A Dirty Dozen with MIKE KOZLICK from FACE THE FIRE – July 2021

According to the bands bio: “Based out of Chicago, IL. Face The Fire is 5 guys looking to forge a path in the local, regional and national music scene. With the diverse musical background of each member this creates a unique sound of Heavy Rock and Metal blending dynamic melodies, intricate guitar work, thunderous drums and monster bass grooves.  Their riffs and catchy choruses will keep you wanting more.” We get drummer Mike to discuss new music, influences, and 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?

“Remember What You’re Made Of” is probably our (collectively as a band) favorite song we have put out so far.  We didn’t hide any nuggets.  We just left them out there for all to enjoy.

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

My big brother played guitar and my step brother played drums.  I always wanted to do what they did.  I think from the moment I picked up a guitar I knew I wanted to be a musician.

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

Oh lots and lots.  I am all over the place as far as what I’m into music wise.  I’ve seen everything from As I Lay Dying to Chris Stapleton and all of it influences me.  I love seeing talented musicians do what they do best!

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Impossible to nail down but I’ll just list 5 bands I think are great.  Thrice, Killswitch Engage, A Day To Remember, Asking Alexandria, and Hands Like Houses.

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

We have worked with Morgan Rose of Sevendust on a few of our songs and that’s been fun.  I guess if I was to pick anyone else… Jeremy from A Day To Remember.  That would be sweeeet!

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?

I always have a hard time with that.  We are like a heavy, rock, metal, punk core I don’t know haha.  Just have a listen, we have something for everyone!  I don’t think anyone has really put me off as far as a comparison.  We just do our own thing and I think people appreciate that for the most part!

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

Being so rich.  That’s my one and only joke.  Creating memories, leaving a little mark in time that will be around after you are gone, having a song you wrote help someone through a tough time.  There are a few, the list could go on and on.

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?

I think I’m the only one that really cooks food when we hang out.  Kevin gets the drinks in every time.  Matt or I will usually pop out a guitar!

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

I don’t really get starstruck to be honest.

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

I also work on high performance cars for a living so I like that well enough but I’ve always wanted to get into flipping houses as well.

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?

We can always look back and find things to pick apart.  Nothing is a failure if you learn from it that makes it a lesson.  We have come a long way and I’m proud of us!

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?

Seeing as we only have one record I’ll just say I love all the times with my brothers in the studio.  I love what we have accomplished and look forward to the future!  The times and the memories from that record can never be taken away or replaced!

FACE THE FIRE LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

Category: Interviews