In their, or rather his, own words – Mike Liorti of one-man act Rosedale.
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
I’m from Brampton Ontario Canada. My other fill-in members are from all over North America. Starting to build a UK/Europe roster as well.
How did you meet?
I meet musicians in tour usually. Sometimes YouTube videos.
How long have you been playing as a band?
I’ve been at it for about 11 years as Rosedale. The guys I currently have with me on tour are almost 2 months deep. Stanly has been playing for me whenever possible for 2 years though.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
The band was started with some friends I grew up skateboarding with. We all listened to the same bands so I’d convinced a few to learn drums/bass/guitar. We’d go to the local music store to rehearse and write parts on all the high-end equipment. We’d have different routes for the two mile journey to the store but we always ended up taking Rosedale Ave on the final stretch. So the name just stuck. And there’s a lot of cool memories on that street.
What are your influences?
Deathcab for Cutie/Postal Service, Blink 182 and their 6 side projects, The Ataris, Boys Like Girls, The Starting Line, Radiohead, Moneen, Underoath, Yellowcard, Dashboard Confessional, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Bo Eason, Michael Jordan
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Aggressive Power Pop. We do everything ourselves and there’s a lot, lol! Apparently I’m “the most/tallest/craziest *a lot of things*”
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
I tend to write a lot about the pain and joy of sacrifice for passion and following/never giving up on dreams. Also some toying with love in a little more of a left field/outside-the-box fashion.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Our live show consists of a fully programmed light show, lots of vocal harmonies, really fast/hard hitting drums, early 2000/90s guitar tones, and a lot of passion.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
One time Stan got completely naked behind the drum kit at a big house show in Austin, TX. Straight up, stood up and dropped his XXXL underwear. It was absolutely amazing. That’s all I can think of right now for some reason but there’s been some good falls on my part. I have terrible balance, I’m 6’9″ and the least flexible human alive. I can’t remember where my most epic fall was but they’re not uncommon, much like Stan getting fully nude.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
I play Gibson ES335s and I have a les paul too. Stan’s kit is a Tama.
What are your plans for 2016?
Play lots of shows, make more music, get better at both.
If you could be part of any 3-band line-up (as support or headlining) who else would you have on the bill?
Blink 182 with Tom, Angels and Airwaves with Adam in drums, Boxcar Racer with Mark Hoppus (so they could play “Elevator”). We would obviously be support.
