Page 14 - ION Indie Magazine JanFeb 2020 Issue

MH: I really like your single, especially the dance mix. Now changing gears…what's the
best and worst thing about playing clubs? The bigger venues?

MGS: Clubs…first off, I don't care if you are playing a men's room -- and by the way, I have played

more than one (a trumpet or most instruments for that matter, sound GREAT in a men’s room).
Anywhere you play offers the opportunity for you to be heard, even if it's just one person listening.
You have the opportunity to make an impression, to display your talent, to share something special
with even just one person…to make a connection. That is an amazing opportunity for a person --
to do something you love. If you do not seize the moment, even for just one person, you are missing

out. If you believe otherwise, you better change that goddamn attitude!

That being said, I have played a thousand clubs across the country and around the world. I've had
some of the greatest shows in the world and some of the worst. Some clubs have great sound
systems and some have holes in the stage that you will fall through during your performance. At
the end of the day, it does not matter! Would you rather be playing by yourself in the basement?
Get out anywhere and play! But I must admit, having a great drum box can change the attitude of

the whole night!

Bigger venues like amphitheaters and arenas in particular are always something amazing. I make
a special notation under arenas because there is nothing like the sound of drums turning the walls
into Jell-O in an arena. The idea of so many people coming together to celebrate your music and

to support you is nothing short of a dream come true. To raise your hand in front of 20,000 plus
people, and have them all raise their hand in triumph of rock and roll is a very, very addictive drug.
The bond one can form with an audience is truly something so special that if you attempt to convey
the message to someone, they will never understand unless they do it themselves. One thing is,
for sure, when you see a picture or video of it being done, people can get a pretty good idea. I think

all of us at one time or another have attended a concert and were moved out of our seat to rise and
scream for the band. What an amazing feeling to be part of that group! Now, imagine just being on
stage and receiving all of that energy, all of that excitement, all of that power, all of that love! It is
the single greatest thing that I have ever encountered and have been blessed with experiencing so
many times. Can you imagine trading all of that for the feeling just one person gives you? That's

what my song ‘With You...’ is all about.

MH: Have you ever worked with other artists or considered a musical collaboration?

MGS: I have, but not extensively. First off, writing with Trixter is always a collaboration. I was not a
major contributor, but here and there. I have also done some writing with some friends…Chris
Caffery of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. But quite honestly, it is something I would probably like to do

more of, but until recently, I didn't think I was really that good at it. But times are a-changing.

MH: Talk a little bit about that DIY model and the challenges of doing almost everything
yourself.

MGS: There are many pros and there are certainly cons. The idea of doing things just the way you
want to without any hindrance of outside parties is a pretty cool thing. However, sometimes those

parties actually know what they are talking about and it's always good to have someone to keep you
honest and on the right track. But these days, you certainly have the opportunity to do things just
the way you see fit. Song production, video treatment, your look, your sound, the manner in which
you present yourself to the world, it is all under your control. That's pretty cool! (con’t)