Scorpio: Hello, Mike! Your band is quite young. Please introduce WAY OF LIFE.
Michael Green: Scott Bell on bass. I've been playing with Scott for almost 10 years now. Shawn Walstedt on lead guitar. Scott, Shawn and myself have been in bands together before, but this is the first all-original group we've put together. Finally, there are the Mousaly brothers — Adam on rhythm guitar and Jamie on drums. I met them around November of last year when they got a copy of our demo and loved it. Adam called me the next day to start the project.
S.: Do you remember the process of searching for the band's name?
M.G.: I think most bands probably go through a number of different names before finally settling on one everyone agrees on. You'd probably laugh at some of the names we've gone through in the past! WAY OF LIFE was just perfect for the direction we were going musically.
S.: What were the other possible names, and who proposed WAY OF LIFE?
M.G.: I won't mention the really silly ones, but we had the name ECLIPSE a few years ago. It didn't stick for long. I suggested "WAY OF LIFE" to Shawn, and he said it was cool. It's the kind of title that could mean anything. Simple.
S.: ECLIPSE, hm. There's already a band by that name from Sweden. And they play good rock music!
M.G.: No kidding! Good thing we changed the name then, hey?
S.: Oh yeah! What are your lyrics about?
M.G.: The lyrics are about whatever you want them to be. I never write stories, although with something like "Drift" or "Machine", there is a definite theme or "script." It's mostly a sound thing. Keep the lyrics simple and easy to relate to. There's nothing too personal going on.
S.: What's more important for you, the music or the lyrics?
M.G.: That's tough, because when I hear a piece of music that Shawn or Adam or whoever has come up with, it can generally stand on its own as just a great riff or a great idea. Being the singer though, I believe the lyrics and vocals are what sort of ties it all together. Makes the whole thing complete.
S.: You've already recorded the demo. Have you composed any new songs?
M.G.: The demo contains about six songs, and we have about thirteen or fourteen that we play live. We're constantly writing new material. We're at a very exciting stage in the band where everyone is pumped and has lots of ideas.
S.: When are you going to record your debut album?
M.G.: We're hoping to do it definitely within the next year or so. We're keeping our fingers crossed that the demo will get people interested. We can't wait to get into a studio though and record the "official" album.
S.: So you've sent the demo to some labels and are waiting for an answer?
M.G.: A few labels, yes. We're waiting for reviews and answers. We're concentrating a lot right now on playing gigs.
S.: Imagine that I've never heard WAY OF LIFE's music. How would you describe it? What sets you apart from other bands?
M.G.: It's straightforward, no-frills hard rock. Lots of guitars, big choruses, solid rhythms. Rock 'n' roll is escapism. It's about pulling down the blinds, putting on a pair of headphones, and losing yourself inside your favorite record. I think a lot of bands today have forgotten what it's all about. Most bands out there today seem too pissed off and introverted. Too busy trying to "find" themselves. We create rock music as a form of escapism. That's how we grew up enjoying it.
S.: So, how good are your gigs?
M.G.: We've just played our first few gigs together and the reaction has been fantastic! We only rehearsed for a few months and just couldn't wait to get out there and show our songs off to people. We all have that common ground when it comes to playing live. That's why we're in a band to begin with — to get out there and entertain people, show them what we can do.
S.: Can you describe what you felt when you were on stage for the first time?
M.G.: It's difficult to compare it to anything, really. It's so surreal. It takes forever for the gig to come, and then it's over so quickly. It's the biggest high on earth. Nothing like it. You get addicted to that feeling. You get to almost become someone else for a while.
S.: Who taught you to play the guitar?
M.G.: I taught myself. Watching different players and just spending hours locked in my room messing around. Shawn and Adam come from a more schooled background when it comes to theory, scales, and all that. I don't read music. Whatever sounds good, I go with it.
S.: And what about the vocals? When did you realize you could sing well?
M.G.: Heh! Heh! I'm still waiting!
S.: Do you practice singing every day?
M.G.: I do practice every day. I took a few lessons once the band started to really get busy. So I do scales and things when I'm in the car or at home.
S.: When did you decide to become a musician? Is your uncle, Tony Dolan, "guilty" of that in some way? :)
M.G.: Ha! Tony is 100% responsible for me becoming a musician! Other than Uncle Tony, there are no musicians in the family. He is definitely the main catalyst! I've wanted to be a musician for as long as I can remember. When Tony lived here in Canada back in the early 80's, I can remember listening to records with him. He taught me how to headbang when I was 3 or 4 years old, listening to "Kill 'Em All"!!
S.: What can you say about your uncle?
M.G.: He's always been more of a father figure to me. Whenever I need an encouraging word, some advice, or just someone to talk to, I can always go to him. He's an incredible musician and songwriter. Definitely the role model for any aspect of my life.
S.: Does he like WAY OF LIFE's music?
M.G.: He told me he was blown away when he first heard the demo. I suppose he's a bit biased, being family and all. But I believe he sincerely likes it. And why not? It's great music! Ha!
S.: Have you told all your friends that he's in "Master And Commander" with Russell Crowe? :)
M.G.: Of course! That was so exciting! He's had quite a few acting gigs in the past, but this was the biggest one! It was very, very cool to see him on the big screen. He's in about 65% of the movie, too. So it was fantastic to see him in the film so often!
S.: Would you like to act in a movie like he did?
M.G.: Absolutely! I always loved drama classes in school. I guess it's a form of escapism, too. You get to be someone else. I would definitely love it!
S.: And what kind of movie should it be? What should your character and co-stars be like?
M.G.: Maybe my character would be a musician who finally makes it with his band! Ha! It'll be non-fiction, of course!
S.: What's your opinion about so-called love rock and love metal?
M.G.: I'm not too familiar with the Love Metal scene.
S.: And what music do you like?
M.G.: I grew up on all different kinds of music. But rock music was definitely the genre that stuck. Everything from THE BEATLES to AC/DC. Elvis to METALLICA. QUEEN and DEF LEPPARD. The list goes on.
S.: Your zodiac sign is Scorpio, same as mine :) So, would you say you're a true Scorpio, like the astrological books describe?
M.G.: I never actually gave astrology much thought. I guess I will now!!
S.: And what are your hobbies?
M.G.: Music takes up most of my spare time. It's a hobby, a passion, a release. Whether I'm listening, playing, or writing. I love movies as well! I'm a big movie buff!
S.: Thank you for your answers, Michael! All the best to WAY OF LIFE! Your final words!
M.G.: I'm very grateful for the opportunity. Thank you very, very much!