A Dirty Dozen with MICHAEL THOMAS BECK from ESCAPE THE HIVE – November 2023

According to a recent press release: “Phoenix based melodic rockers ESCAPE THE HIVE have released their debut album, This is Gonna Sting today via Shock Records / Vanity Music Group. Following the release of three singles – “It’s Not Alright,” “In Between,” and “Separate Lives” ESCAPE THE HIVE quickly built a strong following both online and on the ground as the band proved themselves in the live sector alongside artists such as Angel, The Iron Maidens and others. This is Gonna Sting was recorded at Soundvision Studios in Phoenix and was produced by frontman Michael Thomas Beck, who knew exactly what he was going for sound wise with the record.” We get Michael Thomas 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?

It’s for fans of 70s radio hard rock. We wanted to take it more along the lines of Boston, Foreigner, and Journey.  Lots of big chorus and harmonies with a bit of hidden progressive touches ala Kansas.

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

It most likely had something to do with KISS. I guess a lot of us can trace it back to them.

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

Definitely 70’s and 80’s hard rock in general.

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

There are a lot of dream collaborations that come to mind. But I’m pretty happy with the band I’m surrounded with at the moment.

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

I have always done this weird thing while on tour. If there is some downtime, I like to walk through neighborhoods. You really get a sense of where you’re at by the houses in a neighborhood. Just something I’ve always done.

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 would describe it as music you would’ve heard in the late 70s early 80s in the hard rock genre. Love that style of writing and all the harmonies with a really great band underneath it. I got compared to Jon Bon Jovi once. That kind of came out of left field. Lol.

7. 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?

Conrad, our guitar player is the first to bust out the guitar. The drinks and the party in general are usually flowing somewhere near AD, our drummer. I’m not sure who cooks. But we are all definitely in for a great meal!

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

We got to open for Angel at the Whisky back in April. They were the very first band I saw in concert. Opening for Rush. And although I don’t get starstruck very often, singer, Frank Dominio had me a little giddy. Haha. It was weird. But a cool weird!

9. 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?

It would have to be something creative. My day job is as a producer and recording engineer. I love being around creative people.

10. 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?

Well given my short time in Red Dragon Cartel, I’ve heard the “What’s it like working with Jake E. Lee?” A lot. And the answer is, it was great. He is a guitar hero for a reason. And I get why it’s asked, it’s just kind of a general question. I’m not sure what I would like to be asked. I’ll let you know when I hear it. Lol. Maybe how was last night’s show at Madison Square Garden? Ha ha. Although, the band hanging out question you asked was pretty cool. Ha ha. Don’t think I’ve ever been asked that. Kudos!

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?

You can’t be a creative person without having missteps. I’m not sure you can even be a person without them. Lol. But every misstep is also a learning opportunity, otherwise you’re just gonna repeat it. I’ve been in situations that I wish I would’ve gotten out of sooner. I knew I had learned my lesson and stuck around anyway. But I’m pretty happy where I’m at now.

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?

As a recording, engineer and producer, that’s a big question. Anything old Aerosmith would be great. They are so creative the way they write their parts. That was the first band. I really grabbed onto after being a KISS fan for a long time. They were there right when I needed them. Lol.

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Category: Interviews