Stryper.com post interview w/ Mike Sweet Jr.
August 30, 2009
Mike Sweet Jr. Interview
By: Brett Christensen
Date: August 26, 2009
www.stryper.com
When Stryper fans hear the name Mike Sweet, they think of the lead singer of Stryper. But that may change after Stryper’s 25th Anniversary Tour, as there will be TWO Mike Sweets on tour! The band Flight Patterns, whom will be the opening band on this tour, is also fronted by Michael Sweet. More accurately, it’s fronted by Mike Sweet Jr. Fresh from recording their first EP, he sits down with Stryper.com for this exclusive interview:
Stryper.com: Is this the first interview you’ve ever done?
Mike Sweet Jr.: Yes, it is!
Stryper.com: Well, we’re honored to be your first! How long have you been performing?
MSJ: I started off playing the drums for awhile, and then I ventured over to guitar about four or five years ago. I’ve been playing in local bands for the last couple of years. When I was in Providence, I played in a band called Sounds Like A City, and I was doing that for about two years. Then I started up Flight Patterns in February of last year.
Stryper.com: How did you meet the guys in the band?
MSJ: I actually met Max, the other vocalist in the band, while I was living in Providence. He was a solo artist, a singer – songwriter, who performed in coffee shops and local venues. We got together, and had the same taste in music. We enjoyed jamming together and we ended up writing this one song. We always talked about starting a band later on down the road, and we finally did. We kinda pieced the rest of the band together, through friends and what not.
Stryper.com: What style of music is Flight Patterns?
MSJ: It’s very very poppy, kinda like pop punk. Very fun, upbeat music. We are technically not a Christian band. There are a couple members in the band that are Christians, but we feel that we could reach a wider range of fans pursing this as a secular band.
Stryper.com: Are you the only vocalist?
MSJ: It’s shared vocals. About half and half, and we both also play guitar.
Stryper.com: And you have a new CD coming out?
MSJ: It’s done, and being pressed right now. It should be released by the first show of the tour. Hopefully it will catch on with radio and we’ll get signed to a major label at one point.
Stryper.com: And that will be on Stryper’s Fifty Three Five label?
MSJ: Yes, it’s a five song EP.
Stryper.com: What are your musical influences, not counting your dad. Does he count? (laughs)
MSJ: Yeah, he counts. (laughs) I grew up with it, so I’m sure that’s what greatly influenced me to do music. I listen to everything. I’ve been influenced by so many different bands. In my early teenage years, I was really into the pop punk thing, bands like New Found Glory. I slowly discovered different styles of music and listened to everything I could. Everything’s inspired me. Everything from indie rock, to country and folk music.
Stryper.com: What’s currently on shuffle in your IPOD?
MSJ: I’m listening to a lot of We The Kings right now. And the band Hit The Lights, I’m really into that right now.
Stryper.com: Has Flight Patterns performed any gigs yet?
MSJ: No, we’ve all performed in other bands, but our first show will be September 11th.
Stryper.com: How often are you rehearsing for the tour?
MSJ: We rehearse five nights a week, from eight to midnight.
Stryper.com: How long will your set be?
MSJ: I believe about 25 minutes.
Stryper.com: Having the name Mike Sweet, is that an advantage, a disadvantage, or it doesn’t matter?
MSJ: It’s definitely an advantage. People know who he is, and they respect him as a musician. So it definitely helps a lot.
Stryper.com: Have you heard Stryper’s latest, Murder By Pride?
MSJ: Yes I have. I heard it before it was mastered. It’s great.
Stryper.com: Does your dad come to you and bounce ideas off of you?
MSJ: All the time! He comes over with his acoustic guitar while he’s working on a song and asks my opinion.
Stryper.com: Do you get any writer credit for that? (laughs)
MSJ: Um…. No. (laughs)
Stryper.com: What’s one thing about your dad that Stryper fans might not know?
MSJ: They probably already know this, but he takes like three hours to get ready every morning! (more laughs)
Stryper.com: We have pictures of you in the Stryper Vault where you’re on stage with Stryper at a very young age. What do you remember?
MSJ: I kinda remember it. I think there’s video footage of me running out on stage during one show.
Stryper.com: Do you get stage fright?
MSJ: No, but we’ll see playing larger venues. But playing the local club scene, I don’t have a problem.
Stryper.com: Do you have any rituals before you go on stage?
MSJ: I just keep it cool, relaxed. I drink a lot of water and do my vocal warm-ups.
Stryper.com: Has your dad ever given you any vocal tips?
MSJ: No, not really. He helped me out with the guitar earlier on, but I’m pretty much self taught.
Stryper.com: Does your band have a website yet?
MSJ: We don’t have a website, but we have a MySpace page. We will be putting up a merch store soon though, and you’ll be able to buy the EP there.
Stryper.com: When you’re out and about, do you ever get recognized?
MSJ: It happens at the Stryper shows, people recognize me. But when I’m out around town, no.
Stryper.com: Our sincere condolences on your mother’s passing. She was a great and well respected woman. What are your fondest memories of her?
MSJ: There are so many great memories. She was probably the greatest mother anyone could ever have. The greatest wife… she was a fantastic woman. She really did care about my sister and I, our education, and who we were as people. She was just amazing and is greatly missed.
Stryper.com: Any closing thoughts?
MSJ: We’re really looking forward to this tour, and we hope the fans enjoy it. I hope to put on a good show for them, and we’re really excited about it!
FLIGHT PATTERNS WEB SITE: www.myspace.com/flightpatternsma
2009 Murder By Pride | Big 3 Records
August 26, 2009
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The USA release is a digipak CD. The first printing has a misprint on the rear, the first track is titled “Eclipse For The Son” the correct title for the song is “Eclipse Of The Son”. I don’t know if this is/was correct on further printings. |
| Eclipse of the Son 4 Leaf Clover Peace of Mind Alive The Plan Murder by Pride I Believe Run In You Love Is Why Mercy Over Blame Everything My Love |
Robert leaves for rehearsals
August 25, 2009
On Sunday, August 23 Robert Sweet left his home in Las Vegas for rehearsals. The 25th Anniversary Tour is set to kick off on September 11th in Boston @ The House of Blues.
To see a complete tour schedule click here >
Sound Check Meet & Greet Experience
August 19, 2009
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For the first time ever, Stryper opens up sound check to the public. Sound checks have always been completely private in the past, but on this tour, 50 people in each market will have the chance to witness a Stryper sound check first hand, hang with the band, take pictures, and get autographs – not to mention, a free copy of Murder by Pride!
You get: Additional Information: Sound Check Meet And Greet Experience Passes are $38.25 per pass and limited to 50 per show. Click Here to Order Your Sound Check Meet And Greet Experience! |
Tracy Ferrie steps down from 25th Anniversary Tour!
August 6, 2009
Source: www.stryper.com
Friends,
Bassist Tracy Ferrie will not be performing on the U.S. leg of the Stryper tour. Instead, original bassist Timothy Gaines will be the sole bass player. What was originally planned as a 2-set show, will now be one full 90-minute show, consisting of all the greatest hits and new Stryper material. The band will be wearing new yellow and black outfits designed by the original outfit designer. All original members, Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Oz Fox, and Tim Gaines will be performing on the 25th Anniversary U.S. tour.
Tracy has made the very honorable decision, one in which we support, to put the needs of his family first. Contrary to what many may believe, most professional musicians (especially those with families) have other jobs when their band is not touring. And in order to provide for their families, they often need to find other means of work during non-touring times.
We are living in extremely difficult economic times whereby finding a good day-job is difficult. Tracy has a great one. One that provides well for his family. Leaving this job could put his family in a tough situation upon returning from tour. We support Tracy in this decision to ensure security for his family. At the same time, we’re excited to get back out on the road and share our new music and the 25th Anniversary show with our friends and fans whom we have not seen in a long time.
We’re honored to have been doing this for 25 years and blessed to have the opportunity to go out on tour this fall. Without you, our friends and fans, we would not have lasted this long. Thank you. See you on the road soon.
Stryper
