Rosedale is a blossoming pop-punk artist with some big things in the works. Dancey, emotional and uplifting, frontman Mike Liorti is the brains and brawn behind the music. Recently, the Toronto artists sat down with us to chat about his career and the future.
What would you like to see your group accomplish within the next three years?
A Sustainable career in music with a message to devote your life to your passion.
Talk to us about your writing process and environment, what are some of the factors and influences behind your instrumental and lyrical content?
I had a lot of heroes growing up so their sound has influenced my writing quite a bit. I write lyrics that reflect my life. Most of which revolve around my drive to get better, the struggles that come with it, growing up, and again, my heroes.
If you could collaborate with any artist or group, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would have loved to work with Jerry Finn. He produced so many of my favorite records and I continue to worship his work. I feel that I would have learned so much from him.
Tell us about your day-to-day life, discuss the role of music either as a full time job or the time it shares with your other obligations in life.
When I’m on tour I have a pretty regular routine consisting of getting ready of that night’s show whilst making sure everything is in order for the next few shows. Occasionally I’m handling gear repairs and content from the road as well but that’s the majority of my at home schedule. I also try to stay active as much as possible with a gym membership and hockey. I would say music is more of my full time life than it is a job.
What has been the Highlight of your musical journey so far?
The highlight for me was playing 2012 Warped Tour for the first time. Not only getting on stages, but seeing some of my favorite bands come check out my set in the parking lot (before I was invited onto the tour) and buy my merch/CDs. It was so unexpected and flattering. Looking back on that summer seems surreal.
Describe your gear.
In the words of everyone: “A lot”. Along with my 4 piece backline I sequence my show with my laptop running programmed lights, automated FX on my vocals/backing vocals/guitar/keys, a fog machine, and re-amped di lines for any musicians that couldn’t make that show. It sounds confusing and overwhelming but most sound engineers thank me and I’ve got my changeover time down to 7 minutes. But I’m definitely always the first one at the venue and last to leave.
Tell us what artists/bands you’re listening to at this moment in time and why they appeal to you.
I listen to my own new music mostly. As soon as it’s released to the public I don’t listen to it anymore unless I’m teaching the parts to a new member (which is also quite often). Other than that I listen to a lot of the same artists I listened to in high school. I like seeing how they’ve evolved. I’ll also try to listen to some new artists that give me their CDs on the road.
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