Band Interview: Apache Stone w/Michael Lombardi (of TV hit series "Rescue Me")

There are some individuals who are graced with more than one ability, giving them that extra edge. Growing up as a drummer/musician, Michael Lombardi new where he was going. Until one day, his ambitions lead him to acting on a hit TV Series called “Rescue Me.” Now, getting back to his roots, Lombardi is all about multitasking and proving that his abilities are beyond measure in his new band called Apache Stone. One thing is for sure, the future of Apache Stone is bright and full of great success.
STILLCODA: How was the transition from being a drummer/musician to an actor and coming back full circle?

MICHAEL: I started playing drums when I was young; my uncle was a great drummer and bought me my first drum set. Later on, I went to a drummer’s school in New York City and was exposed to acting, Broadway, everything. It just opened a lot of doors that I hadn’t previously been exposed to. So I started the acting, started taking the acting classes, where you’re trained to use everything you had. When you’re playing drums, you get into the tunes and movements and become “one” with it. It’s the same thing with acting, you get into character and both of those things kind of come together in that moment. I had worked on my voice, written a lot of lyrics, poetry over the years and turned them into songs that told a story that you want to know.

STILLCODA: What were people’s reactions like when you started talking about forming a band, especially seeing that most were used to working with you on a acting stand point?

MICHAEL: Being in a band has always been my thing, playing in several throughout the years; it’s always been my number one thing. I’ve been so, so, so fortunate to be a working actor and having a passion for music, has been amazing. I think people on “Rescue Me” kind of knew that I had passion for music, knowing that I played drums, but didn’t realize to what level I was taking it. I think their response was “Oh boy, what’s this going to be…” (laughs). Dennis Leary, the shows writers, and a few other people found out that I was in a band. And like a lot of the story lines in “Rescue Me,” they pull things out of real life while making it very comedic and dramatic, adds more to the story. Dennis Leary actually came to see us play a few times and ended up writing in an interesting story line for me with the band. I think they realized it was more serious for me and it went better than they thought. With the story line, there are very comedic elements, but we were able to put on there a bunch of our original songs.

STILLCODA: What are some of the hardest things you have to work with or work around while being a musician and an actor?

MICHAEL: It’s been very difficult, but worth it. I usually know when I’m shooting in New York City for “Rescue Me” for 22 Episodes, knowing when my character’s needed, my storyline, all of it. So on the off time of doing that, I’d be in studio, writing with the band, practicing, rehearsing, all of it. While working as an actor, I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to afford studio time whenever we can get in there. Committing to a band is a tremendous amount of work, not only are you working with different personalities but dealing with everything else that comes from a band. Booking shows, promoting, booking hotels, getting venues, recording, getting producers, everything is involved.

STILLCODA: On a normal day for you, what’s filled in?

MICHAEL: A lot of the time, I know that I’ll be filming all day and that I’ll be done at a certain time. Sometimes we do 12-14 hour days but other days we’ll do 16-18 hour days. So I always know when I’ll be off. So if I go in at 6am, I’ll be done by 6pm and have rehearsal at 7pm. Other days we’ll have rehearsal per episode.

STILLCODA: What have been some of the expectations you’ve gotten from people that have been with you through this whole process with the music?

MICHAEL: Being an actor and being in a band, there’s always this kind of stigma around it and I totally understand that, but I’m doing what I love to do. I know that there are so many other actors doing the same thing, but there are also a lot of musicians who act as well. So you just have to do your thing and enjoy every step of the way, no matter what you end up or where it takes you. I’m definitely learning a lot but I have to say, I think the music stands on its own and I’m very proud of it.

STILLCODA: Having the music stand on its own is what makes it for any band, it’s makes them memorable. How did you find the other members of the band to join you in this?

MICHAEL: I started playing with Hank Woods, which is the guitar player, and I met him through a mutual friend. He and I started playing together and we had a drummer and a bass player at the time. So we’d rehearse and have fun, did some cover songs then I really started getting serious about it. Hank and I had a pretty good vision of where we wanted to go with it but the drummer and bass player we had at the time, didn’t. So we moved on and Hank had a friend Mark that he went to Berkley with. He said “Hey, I have this drummer and he’s great!” So we auditioned Mark and we brought him in. Then Mark had a friend who was a bass player, David. So we met with David and he was awesome, he knew all the songs coming in so he added so much more. Then Nick, the other guitar player came in and we widen the sound and have a complete group now. We’d rehearsal like 4 days a week, put gigs under our belt and everything. Now we have a real band, people that stand behind each other.

STILLCODA: What are some of the future plans for Apache Stone?
MICHAEL: Right now, we’re just focused on getting to the next level. We have a great manager, Becky that just jumped on board with us. She’s helped booking us with some great charity events for the Firefighters along with some shows along the way. It’s perfect to be able to play for Firefighters as their jobs are so dangerous and they’re such amazing people. So we’re just taking it to the next level by playing a lot more throughout the summer. We have a bunch of options for record labels; we have songs on ITunes, Myspace, all of the social networks. So right now, we’re getting a lot of great responses from everyone, from the internet, everything. Hopefully we’ll grow enough that we can tour and get another album written within the next year or two. So we’ll see what happens and I’m going to enjoy the ride for as long as I can. Have fun playing!
STILLCODA: When you’re writing a song, what are things that you pull from around to help create that song?

MICHAEL: I really write for the thought of the song. Whether I want it to have a killer bass or a hard rock tone, I like to think of the song and how it’ll make me feel. A lot of my stuff isn’t majorly up tempo, its more music that can really move you and expresses a lot. I’ll take that feeling, take some poetry that I’ve written and write about what I know from my own life’s journey. I’m really, really driven by lyrics and telling the story. I want to make it colorful but explaining it in a way that a symbol for a word can be used instead of an actual word.

STILLCODA: What is one song that either you or others are really drawn to most out of all the ones you’ve performed or that are out there?

MICHAEL: So far, we have about 3-4 songs on our Myspace page that people listen to. “Synthetic Self” is the one that’s on the airwaves right now, so that one seems to be drawing people in more. But other people tell me “Highlighted Life” is their favorite. I love them both but there’s a song called “Let it Live” that’s a really killer tune. There’s another song called “Ways to Nowhere” that has a really nice open chorus to open it up. It’s hard to say which one I’m more drawn to as they’re all ones I’m drawn to. “Without Tomorrow” has that epic classic rock feeling to it that’s one of my favorites.
STILLCODA: We definitely can’t wait to hear everything you guys are working on and see what the future holds for the band! Apache Stone has a clear path ahead of it and I for one can’t wait to see it!

MICHAEL: Thank you so much! We can’t wait to be able to get out there and play for you and for everyone!



Make sure to stop by and listen to Apache Stones new music and keep an eye out for their shows and future appearances on the hit TV Series “Rescue Me.” Links to Apache Stone: MYSPACE: www.myspace.com/apachestonemusic FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pages/Apache-Stone

Band Interview: All That Remains

There’s one band that has been calling everyone’s attention all over the world: their heavy rifts to crooning melodies, All That Remains is on the rise and getting the recognition that they deserve. Wrapping up touring in the US, All That Remains goes abroad and I got the chance to talk with Mike right after playing a set in Germany. The time difference is definitely notable but also the fact that everyone was in good spirits after a sweaty-fun-filled set is even better.

STILLCODA: What’s it like having songs featured on movies and games like Saw III, Guitar Hero, Rock Band, etc?

MIKE: It kind of serves as a promotional tool for the younger generation. We actually have a Guitar Hero so we’ve played the game anyways but once our song was on it, we would sit in the back of the bus and try to play it over and over again. It was kind of hilarious but also surreal cause it says your name in it and everything. For me, it was having our individual names in there that me so excited (both laugh).

STILLCODA: How is it playing your song on Guitar Hero vs actual playing the real thing? Is it as confusing as other musicians have said?

MIKE: Yea, it’s definitely completely different and it’s definitely not like a real instrument. Trying to get used to color coding….wow (both laugh).

STILLCODA: You’re on tour in Europe right now, how’s it going so far?

MIKE: It’s going really well, again very surreal cause we’re playing big festivals. Within the last 3 months, we’ve played with bands I never thought it’d humanly possible to play with. We’ve been really lucky not only to play for so many people but also being able to play with a bunch of bands that’s we’ve always liked or bands that we just never thought we’d see again. We played some shows with Limp Bizkit which was hilarious; Korn, Staind, Alice in Chains and Slipknot. It’s just been ridiculous. The craziest thing was that Sammy Hagar played the other night and he walked by me in the dressing room. I was like “Holy shit!” You want to say hi to them or something but I’m always afraid some big security guards gonna tackle me and beat the shit outta me (both laugh). They’re definitely a different level than us so it’s just crazy.

STILLCODA: What are some differences in touring in Europe vs in the

US?

MIKE: There’s not a lot of differences in shows and stuff. The airports are defiantly different. Some of the smaller areas, the fans are a little crazier (laughs). They’re not as ‘spoiled’ as they don’t get as many shows. But as far as the rest of touring goes, being spoiled Americans like us (laughs), there are certain luxuries that are scarce over here that kinda bums us out at times. But we suck it up. A lot of the time, we get these really nice hotels and say “Oh man this is beautiful,” then find out there’s no air conditioning, and we’re in the summer time (both laugh). So it’s hard to come by air conditioning and also ice. Ice isn’t to be found. It’s a foreign concept over here (both laugh). And the food is….generally…it’s kind of terrible too (laughs). We had McDonalds today and I was so siked! We call it the American Embassy cause every time I see a McDonalds or something, I get so excited. So whenever we see one, we say “Oh look! It’s the American Embassy!” (Both Laugh). I feel like a kid in the back seat waiting for a Happy Meal (both laugh).

STILLCODA: Throughout the bands history, the band has had it’s share of members. Now, having the same members for the past few years, how have these changes made the band stronger today?

MIKE: Yea, having the same 5 members makes everything a lot better on every angle. It’s just a pain in the ass in general, to switch members and what not. But after everyone’s solid, the chemistry for writing is so much better. Everyone knows each others writing processes so no one steps on anyone’s toes or anything. Writing for most bands happens like once every two years for those on tour but for others it’s once every year. So when we get together to write, we know each other well enough to know when someone’s having a bad say (laughs). It’s just nice on all levels to have the same people for once. We’ve had the same members for about 2.5 years and that’s a record for us (both laugh).

STILLCODA: What’s been the writing process like now for the band in general?

MIKE: With the individual parts, Oli our guitar player, comes up with a bunch of different parts. He’ll come in with a computer basically full with several different rifts, rough song structures. That’s when we all together and go from there. So doing an actual song, is a five way deal with us. But Oli’s definitely bringing in the most in the beginning. We’re so lucky to have someone like him, that’s able to crank them out like that.

STILLCODA: The latest album, “Overcome,” was released in September 2008. What’s some of the responses that you’ve gotten since it’s been out?

MIKE: It’s been weird actually. It’s by far been the most successful album, so with more success comes more hate I guess. It’s kind of like the hate on the internet is a sign you’re doing well (both laugh). You go from being the underground-sweetheart band on the internet to being on the Billboard charts and such, to having people pissed off that you’re doing well (both laugh). I’ll take the extra criticism if it sells 3x as many albums as the previous one.

STILLCODA: Is it almost bittersweet to know that there’s all this “hate” out there but at the same time, the shows are always sick, everyone seems to know the songs and you’re playing with other bands you never thought you’d ever tour with?

MIKE: The balance between the two, is different I guess. For every 2 posts of people not liking something, there’s 1000 other posts saying how much they love the music. So it’s hard to explain. Like I’ve seen posts about how some people know every song but see another saying that they hope our bus flips off a cliff and we all die (laughs).

STILLCODA: You’re like “Really? Was that really necessary?” (laughs).

MIKE: Exactly! So I just choose to skip those ones. It’s just easier that way.

STILLCODA: Speaking of experiencing things, what’s a crazy story that’s happened to the band recently?

MIKE: It’s so funny that you asked that cause two nights ago when we were playing in Austria with a bunch of bands/friends and everyone was kind of drinking. Our drummer Jason, tends to get too rowdy for his own good when he’s drunk (both laugh). He accidently smashed his hand against a table. His knuckles look completely caved in and his hand looks like its completely broken right now. So he had to suffer through our headlining set tonight. He could barely hold a drum stick (laughs). We started to panic a little last night knowing that we had a lot of big shows coming up. He sucked it up and did it though. We gave him a lot of crap on stage tonight just to make fun of him for being a drunken idiot (both laugh).

STILLCODA: What about any crazy fan stories?

MIKE: Yeah! We played the show in Austria and I was wearing shorts. These two girls grabbed my legs and started kissing them! I thought that was hilarious! To me it’s pretty mind blowing! We’ve played a lot of radio station type shows which are different that what we’re used to playing. Girls will get on top of people’s shoulders and take their tops off. And I’m just like “Well…this is…interesting” (both laugh). We’re not used to seeing that. I was trying to get my guitar tech’s attention one day for fixing something in the monitors. I looked over and his eyes were huge and glued on these chicks (both laugh). We’re just not used to stuff like that. It’s all Rock n Roll and I like that (both laugh).

STILLCODA: I saw you guys play at Rock on the Range in Ohio this year. What was that experience like for you?

MIKE: It was awesome! We got to play with Alice in Chains, which was cool as they’re one of my favorite bands along with a bunch of the others that played. I did something like 9 radio interviews that day while they were telling us how much they loved the songs and watching us play. It was definitely a surreal experience.

STILLCODA: With all the positive feedback, what’s something you’re looking to do in the next 6 months?

MIKE: Just to have a great time on the tours, sell more records, just anything; To have a good time and keep going.

STILLCODA: Well I can’t wait to see what you guys bring in the coming year and hope to see you play again! Thank you so much for talking with me today! Good luck on the rest of the tour and we’ll see you soon!

MIKE: Not a problem! Thank you and we’ll see you soon too!

MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT ALL THAT REMAINS PHOTOS FROM ROTR @ WWW.STILLCODA.COM

MYSPACE:

www.myspace.com/allthatremains

WEBSITE:

www.allthatremainsonline.com

A New Adventure....

Looking back on the past year or two, I've realized how much has happened in my life. I have major upsets to amazing moments. I've never really known where the road would leave me: what would I see? Who would I meet? What would I learn? What would I feel? When would things change? Every kind of question you can think of, I've asked myself. And the truth is, everything and more has taken place.

I think one of the biggest things I'm dealing with is how there are people out there that will do everything in their power to make you feel you're not worthy. Worthy of what? Being worth to yourself, first of all, being worthy as a human, a friend, a coworker, an artist, everything. I'm struggling to find out why people will do this to another person. The answer, I'll never know. I don't think it's something you can answer. At the same time, I'm also beyond thankful for those people who upon talking to, have opened my eyes to another world. I'm always amazed at how amazing the artist in everyone plays it's own tune. So that in itself, almost erases all the negative others will try to force on you.

So after months of constant work, heartache, frustration, emotions and everything else, I'm embarking on a new adventure. I've tried various lines of "work" and have come to the conclusion all I want is to be happy creating pieces that mean something to me and maybe someone else as well. I want to talk to people with the same drive and learn from them as well. There are so many paths to this one road, I'm looking forward to this journey.