ION INDIE MAGAZINE July 2015, Volume 14 | Page 148

DJ: We all started playing music at an early age, so it was never a question of wanting to entertain. It was when do we get to
entertain--it's what we love to do.
Kiki: What distracts you most on stage?
RM: People trying to get up on stage. Or, if they make it on stage, having to be removed.
DJ: That's a loaded question!!! We try real hard not to get distracted on stage, but sometimes it just can’t be avoided (ladies).
Kiki: Tell me about your funniest moment on stage?
RM: For me, personally, it was when the Johnny Van Zant Band was on tour with NIGHT RANGER. They came on stage dressed
as clowns during our last night at RED ROCKS Colorado.
DJ: There's been a couple that come to mind…like one of us busting our ass on stage. It wasn't too funny at the time, but later
it was hilarious.
Kiki: Could you share your most poignant “fan” moment; something that really stuck with you and left an impression?
DJ: Our fans are great, so to single one out of many would be hard. But it's when one comes up and tells you how much one of
your songs mean to them--that's when it all comes home.
Kiki: I’m sure you’d agree that the internet has changed EVERYTHING where music is concerned. What are your thoughts
regarding this age of the World Wide Web in relation to today’s artist?
RM: The internet is great for exposure as a whole, but not good as far as music is still being pirated and the almost non-existent
pay for streaming music and sites offering free downloads.
DJ: The internet has changed everything! It's a great tool for independent artists to reach a wide audience that was
unreachable before.
Kiki: What individual(s) has most influenced you—both as a musician and as a person?
RM: Uncle Ronnie influenced me the most as a person and musician, because I was raised around him…JOHN BONHAM as a
drummer. As far as bands...SAVOY BROWN, FREE, THE EAGLES, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, 38 SPECIAL, etc.
DJ: We all have our own personal influences. They range from the earliest Blues to the latest Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Kiki: I believe both of you understand the challenges for the modern musician as you are “seasoned” performers. As ION Indie
Magazine was founded on the premise of giving independent artists a “hand up”, what piece of advice would you give a young
“up and coming” artist? What mistakes have you made in your career that—if you had the chance—you would want a “do
over”?
RM: I would advise to practice, practice, practice. Stay humble--always take an ego check. As Uncle Ronnie used to say, "If
you think you're hot, you're probably not." No drugs or alcohol; both are bad for you and now frowned upon in the industry.
You have to pay your dues, but don't get used. Keep your publishing rights. Stay in control of your career--your destiny; don't
let people who may have an agenda take over. Remember, it is your career...not theirs. I can't think of anything I would do
over, because all roads eventually led to Shanytown!
DJ: Don't do it, stay in school! No, just kidding--you have to believe in what you're doing. This is something you have to love
to do and want more than anything. Learn to turn off the naysayers and stay on course. As far as mistakes go, you're going to