Modern Superstar’s Mike Hatfield Interviewed

 What is your musical background?

No formal training. I have 4 older brothers that we’re constantly playing old classic guitar riffed rock n roll around the house and in the car. They always had an old acoustic guitar around and I was ALWAYS messing with it. The local guitar hero lived on the same block and taught me a couple scales and he would play blues progressions on rhythm guitar and would let me solo over that for hours at a time. Switching back and forth from rhythm to lead. And I’ve never stopped.

My singing has developed out of pure necessity. “Someone has to do it” Has been a familiar phrase in the bands I’ve been in !

My piano playing has been self taught. ” I just couldn’t keep my hands off the damn things whenever I had the chance to play one”

 When and why did you start playing?

When I was 14/15 my best friend and I took some old disc’s my brothers had stashed away and started listening to them on our own. They we’re AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” and the Rolling Stones “Some Girls” and I was hooked ! When I was 16 I quit school when they started focusing on careers. I knew what I was going to do and it wasn’t going to be accomplished at school. So I moved to the largest town in the area, Grand Rapids, and after a few months hooked up with a band that was already playing in bars.

 What was the first tune(s) you learned?

AC/DC’s  “Shot down in flames”  and The Rolling Stones  “Respectable”

 Who are your favorite musicians, groups?

The Stones , Aerosmith , GnR , Judas Priest , Kid Rock . Currently been listening to a lot of PINK , Love her attitude.

How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

Ignore/Forget about them. Worry about them the next day when there’s time to go over the part.

How often and for how long do you practice?

Everyday and all day if at all possible. It’s been a long time since I considered it the chore of practice. I just love making/creating music. If at home I drink my morning coffee sitting at the piano and go to bed at night with a guitar in hand.

 Let’s talk your new project, Modern Superstar…

Ryche Green ! Not only is he a phenomenal Drummer, But he’s also a great songwriter and has put together a group of like minded professional musicians that can create and perform Rock n Roll music with the fun and attitude it should have.

You are the newest member in Modern Superstar. How were you selected, what was your audition like, when did you know you locked the job?

My band Scrapyard had opened for Modern a few times over the last year and they were able to see me perform. And when they needed someone to fill in at a moments notice, they called. I didn’t have long to learn the material and my performance musically wasn’t as tight as I would of liked, But we rocked the hell out of that show none the less !  We all got along great and the chemistry was working overtime. And we had a lot of “Out on the Road” Rock n Roll fun !

The Audition was the show. I felt that I had probably locked in a spot after the show , when their reaction was the same as I was feeling about the intensity of the show we had just played.

What position do you hold in the band?

Interim lead Vocals and Guitar.

How has touring been with the band?

Fantastic !  I love traveling/touring. And there is nothing better after a night and day of traveling , Than to get on stage and Rock out with Modern Superstar.

How well does the band get along? It’s no secret that there have been a lot of member changes over the years.

The chemistry is great ! Like a family.  Everyone does care about their bandmates ,even in the middle of all the Rock n Roll chaos.

I think the situation where high school buddies start a band and stay together for their entire career is the exception. Things happen in people’s  personal lives that change what they can do in their professional career. But Modern Superstar has maintained it’s focus and direction. And not missed a beat in making it’s brand of music.

Share a good road story with us…

Had a mother of an autistic child come to our show, We had a chance to talk to her and found out she worked next door to our hotel and the next day she brought her son to work and we were able to meet him and give him signed CD’s and take pictures with him and his mother.

What are your expectations for Modern Superstar?

To the top of the music landscape !   To have current successful bands/artist want to have shows and be associated with us.

What are the current plans for Modern Superstar?

Record CD in very early 2013 and tour to support it. Then do it all over again !!

What does 2013 hold for the band?

Success !