Almost A Dirty Dozen with MIKE PALACIOS from ANOVA SKYWAY – July 2022

According to a recent press release: “In an exquisite and multilayered expression of progressive and alternative rock; ANOVA SKYWAY will debut their six song EP Reset on July 15, 2022. Pre-Orders including exclusive bundles have launched today along with the new single and are available to order now on the band’s website. ANOVA SKYWAY have also announced the details for their anticipated Reset EP release party taking place Friday August 5, 2022 at Scout Bar in their hometown of Houston, Texas.” We get singer 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 you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

The latest release is unlike anything we’ve ever done. Since me moving to vocals and Sean Gary taking over my spot on guitar, just brings a different feel sonically and I must say, I don’t hate it. A first time listener would know no different but as for someone who knows our sound will notice “there’s something different here.”

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

Since I can remember, my uncle always played guitar, hour upon hours of practicing his favorite songs. So around 11 or 12 I started to really show more interest. Something about seeing someone play an instrument really made me want to be able to do that. At 13 finally got a guitar and never stopped playing since.

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

Early on it was bands like Metallica, Nirvana and Iron Maiden that I really gravitated to. Guitar harmonizing from Maiden, solid riffs from Hetfield and scratchy vocals in Nirvana is all shit I really enjoyed to hear.

4. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

Being at home with family, spending time with my son who’s really taken a liking to skateboarding. Any chance we get, we’re out at a skate park busting our asses. Anything to keep him off video games haha.

5. 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?

A reviewer once described our music as “prog ternative” and ever since, I’ve done the same. Can’t say I’ve ever heard anyone describe our sound in a way that made me cringe.. yet. But all opinions are welcome. Even the bad ones. None of that stuff gets me down.

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

When hanging out, it’s usually at Marksberry’s house (drummer). Gets the pit fired up or makes a great gumbo. Drinks get flowing and we just talk shit to each other. It’s how we express our love for one another. Always a good time.

7. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

It’s not often I will get star struck but years ago I met Mike Patton, I could not for the life of me put together a cohesive sentence. I just remember mumbling some shit, shook his hand and power walked away. Don’t know what the hell was wrong with me. Not to mention I’m awkward as it is so that don’t really help.

8. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Best part of being a musician is everything from the writing process to seeing the final product. I love the entire process. Though it can be time consuming and at times I’m ready to release shit as soon as I write it, at the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, I feel very accomplished what’s we’ve worked hard on. I personally have no other dream job. Music is it.

9. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Never really put a lot of thought into what question I want to be asked but the question | dislike the most is “how would you describe your sound” other than the blanket term “prog ternative” I never really know how to describe it. At times it’s unapologetically heavy and other times it’s soft and melodic. It’s all over the place and I like to leave to the listener to decide what it is to them.

10. 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?

Looking back I wouldn’t change the way things have happened. We’ve gone thru some lineup changes, change in sound, all of it to me is just part of the journey. Wouldn’t be where we are now without it.

11. 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?

For me personally if I could have been a fly on the wall for the studio sessions of De-Loused In The Comatorium by The Mars Volta would be my choice. In my early 20’s that album changed my perspective on how music can be approached. Bizarre soundscaps, polyrhythmic guitar layers and the idea that you make your own rules all the while maintaining a cohesive composition.

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Category: Interviews