A Dirty Dozen with MICK BLANKENSHIP – October 2020

According to a recent press release: “Mick Blankenship, the American rock artist, producer, songwriter, musician, and multi-instrumentalist released his latest single “Rule the World” to all digital outlets. The official music video for the single can be seen below.” We get Mick to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

“Rule the World” is a message to our culture about the mental health risk that comes with social media and fake news. It is pretty straight forward. I try to keep it real and I am very serious about my message of mental health and self worth.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

My father was in a band growing up so it was just normal to me to be a musician. I cant imagine being anything else really. Its who I am.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

Queensrÿche- Operation: mindcrime was a huge inspiration to me. It should be mandatory learning for any musician.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Queensrÿche, Sevendust, Disturbed, Skid Row, and STP.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Brendan Urie HANDS DOWN! I am a huge fan and I think he is just stupid talented. I want to do a whole record with him.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

“Its HARD ROCK but don’t worry, I don’t scream at you” lol. I get compared to Marylin Manson sometimes, but I do not feel that is even close to being accurate but hey, its music and wide open for interpretation.

7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

I cant imagine doing anything else. I wouldn’t fair well in other environments so I guess the freedom of creation is it for me.

8. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Actually in my camp we all love to cook and drink a few beers! We should do more acoustic sing alongs though cause we often don’t have time for that.

9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

It was at a Thousand Foot Krutch concert. I am a huge fan. I got to meet the lead singer Trevor McNevan circa early 2000’s (such a nice guy).

10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

Probably restoring old hot rods and motorcycles.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Yes, I would have NEVER put my faith in others and just do it all on my own in the first place. Frivolous “management” companies are a cancer to young unaware artists. They are the used car salesman of the industry and often have their own interest at heart NOT yours. They have choked out untold amounts of talent over the years.

12.  If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Stone Temple Pilots – Core w/ Brendan OBrien. I have analyzed that record beyond what most are even capable of. It was def their best work. What a great album!

MICK BLANKENSHIP LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: Interviews