Interview with the band Take It Or Leave It
COSMICK VIEW: Hello! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.
TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT: Thanks Mick, really looking forward to it.
CV: Every artist experiences highs and lows. Many struggle just to move from one level to the next, and some, unfortunately, never do. What would you consider to be a pivotal point in an artist's career which would take them from one level to the next that a struggling artist should be aware of? Is it an individual mindset or does it equate more to opportunity? Or is it something all together different in your opinion?
TIOLI: It comes down to self drive. We are our own bosses at this stage. Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is everywhere. What separates the ones who move up is how bad they want it. You have to be willing to put in the work when nobody is watching. Opportunity might open the door, but hunger is what gets you through it. The ones who level up are the ones who stay consistent, stay motivated, and never wait around hoping for someone else to make it happen. We do this because we love to do it, but we know that it takes work and dedication to keep it progressing.
CV: What do you feel an artist can do right now to stay relevant, especially in an environment, such as the present, where performing in front of a live audience is not an option?
TIOLI: You have to meet fans where they are. Right now, that means building an online presence that feels real, not forced. We come from a live performance mindset, but we also know not everyone can make it to shows. Since Mario has a background in video production and live streaming, we have been setting up shows specifically for YouTube and social media to reach fans outside our area. Touring is the goal, but you have to stay flexible. In this day and age, you have to show up wherever your fans are.
CV: What have you found to be the balancing point between relevance and over saturation when it comes to being an artist? Is there a fine line between the two or can it be looked at to some degree as the two essentially being one in the same?
TIOLI: There is definitely a line. Being consistent matters, but you cannot just flood people's feeds with filler. Fans can tell when you are genuinely sharing something meaningful versus just trying to stay in the algorithm. We focus on putting out quality content that actually shows who we are, whether it is new music, behind the scenes clips, or show announcements. It keeps the connection real and keeps the vibe strong.
CV: Is there any level of consideration, or even concern, to deliver on expectations, whether it being your own or that of the fans, when working on new material?
TIOLI: There are always some expectations. We are proud of what we have built and we want every new song to live up to that standard. We think about what fans have connected with, but we also use live shows to test new material before we record it. We have been playing our upcoming single "Therapy" at gigs, and the reactions have been incredible. Fans keep telling us how much they love it and how hard it hits. That kind of live feedback is everything and it gives us the confidence that we are on the right track for the other songs we might not have showcased just yet.
CV: For you, what’s first when it comes to songwriting…is it a matter of lyrics melody, chords, beat, attitude? Or is it more organic than that where the moment dictates the process and outcome?
TIOLI: It is very organic for us. Sometimes it starts with a riff, sometimes it is a lyric, sometimes it is a beat. We don’t overthink it. We chase what feels exciting and follow it wherever it goes. Some songs come together fast, almost like they already existed and we just caught them as they flew by. The important thing is to stay open and let the song decide what it wants to be. Since we all bring our own styles and interests, we always find ways to morph the song in a direction we would never expect. That is why there is no strict formula for how we start the writing process.
CV: What do you believe makes songwriting more honest and impactful...that something that both the artist and listener can share?
TIOLI: If you are not putting something real into the song, people can tell. You do not have to have some big dramatic story. It could be as simple as capturing a feeling the right way. When the artist believes in the song, the listener can feel it. Also, it has to be catchy. You want them to find themselves humming it randomly throughout the day. That connection is what makes it stick.
CV: What do you feel has been the greatest contribution to your success as an artist?
TIOLI: Consistency. We practice every week, even if there is no show on the schedule. It keeps us sharp, tight, and locked in so that we can bust out songs we have not played in months like we just rehearsed them yesterday. That weekly commitment also builds the chemistry between us in a way you cannot fake. We also make it a point to come early and stay late at shows. We want to connect with the crowd before we hit the stage, read the room, and give them the show they deserve. We mix punkified covers and originals together in the setlist to keep the energy up, especially by putting a new twist on familiar songs. That connection before, during, and after the set is a huge part of who we are.
CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming up?
TIOLI: New merch is here and already flying off the shelves. We are dropping our music video for "Run" this May, and we have a bunch of shows lined up across New York and New Jersey throughout the summer. We are also planning a summer livestream for fans who might not be from our tri-state area. Behind the scenes, we are finishing the writing for our next EP and plan to head into recording later this year. Fans who come out to shows are already hearing new songs live because we love to test drive them in real time and feel out the crowd reactions. Our goal is to keep the momentum going and keep building on what we have started. Pasta Rock forever!
CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with
our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.
TIOLI: Thank you so much for having us. Really appreciate the opportunity to share our story and connect with your readers here at The Cosmick View.
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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, 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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