How was Spiritual Beggars spawned?

I started the band in ’93 – I wanted to play something like the old early 70’s hard rock like Sabbath, Purple, Mountain etc etc… That’s how it started, it’s been a fun ride too…I am pretty pleased with all our albums and achievements so far!


Who are some of your biggest influences?

Obviously, Sabbath and Purple…Iommi and Blackmore – what more do you need!? But I do get a lot of inspiration from tons of bands and musicians…too many to mention really. I have so many records…one early 70’s fave that I have is Stray Dog and their guitar player Snuffy Walden..that guy ripped like no other, wow…I love listening to those guys from that period just tearing it up – with SOUL…that is so rare today. Frank Marino is another hero of mine – Mahogany Rush is some of the best music I know.


How are things shaping up with the new record? Is there an official release date yet?

No release date as of yet. There will be something about that soon enough I think, we are just trying to find the best home we can for Spiritual Beggars .


How does the band prep themselves for going into the studio? I am guessing you record with analog, am I right?

The new album we just did, we did that analog yes. You just can’t replace the 2” tape if you are going for a fat and warm sound I think.  I don’t mind Pro-Tools and digital recording though. I am not a die hard analog freak really - but it does sound good! I always use a lot of different effects and stuff, mainly old pedals…various phasers etc…old tape delays too – I love that stuff, can’t get enough of it!


What kind of guitars do you use?

My ESP’s from the ESP custom shop in Tokyo, Japan. They are probably the best guitars I have played – and they belong to me, which is great! I also have a couple of 70’s Gibsons and few other guitars that I don’t use too much. Although I did use a Fernandes “Burn” Les paul on the new album for a part…it’s got the Sustainer pick up system and I wanted that E-bow effect.


How have you been treated by the music business?

It’s been an interesting mix of being kicked in the teeth and kissed in the A-hole! I don’t complain, there are musicians out there who have been dealt a much worse fate.


What are your views about internet file sharing?

I am not against it, because there is no way of stopping it. Most people like free stuff and they don’t consider it stealing at all. What can you do? The music industry has been greedy over a long period of time and this new technology has come along and changed a lot of things for all of us. The saddest part about this is that labels are not signing good music so much now, there is too much of a risk involved financially. Everybody is selling less. Yeah,..it’s a tough question! Ha-ha…


How do you like to spend your free time?

With my family and friends.


What frightens you?

To start writing boring, tired music. Like most of my old musical heroes eventually do/did!


You incorporate a lot of different styles with your music, does that come through in your fan base?

Yes, I think it does. Fans of Spiritual Beggars are a very mixed lot! Which is great! Variety is the spice of life…


Your guitar work is brilliant! How long have you been playing?

I have been playing for close to 20 years. Great to hear that you enjoy what I do the guitar, thanks!


Do you have any advise for wanna be or struggling musicians?

The music business is basically a shallow pool of piss and shit, ha-ha… Just play what you want to play and not what you might think other people around you would like you to play.


Care to share any views on world events?

Not really, no… I try not to use the little platform that I have through being a musician to push my views on things. Maybe some of it comes out through my music and lyrics, but that is more subtle and a part of being artist I think.


Michael, thanks for taking the time out of you schedule for Adrenalin 'Zine and its readers, any closing statements you would like to add?

Thank you for the interview and support.

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