11 albums into its career, Soul Asylum has sold millions of albums in its 30-plus years as a band. Its latest studio effort, Change Of Fortune – as produced by the band with long-time Soul Asylum collaborator John Fields – was released on Mar. 18 through eOne Music. Prior to the street date of Change Of Fortune, many Soul Asylum fans were part of the group’s interactive PledgeMusic campaign; pledgers were offered a variety of exclusives including private concerts, original artwork from frontman Dave Pirner, lessons via Skype from drummer Michael Bland.
In support of Change Of Fortune, I had the pleasure of doing some Q&A with Michael Bland. Prior to joining Soul Asylum in 2005, Michael was an in-demand drummer, first gaining acclaim as part of Prince’s New Power Generation. That work with Prince led Michael to play on tours and/or recordings by Chaka Khan, Maxwell, The Replacements’ Paul Westerberg, and French pop star France Gall. During some time off from Soul Asylum, Michael was also a member of Nick Jonas & The Administration along with fellow NPG bandmates Sonny T. and Tommy Barbarella. His “last words” within our interview are clearly coming from an informed veteran.
For more info on Soul Asylum — which also includes bassist Winston Royce, and guitarist Justin Sharbono — click on over here. Michael can be followed directly on Twitter via the handle @blandrumma.
Beyond your drumming, you’re known to be a great singer. Were you singing regularly before you started drumming?
Michael Bland: I’m not great, but I like to do it. Even as a kid, I was always keeping up some kind of a racket.
When you had started playing with Soul Asylum back in 2005, did you have any idea that you’d still be there more than a decade later?
M: Not at all.
I believe that Change Of Fortune is your third studio album with the band. How would you describe the album to someone who hasn’t yet heard it?
M: Familiar, but there are a few curveballs.
Do you have a favorite song on Change Of Fortune?
M: Probably a song called “Dealing.”
One of the PledgeMusic offerings, in conjunction with Change Of Fortune, is a private drum workshop with you over Skype. Do you find a lot of Soul Asylum fans to be drummers?
M: Isn’t everybody a drummer, kinda?
What do you remember about the first gig you ever played in New York City?
M: It was at Mikell’s on Columbus and 98th [Street] or so. I was 17, subbing for Charley Drayton with Hiram Bullock. I was terrified, but it was awesome.
Any idea when we’ll be next seeing a Soul Asylum gig in New York?
M: It better be this summer, or somebody is gonna get fired.
A lot of people first learned about you from your work with Prince. Do you feel that there are any misconceptions about Prince?
M: Not really. All geniuses are complicated people.
Might there be any further activity with Nick Jonas & The Administration in the future?
M: I hope. We had a great time with Nick. I saw him recently. He came through a house gig I hold down in downtown Minneapolis at Bunker’s Music Bar & Grill. He brought his brother Joe and members of his new band, DNCE. It was a really nice reunion for all of us. If he called, I’d definitely jump at the chance. Those folks are family now to me.
Soul Asylum aside, what’s ahead for you professionally? Any other bands you’re playing in?
M: No other bands. I’m where I need to be, for the time being.
When you’re not on the road or busy in the studio, how do you like to spend your free time?
M: I have a production company with Ryan Liestman, who actually played keys with The Jonas Brothers for like four or five years. It’s called Sonic Matrimony. We write and produce music, mostly with artists from Minnesota, but we’re always looking for opportunities elsewhere.
What is it that keeps you based in Minneapolis all these years later?
M. The musicianship, the work ethic. There’s no industry here, but it’s a great place to build things, musically and personally.
Finally, Michael, any last words for the kids?
M: Playing music is a lot of fun, but just like anything else, if you’re going to be good at it, you have to give it your life. If you’re not willing to do that, do us all a favor and keep that noise in the basement.
-by Darren Paltrowitz
