MJM
Ten seconds into the chorus of his single ‘Woman From Venus’ and you'll be nodding your head. With an infectious melody and sublime instrumentation, the rock artist known as MJM seems poised to vault straight up the charts.
BLAKE: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
MJM: As we know, the music business is unpredictable. The craziest thing that ever happened to me in my music career is getting worldwide distribution for two albums years after they were first released!. The band was "Rapid Tears" and the albums are entitled "Honestly" & "Cry for Mercy". Now available on Sonic Age Records (Cult Metal Classics).
BLAKE: Your song ’Woman From Venus’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
MJM: That's fantastic.
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your radio single?
MJM: Greek Mythology, love conquers war. Woman from Venus, Man from Mars.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
MJM: From an early age (12) I was gifted with the ability to get an inspiration for a song in my head, transfer it to my guitar and then arrange and direct a band to play the song. Life experiences, love and relationships have often been the fuel behind my creations. Other times it's just a really cool riff that came off my finger tips.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
MJM: Veteran Rock/Metal artist. World Class Guitarist/Composer
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BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
MJM: I enjoy collaborating with my producer Tom Atom. I typically write my songs on my own but having a producer involved really helps take things to a whole new level. Example; Woman from Venus lyrics were entirely re-wrtien by Tom Atom while the song was in production. A good producer has the keen ability to zone in on things that I might have missed or never thought of.
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
MJM: My father played saxaphone and clarinet in the Air Force band. My mother and sister played piano and my two older brothers were also an influence by introducing me to all the new cool music and bands.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
MJM: The ability to create professional music that comes from my own inner thoughts is most self gratifying. It's a gift that is internal. The most challenging thing about being an artist is the music business itself. Getting my music out to the masses by means of proper licensing, promotion and marketing.
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
MJM: All the Iconic rock artists from The Beatles to BlackSabbath and Kiss have really set the Standard for world class music, production and presentation. Johnny Winter was big influence on my guitar playing.
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
MJM: I was doing an outdoor festival. When we came on stage, the crowd turned from 1000 people to 4000 during our first song. Everyone came runinng from the woods and ther tents and rushed the stage. What a powerful feeling!
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
MJM: Learn to play your instrument very well! Learn to understand music theory,it's a huge part of being a good musician. Prepare for dissapointments in the busines but never stop trying,, When you make a good band, stick together.
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
MJM: I just released MJM ?Instrumental? - MJM?s 3rd album, a collection of killer guitar instrumental songs compiled from previous albums ?Dedicated?, ?Ascension? , ?Valley of the Kings? plus new compositions. A new album entitled MJM IV is in prodution. All the songs are written and recorded already so it's just a case of how soon can I finish this one!
BLAKE: I look forward to hearing your new work! Thank you for letting us get to know you better as an artist and I wish you the best of luck and continued success.
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