Interview with SteelCity Guitarist Mike Floros
By Mick Michaels
COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Mike! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.
Mike Floros: Thanks for reaching out to the band. We’re really excited about this album and are always appreciative to talk with folks like yourself!
CV: How would you describe the “Golden Age of Hard Rock” to a young
person today? What
do you think made it so magical for the listener?
MF: From about the
mid 70s to the very early 90s, one could discover many of the great bands that
we’ve come to know and love today on mainstream radio. I remember hearing
KISS and AC/DC on Y-100 (a Top 40 station in South Florida). Moreover, you’d hear them played in the same
radio segments as bands like The Bee Gees and Player, LOL. To me, that
not only made it a great time for Hard Rock but it also made it a great time
for music, in general. The magic, at
least for me, is that our generation was never confined to ONE style of
music. We were exposed to so much more and in my opinion, our musical
tastes benefited from that.
MF: With all due
respect to the critics, I’ll have to disagree. I believe that it’s much
easier for today’s artists to release their music to the public, surely.
However, much like in days and eras past, the cream always rises to the
top. When you look at an artist like
Bruno Mars, who is a complete throwback to the 80s (at least to me), how can
you say there is a lack of quality or level of musicianship? That’s not
even our genre but it’s an excellent example.
You’ve got a lot of great, young bands releasing music these days,
too. Look at bands in our genre like
Maverick and Collateral, who are probably two of the best younger bands out
there. They are making music that rivals
that of any release from their older, more established peers.
Hmm...again, I’m gonna disagree with those “critics.”
CV: Would you
consider SteelCity to be a throwback
band?
MF: Good
question. Yes and no, I would surmise. Yes, in the sense that we
fly our “Melodic Hard Rock freak flag” high and do so with unabashed pride. I
think people would consider us a throwback band because our sound echoes that
of days gone by. I’d say no in some ways, however. While there’s an underground resurgence in
the USA for this style of music, it’s never fallen out of favor in many parts
of the world. I think for people who’ve
followed this style of music since its inception, we’re simply a new face on
the scene. Hopefully, we’re one they dig!
CV: A band’s evolution is one that involves commitment, sacrifice and a lot of blood, sweat and tears...it’s a unique process. How has SteelCity’s evolution brought you to this point?
MF: Great question. SteelCity, as Roy often says, is my baby. There’s a great deal of love, pride, and commitment that goes into every song written. And while the last iteration of the band was an absolute privilege to be a part of, working with the new band members has really raised expectations. One of the beautiful things, for me at least, was listening to the performances on the album. It seemed to me that each song had become personal to the guys and it showed in their performances. The band continues to grow and evolve and we’re thankful for each and every opportunity that comes our way.
MF: Wow, thank you
so much for the compliments. Ooh, and we have a legacy now, LOL! Seriously, though, the performances by BJ
Zampa, Tony Stahl, Roy Cathey, and Jason Cornwell were incredibly strong on
this album. I know that the guys took great pride with this album and for
that, one can’t help but be thankful to be surrounded by so much talent. This band wouldn’t even dream of putting
anything less than our best into every single track. Further, we take
great care in finding the right production fit for the band, as well. Whether it’s Johnny Lima on Fortress or Ty
Sims and Erik Johnson on Mach II, production is always an integral part of our
sound. These guys are as much a part of
this album as the band itself.
As far as what “our sound” or “style” is, that’s up for debate, I suppose. Our goal is just to deliver the best album possible. We do that by choosing the best songs we currently have and play our asses off! Some people have called us “Journey on Steroids.” That’s a great compliment, in and of itself. I’d just say we’re a band of many influences that regale the sound of our era. The fact that we can incorporate all of our influences and the listener can relate to that, album after album, is what I believe makes us unique.
As far as what “our sound” or “style” is, that’s up for debate, I suppose. Our goal is just to deliver the best album possible. We do that by choosing the best songs we currently have and play our asses off! Some people have called us “Journey on Steroids.” That’s a great compliment, in and of itself. I’d just say we’re a band of many influences that regale the sound of our era. The fact that we can incorporate all of our influences and the listener can relate to that, album after album, is what I believe makes us unique.
CV: Can a band
ever have real contentment and still be able to write good
songs? Or is it
that uncertainty and contention of not being settled that
inevitably
delivers powerful music?
MF: Contentment
seems to come well after the album’s release, at least for me. The other
guys might feel differently. When
writing and performing the album, there’s always uncertainty and a drive to
push harder. “I could have played this better” or “Maybe I could’ve
written a better melody in that chorus.”
That kind of stuff always pops into your head. There is a point
when you have to realize that what you’ve done might just be your best and let
go. Usually, after the album’s been out
a few months, you realize those performances you were beating yourself up over
are the ones that many identify with. That’s when your contentment sets
in.
CV: How has the recent COVID-19 pandemic affected the SteelCity
camp? How is the
band coping with this crisis?
MF: As a band, the
guys have lost gigs/session work…as have most musicians. We signed with
Brad Lee Entertainment just before the outbreak and I know our team was working
hard to land us shows to support Mach II. All of that will have to wait
and rightfully so. We’ve gotten word
from our new label, Perris Records, that the album is actually performing quite
well, though. Totally cool that music, ours or anyone else’s, for that
matter, is helping get people through these times.
Coping? We’re all doing it a little differently. Just from his
Facebook posts, I know BJ’s bored. I saw him post a food pic the other
day! That’s what happens when one of the
world’s best rock drummers gets sidelined, I suppose. Everyone is trying
their best to maintain positivity. We
all know it’s going to get better but it’s just a matter of WHEN.
In addition to being a songwriter and guitarist, I’m also a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Yes...I actually have a day job! So, I’m coping a different way. My work counterparts and I are facing the pandemic head on and as such, I’d like to take a moment here to personally thank all first responders and front-line healthcare workers. The challenge is real and everyone’s hard work and dedication is appreciated.
In addition to being a songwriter and guitarist, I’m also a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Yes...I actually have a day job! So, I’m coping a different way. My work counterparts and I are facing the pandemic head on and as such, I’d like to take a moment here to personally thank all first responders and front-line healthcare workers. The challenge is real and everyone’s hard work and dedication is appreciated.
CV: With the world
at a seemingly standstill, do you feel the music industry
as a whole, will find
a way to bounce back and use this time as a way to
improve itself?
MF: I’d like to be optimistic and say yes but I think once this is all over with, they will continue with “business as usual.”
MF: I’d like to be optimistic and say yes but I think once this is all over with, they will continue with “business as usual.”
CV: Music has a
way of touching our souls and changing our lives. In times
such as these, as
the state of the world is in dismay, can people find healing
in music?
MF: Absolutely.
Just find the video of quarantined Italians singing Black Sabbath and you’ve
got your answer. A country torn by the pandemic and yet there they are
flooding their balconies and singing into the streets. Music has always
been a healer to the soul and it’s obvious, probably now more than ever.
CV: What’s next for SteelCity...what can fans expect?
MF: Well, for certain you can expect some live shows later this year. Brad Lee Entertainment has plans for us. In addition, Jason and I have been chatting about putting together a Northeastern run this fall, “pandemic-willing.” You can also expect SteelCity 3 on Perris Records, though that’s more of a 2021 likelihood. For the most part, the album is already written. We’re all pretty stoked about the future, for sure, though.
CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with
our readers. I
wish you all the best and continued success.
MF: Thank you! It’s definitely our privilege to chat with you and share with your readers. We just want to take this moment to thank everyone who supports SteelCity and sites like yours. It’s fine people like yourselves that keep this Rock n Roll train going and we couldn’t be happier than to be a part of it.
Peace!
MF: Thank you! It’s definitely our privilege to chat with you and share with your readers. We just want to take this moment to thank everyone who supports SteelCity and sites like yours. It’s fine people like yourselves that keep this Rock n Roll train going and we couldn’t be happier than to be a part of it.
Peace!
Check out SteelCity at:
Official: https://www.steelcityband.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteelCityUSA/
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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.
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