing guitarists like Bumblefoot, Rusty Cooley, and Mike Orlando all hang out and just jam. While this probably doesn’t exist, a part of me still believes its out there.

I recently had a chance to catch up with Mike Orlando, who was selected as a top ten finalist for Guitar Player magazine’s Guitar Superstar of the Year in 2008. Similar to some of the RBN master shredders referenced above, Mike will have some music on the RBN sure to challenge some of the best players out there! Check out my chat with Mike below, as he tells us about himself, his music, and his enthusiasm about Rock Band.

RockBandAide: For some of those in the Rock Band community not familiar with you, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Mike Orlando: My name is Mike Orlando and I’m an instrumental rock guitarist who fronts Mike Orlando’s Sonic Stomp Band. I also perform and am with Russell Allen’s (Symphony X vocalist) solo line-up,which our new release will be out soon on Frontiers Records, Adrenaline Fueled Junkies with John Macaluso on drums and a metal band entitled Tred with John as well on drums. All CDs are being tracked and will be done this late fall into winter.

RBA: How would you describe your music to people who have never heard it?

MO: Well, Sonic Stomp is somewhat of the rock instrumental guitar genre pushed to a bit more of the extreme. On Sonic Stomp II, which will be out this September, the 14 new tracks range from real intense playing across the board, but yet always concentrating on the groove and structure of a well put together enjoyable song. I always feel even if you don’t enjoy instrumental guitar playing, I would always like the average music listener to still groove along and enjoy the songs. The tracks range from extremely intense guitar-driven rock to beautiful ballads to bluesy rockin’ tunes and everything in between. There’s also a beautiful acoustic piece entitled “A Sitting Ovation”.

RBA: What was the initial catalyst to get you to pick up a guitar for the first time?

MO: Well my mom bought my father a new acoustic guitar for Christmas when I was real young an he just started showing me stuff right away on it. Some bluesy old Honky Tonk riffs were the first thing I ever learned. Always listened to Les Paul with my father from real early on and that always made me want to rip like he was doing. Then came Van Halen, Rhoads, Malmsteen and I was hooked!

RBA: Who were your early musical influences?

MO: Well at first it was Les Paul. He was an amazingly fast player back in the day and always blew my mind listening to the old Les Paul & Mary Ford albums. All the tracking and playing grabbed me instantly. Then I heard Eruption and it was game over! Of course then onto Randy Rhoads, Yngwie Malmsteen, Al Dimeola which all just blew me away even more making me constantly strive to be better and better. John Sykes, Akira Takasaki, Ronni LeTekro are huge favorites of mine as well as Jake E. Lee & Zakk Wylde. I love and have so many influences and so I always tried to just take an amalgamation of all of them but yet constantly striving to be my own and never copy or imitate.

RBA: What album do you remember listening to growing up that had the biggest impact on you?

MO: To many to list! Started out with Kiss super early. My room was covered with Kiss pictures from ceiling to floor! Van Halen… I would say was the guitar driven rock album that really put me over the top, though. “Blizzard of Ozz” and “Diary of a Madman” were big impacts, as well. I also grew up listening to bands like Rush and the Doors a lot as well because my old sister was very into them.

RBA: Which one of your songs has the most meaning to you?

MO: Well the ballads like “Horizons & Velvet Sky” from “Sonic Stomp I” and “A Vision of You” and “A Sitting Ovation” from “Sonic Stomp II.” Especially “A Vision of You…” It has to me some of my finest work on there and I the track came across with exactly what I was feeling the day I recorded it. I love doing the ballads and slower tracks where I get to be more emotional with my playing, but still always love to just haul some ass as well on all the other tracks too!

RBA: How often do you perform live?

MO: As much as I can. This past year I toured a good amount so far… my first three week tour of Asia across China & Japan. It was amazing, to say the least! Before that was Germany, Shanghai and a bunch in the states. I head back to Shanghai and China this fall and I’m planning a clinic tour with Sonic Stomp drummer extraordinare John Macaluso this year as well. In 2011 I will head back to Germany, China, Japan and through the states as well.

RBA: What is your favorite song to perform live (originals or covers)?

MO: I would say “Wheels in Motion” off “Sonic Stomp I.” It always gets the crowd going and seems to be a great start to every show and performance I do. “Jam On It” is another favorite. It’s just a real bluesy rockin’ groove based track with some cool twists and turns. Though the tracks on my new “Sonic Stomp II” are a blast to play and are becoming big favorites as well. I enjoy pulling out the fretless on the new tracks and having a ball.

RBA: What can your fans expect to see, or more importantly experience, when you perform live?

MO: When I perform live I try to have as much fun as possible and just give an honest, pure, straight from deep down inside performance. I always give 100 percent to each song I perform but always having a ball doing it as well. I try to keep a certain amount of fun and enjoyable aspect to the live show as well, never taking it too seriously. That keeps it entertaining, I feel. The greatest show I ever saw in my life was David Lee Roth’s “Eat Em & Smile Tour.” Dave, Steve and Billy were having so much fun up there yet they were shredding and killing it at the same time! That show was the biggest impact on me to this day for that reason alone.

RBA: You’ve worked with or are close friends with a number of big names in the industry; Zakk Wylde and Bumblefoot, just to name a few. Are there any artists that you would really like to work with that you have not yet?

MO: Well for the new “Sonic Stomp II” I have some really great guest appearances like Mike Romeo (Symphony X), who is a great friend of mine. It is an honor to have him on a track! Also, my bro Gary Hoey who rocks, Shane Gibson (Korn) did a rippin’ solo, Joe Stump, Mike Pinella (Symphony X) plays an amazing piano track on “A Vision of You…” unbelievable performance! I would love to do something with Ronni LeTekro (TNT) and Akira Takasaki (Loudness). I had the pleasure of doing a 25 minute jam session with Akira in Osaka, Japan while on tour. It was the highlight of that tour!

RBA: And just like Bumblefoot, I’ve heard that you are no rookie when it comes to the fretless guitar. What’s it like to learn to play on a guitar like that?

MO: The Fretless is one of my favorite instruments now. Ron turned me onto it a long while back and when I signed with Vigier a few years ago, of course I was pulled right to it. It’s such a great sounding guitar and I use it all over my new “Sonic Stomp II.” Its like playing a violin in ways were you can’t bend the strings, your vibrato is back and forth. You have to pay extreme attention to where and how you position your left hand techniques. I always say never just practice it alone. I always felt when I was learning it, it was best to play to tracks or something so you now when you’re not in key or playing out. That helped in getting used to it a lot quicker.

RBA: Do you ever go back and listen to previous compositions to critique yourself, or does it feel more like looking back at an old yearbook photo?

MO: I don’t usually listen to critique. I enjoy it for what it is usually, but yes I always think what I could have added or done a bit different. But then I just sit back and try not to and just enjoy it.

RBA: What has been your favorite memory as an artist thus far?

MO: I will say the three week tour I just did across China and Japan this past May was amazing. To be able to go to those other countries and perform and be so well received as if I were there all along is such an honor. The people and fans there are just so amazing. It was breathtaking!

RBA: Is there any aspect of your musical history that you would change?

MO: Playing wise , I am happy the journey I took as it has made me into the player I am today. Would I change things, sure. All the bad decisions and bands you get involved in where either this person or that person flakes or has a meltdown and all that stuff that comes into play in music. But the four bands I have now (Sonic Stomp, Russell Allen, Adrenaline Fueled Junkies, and Tred) I am absolutely psyched. I can not wait to debut them all!

RBA: Any advice for aspiring musicians?

MO: I always say just play from your heart and never try to think to much about it. Don’t let what you think might be limitations from your hands hinder what creativity could come out from your mind straight through those same hands you might feel limit you. Also never stop. There’s not a day that doesn’t go by where I want to strive to be better then the last. That determination, to me, is the key.

RBA: How did the opportunity present itself for putting your music in the Rock Band Network?

MO: It came through my rep and now great friend Ron Renn. He contacted through another friend of mine Jason Achilles Mezilis who started the whole thing going. We hit it off and now we are doing all of my projects and bands with Alt Strum and the Rockband Network. It is beyond an honor to be working with Alt Strum and Rock Band! I look forward to working with them for as long as I can do music!

RBA: What about games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero having an impact on a player’s interest in playing a real instrument at some point… do you think fans of the game would be more or less inclined to give the real thing a shot after playing these games?

MO: I think it’s an absolute amazing thing for guitar in general! It makes fans of guitar from the average listener who might not ever be a fan to begin with. The fact now that they’re making it even more like a guitar then ever is so great to me. Once you have the passion to play from just playing the games, that’s the only catalyst you need I feel to pick up the real thing! Plus it’s great for the artists as well for people to hear and enjoy music in the Rock Band store there might never have come across. It’s a win-win situation in my book!

RBA: With Rock Band 3 coming out later this year, gamers will finally have a chance to play REAL guitar in the game, not just a plastic version. What advice do you have for those who wish to make the ultimate transition and learn to play the real thing?

MO: That is just absolutely amazing to me! The best thing they could ever have done! Sure my advice is just dive right in and give it as much determination on that real guitar as you would trying over and over to win that game! Eventually you win, and eventually those beginners become players! Thats the beauty of it!

RBA: Being that your music will be featured in Rock Band, have you played the game? Would you play your own song in the game to see how it is?

MO: Sure I will will definitely try to play all my songs, but as of right now I just kinda suck at it! I so will try over and over to play myself! Hahaha! Ok yes, insert joke right there! Gotta love it! Rock Band rules!

RBA: Is there anything that you would like the Rock Band community to know about you that we haven’t touched on yet?

MO: First off thank you so much to Alt Strum Productions and Rock Band for this tremendous honor! I hope all of you in the Rock Band community enjoy playing all the Sonic Stomp tracks as much as I did creating and recording them! I am so psyched to hear back from you all hopefully and please let me know what you all think! Can’t wait to have Russell Allen, Adrenaline Fueled Junkies, and Tred on Rock Band as well! All the best to everyone in this great Rock Band community!

RBA: Thanks, Mike!

For more info about Mike Orlando, check out his Myspace page. Mike’s music, including his song “Burn,” will soon be appearing in the Rock Band Network! Directly below is a gameplay preview of his Rock Band debut.