Michael Rockstar
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Michael Rockstar

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"The Good, the Bad and the Funny"

Posted by: AMY MCCULLOUGH

In the land of what he calls “hyper-expressive” songwriters, Michael Rockstar is an odd bird: a musical comedian. What’s more: He’s actually pretty funny. It’s not necessarily his Adam Sandler-esque folk songs that make Rockstar a hit, though; it’s his charming demeanor, his broad smile and the fact that he is always himself—and loving it.

Being from a musical family (Rockstar’s father played in ’70s band Wheeze and now runs Sedona Records) has a lot to do with it. The 26-year-old (whose real last name is Wolin) says his family’s involvement in the industry was inspiring: “My uncle taught Slash how to play guitar, my aunt cut Madonna’s hair during the ‘Like a Virgin’ tour, my dad managed an early incarnation of the Red Hot Chili Peppers…if they can do it, so can I.”

A local by way of L.A. and Tucson (for college), Rockstar says Portland is a good fit for him because “people don’t feel like everything’s been done here. They perceive the sort of thing I’m doing as fun or quirky rather than lame or over.” And, based on Rockstar’s reception last Monday night at Pix PÂtisserie on Hawthorne (Rockstar pays the bills as an employee at the Pix on Division Street), I’d says he’s onto something.

Red-faced and all smiles, Rockstar played songs about koala bears, being in love with two girls and receiving a giant sausage in the mail from his grandparents. Though he released a self-titled debut in 2005, Rockstar’s recorded material proves a poor substitute for watching him pretend to skateboard through Pix or egg on a high-pitched trombone solo.

And, at moments when audiences tend to feel awkward (when asked to clap or sing along), Rockstar goofily dances or pits sections of the crowd against one another to eliminate their apprehension. Furthering the absurdity, his trombone player, Ethan Chessin (MarchFourth Marching Band), wears a jester costume. Rockstar also makes you laugh at yourself; when folks smiled at the words “koala bears do get STDs,” for instance, he scolded the crowd, yelling “not funny!” which elicited even more laughter.

Last Monday’s set also featured drummer Dan Huelsbeck (as well as props like balloons, a bubble gun and plastic hand-clappers). But Rockstar says his rotating-lineup sets—which feature everything from tap-dancers and jugglers to contortionists and duets with Trixie, a Teddy Ruxpin-cum-blond baby doll that accompanies him (in a higher-pitched recording of his own voice) on covers such as the Fine Young Cannibals’ “She Drives Me Crazy”—are “more like troupe ensembles than anything else.”

Rockstar’s audiences vary as much as the nature of his sets: He’s played to drunkards at the Green Room’s open-mic night, at kids’ birthday parties and on the street in college (to earn beer money). But he admits he hasn’t always won crowds easily: “I played at a place called Hell’s Kitchen in Tacoma, Wash.,” he explains. “The placed smelled like blood and booze, and it was definitely not my crowd. I have no idea why they booked me. Everyone was heckling me with, ‘You ruined my fucking night,’ ‘You fucking suck,’ stuff like that. It was bad.” But Rockstar takes even the tough nights in stride: “Hey, it happens,” he says.

And such good humor is exactly why Rockstar is so endearing: He knows who he is and owns it, for better or worse. “When I was in high school playing music, everybody was always laughing at me,” he says, “so I figured, why not run with it?” Leaving Pix last Monday night, my face literally hurt from smiling so much. So why not, indeed.

Michael Rockstar plays Friday, Feb. 23, at the Funky Church. 9 pm. Free. 21+. Read WW’s entire interview with Rockstar here.

- Willamete Week http://localcut.wweek.com/2007/02/21/the-good-the-bad-and-the-funny/


"Portland's Most Notorious Musical Comedian"


Q&A: Michael Rockstar, Portland’s Most Notorious Musical Comedian
February 21st, 2007 [10:34AM] Posted by: AMY MCCULLOUGH | 0 COMMENTS
The first time I saw Michael Rockstar, he was playing on the sidewalk outside of the Roxy. I had just seen a show (I can’t remember who) at Berbati’s, most likely, and I was very drunk and exhausted and waiting for a table with my friends Mark Baumgarten and Karla Starr (and I think Ben Firestone). Rockstar was playing mostly covers, as I recall, and when he launched into an enthusiastic version of Weezer’s “My Name Is Jonas” we all chimed in. There’s nothing quite like standing on the sidewalk drunk with friends and belting out the words, “The workers are going home!” to live musical accompaniment.

It was a great first experience with Rockstar, who just seemed to be having a good time for the sake of having a good time. I also recall him chatting up Mr. Baumgarten quite a bit–who was very secretive about his profession at the time (he was WW music editor back then, and I may have just been his intern). A few months later, we received Rockstar’s debut in the mail, and I occasionally catch him onstage at the Green Room being extra silly for the bar’s open-mic-night crowd. Rockstar’s currently working on a sophomore album, and he’s been playing quite a few shows as of late. So I headed over to Pix Patisserie on Hawthorne last Monday and witnessed a true Michael Rockstar show. He won the crowd fairly easily and even sang a duet with Trixie (read on for more info) out on the sidwalk after the show. That confirmed it: It was time WW wrote something about Mr. Michael Rockstar–perhaps Portland’s most notorious musical comedian. Check out my story on Rockstar in this week’s Riff City, and read my full Q&A with him below.

How old are you?
26. My birthday is April 20. I feel like I’m 90% Taurus.

When did you move to Portland? Why? How is Portland a better fit for a musical comedian than the epicenter of entertainment [L.A.]?
April of 2005. I moved here to pursue music. I feel like it’s a better fit than L.A. because it’s younger, newer, more open minded. People don’t feel like everything’s been done here like they do in L.A. or New York. They are still open to freshness; they’re more open to the sort of thing I’m doing because they perceive it as fun or quirky, rather than lame or over.

Can you describe the experience of growing up in a musical family? Did you father’s career inspire you or discourage you from getting involved in entertainment?
Growing up in a musical family was great. My fondest memories are of my whole family singing and playing instruments after every Thanksgiving dinner, or of falling asleep as a kid with my dad and his friends recording in the basement below me. Everybody is just creating music all the time. My dad’s involvement inspired me more than it discouraged me–it taught me about DIY music and musical culture…my uncle taught Slash how to play guitar, my aunt cut Madonna’s hair during the “Like a Virgin” tour, my dad played a ton in LA in the ’70s and managed an early incarnation of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. And it’s like, these people are my family: If they can do it, so can I. All I can say is that my musical style has just come really naturally, from the beginning, and I’m sure a lot of that has to do with my family’s attitude about it.

When did you decide to take your career down a comedic path? Was there a time when you considered yourself a more serious songwriter or when you were part of a non-comedic band?
When I was in high school playing music, everybody was always laughing at me, so I figured, why not run with it? It’s always been the most natural way for me to express myself musically, through silly songs rather than more serious ones. In every band I’ve ever been in, I’ve always just been the silly guy, trying to make people happy, and everyone always seemed to enjoy it. Even playing covers, I’d be dressing up in costume, making people laugh… I don’t try to be something I’m not.

When I was growing up, I had to actually learn how to play music, so I did all the Top 40 cover songs and stuff, but I don’t think I’ve ever sat down and thought, “I’m going to write a serious song.” It just doesn’t happen, because I don’t ever sit down and think “I’m going to write a [blank] song.” Whatever comes out, comes out.

What are your band members names and how did you meet them? Do they play in other projects/bands?
Dan Huelsbeck is my drummer. I met him in Sedona, Ariz., when we were in high school. We both randomly moved to Portland around the same time and started playing together. He plays under the name “Westerner Presents” and has sporadically played with a few other local bands.

And Ethan Chessin is my trombone player. I met him over the phone, actually. He was my best friend’s roommate in college. I’d call to talk to my friend, and end up talking to Ethan for hours. We did this for two years. He had already moved to Portland before I got here, and we finally met and connected as friends and musicians. He plays with March Fourth Marching band, mainly.

These two guys play with me pretty consistently, but my sets are more like troupe ensembles than anything else. I’ll have a tap dancer, a contortionist, Trixie, jugglers, back up singers (I like to call them “doo-wop girls”), whoever wants to participate. I think it really adds to the vaudevillian feel of my sets, which I’m always trying to create.

When did you start “street performing” or playing on sidewalks outside of clubs, restaurants, etc.? What inspired you to do that?
Essentially, beer and boredom inspired me. I started doing that when I was living in Tucson for college. I played in the streets to get beer money. I’d make enough to get a beer, then go back out and play some more. There were a lot of drunk rich kids at University of Arizona, and they were good to me. I guess I just wanted to be seen by people. If I can’t get a show, I’ll make the world my stage.

I’ve heard that you sometimes play shows for children (from Alan Singley, who loves you, by the way), and I wasn’t sure if he was just referring to your all ages shows at venues like Pix. Do you perform especially for children?
No, I really do play for children, like real children. I love it. I feel like it’s a pretty easy transition. My bar shows are just kid music for adults, so its easy to change a few lyrics and make the real kids dance. I’ve done a few birthdays, and they’ve all gone really well. My only problem is that I’m worried about what the parents are thinking. But the kids always seem to love it. The Wiggles have a really good thing going. If I could only do rock and roll shows for kids for the rest of my life, I totally would.

I noticed you censored yourself at times [during an all ages Pix show]. Is that the norm or are your bar sets more dirty?
I did it for two reasons. One, because for some reason there was a 5 year old kid in the audience, and although I feel like kids can’t tell the difference (I recall myself as a kid, riding around on my bike, singing Sade’s song, “Smooth Operator,” thinking that it really was about a surgeon). But I don’t want to piss off the parents or anything. And, two, because I just had to feel out the crowd. A dark, dirty bar is a much different atmosphere than a pastry café filled with flowers and candles. I have to adjust accordingly. The dark bar sets aren’t necessarily dirty, just insinuating I guess. With more swear words.

Where did you get the idea for Trixie [Rockstar’s “ventriloquist” doll/duet parter]? Did you build her yourself? Is her voice yours?
I wish I built her myself, but I didn’t. I got her on eBay. I’ve always thought ventriloquist dolls were awesome, and I knew it would be a great addition to my show. I figured it would be way too hard to learn how to be a ventriloquist, so I just bought a recordable doll. And Trixie was born. Her voice is mine. I preprogram her by slowing the tape down while I record in a high voice. Then I play it back at normal speed, so it sounds even higher. There’s a wireless microphone inside her attached to the PA, so people can hear her from the stage.

Tell me about your recent experience with Fox. How did that come about?
Guerilla marketing! I saw the PDX 49 van on Glisan, ran to my house to get my guitar, and ran back to the van. They were giving away some tickets to the James Bond movie or something, so I started singing songs about how free stuff is cool, how James Bond is cool, whatever. There weren’t even any cameras around. The two FOX promo women from the station just liked it, so I gave them a CD. They contacted me a few months later and asked me to do a few spots for them.

You seem to have a way with getting a crowd to participate in your shows. Is that ever really tough? Are there times your audience leaves you hanging?
Yeah, sometimes it’s tough. One show comes to mind…for some reason, I played this show at a place called Hell’s Kitchen in Tacoma, Wash. The placed smelled like blood and booze, and it was definitely not my crowd. The owners saw my website; I have no idea why they booked me. It was a disaster. Everyone was heckling me with, “You ruined my fucking night,” “You fucking suck,” stuff like that. It was bad. But hey, it happens. That was obviously a poor choice of venue, but the show still has to go on. I can’t just stop. If the audience leaves me hanging, I’m still having fun, and it’s still a learning experience. I’ve been doing this long enough that I can at least try to figure out the audience, figure out what they want. But if I can’t, I have fun anyway.

There are times that your songs remind me a lot of Adam Sandler’s. Is there anyone you’re a big fan of, as far as musical comedians go? Why?
I’m a fan of anybody who has made a name for themselves doing music or comedy. I get that Adam Sandler thing a lot, and I appreciate it because I really respect him. He’s not my favorite, but I see the similarity and no way am I going to turn down a compliment like that. My favorite musical comedians–though I’m not sure they’d call themselves that–are Jonathan Richman and Steve Martin. Jonathan Richman is more subtle, but still hilarious and somehow so heartfelt. Steve Martin on a banjo is probably the best thing I’ve ever heard.

Do you find that it’s particularly hard to sell comedic CDs? Are people more interested in your live show from your experience?
Absolutely, although I’m not sure if that’s because I’m constantly giving [CDs] away for free, or because nobody wants to buy them. Certain things grab people, though. I have a song about two girls named Jessica and Michelle. If someone named Jessica or Michelle hears me play that song, they will totally buy my album.

I do think people are more interested in my live show, but I’m totally okay with that. I think on my next album I’ll try to incorporate more of that interactive factor, but it’s hard. There’s nothing like a show.

Is it hard to be creative in a way that people, for the most part, don’t take seriously? Does it ever make you want to express yourself in ways outside of Michael Rockstar?
No, it’s not hard. Like I said before, I’m just being myself. I don’t necessarily think that all music has to be taken seriously. It can just be silly. So many people in Portland are so serious with their music, it’s so hyper expressive, so “deep,” with so much hinging on every word. Sometimes, I think, music should just be fun. I don’t ever feel the need to express myself outside of Michael Rockstar (or at least Michael Rockstar style), because I don’t feel like there’s some grand image or statement I’m trying to convey. Well maybe I am, but it’s more like the statement that music is fun. Anything deeper than that is just not my area. I mean, even the idea of calling myself “Michael Rockstar” is just funny. I’m obviously not a rockstar proper, although I do believe that my music does rock.

When you went to school for music and recording, what goal or career did you have in mind?
I didn’t really have a career in mind…my parents were dead set on me getting a degree. I don’t ever regret it, though–I’m so appreciative of my education and the opportunities it’s given me. It’s just that I was never a school person; I was always a music person. I decided that my concentration in school would have to reflect that. I’m also happy I have a degree, so some day I could pursue that further…so I have something to fall back on (just in case).

What’s the most interesting anecdote you have from your time teaching in Asia?
It has to be the one I sing about in the “Sausage Song.” My grandparents in L.A. sent me a huge sausage, and it took forever (like months) to get there, and it was just a hilarious situation. I just imagine the questions and facial expressions of the mail inspectors, and I can’t help but crack up.

What’s the biggest thing you learned performing there?
I was performing all the time in front of people who spoke no English whatsoever. It made absolutely no difference what I said; it was all about how I said it, how I acted it out. I feel like I learned a lot about theatrics and performing there, because there was literally no other way to express what I was doing in my music. Also, I think I learned how to feel like a rockstar. No one had ever seen a big white guy like me (I was in Northern China, where it’s still really rural), and so I was constantly stared at, poked, touched, photographed. I had to learn how to deal with crowds and stuff, which is helpful now.

Do you have a day job?
I work at the Pix Patisserie on Division.

What’s coming up for you in the future that you’re excited about?
Honestly, I’m so excited about everything right now. I’m just trying to be here. So many things have just happened all at once–I’ve lined up tons of shows, I’m working on a new album, I was on Fox, I’m being interviewed for the Willamette Week. I’m mostly just enjoying the whole experience. I can’t wait for my new album to be finished. It’s going to be great. How could it not be?

Michael Rockstar plays Friday, Feb. 23, at the Funky Church. 9 pm. Free. 21+.

michaelrockstar.com
myspace.com/michaelrockstar
Photo: from Michael’s website.

- Willamette Week


"Musical comedian struts his stuff"

Musical comedian struts his stuff

By JAMES McECHRON

Michael Rockstar, lead guitarist and singer of musical group Michael Rockstar, says the crowd wasn’t always laughing with him. “In high school, I was doing a lot of Weezer covers. People used to laugh at me because they didn’t like my voice or whatever. At some point I decided why fight it?”

Those attending the Health and Wellness Fair Wednesday would be hard pressed to not laugh. Rockstar, who performed a set at the event, took a break at one point and refused to continue with the show until someone brought him a glass of water. “I go out with a talking doll a lot of times,” said Rockstar. Another time he took a moment to balance his guitar on his chin. But amid all the silliness, beneath layers of vaudevillian comedy, lies music that is fun for anyone between the age of 9 and 90.

His self-titled debut, which is available on iTunes and cdbaby.com, contains tracks such as “Koala,” which discusses how Koala bears don’t rob banks. The music is bubblegummy: so poppy and catchy that you keep chewing on. In a way, the album is kids music for adults, because while much of the album is cutesy, there are plenty of other lines like “Koala bears can get STDs, It’s true!,” all set to a catchy clap-along rhythm.

“What people need to understand about the show is that it’s improv,” said Rockstar. “The show we did last Friday had a juggler and contortionist. Dan has become my consistant drummer, but in the last year every show has been different.”

On the album, you’ll find fully produced versions of his songs, which feature a number of instruments, guitar solos, distortion and several layers of sound. The performance Wednesday featured vocals, an acoustic guitar and the drummer using only a snare. “The show on Friday is just going to be me and an accordion player. Maybe Dan will show up, but I don’t know. I book shows and I have a troupe of regular musicians, and whoever is available is what you see that night on stage.” Dan, who didn’t give his last name, added “That’s what keeps me interested.”

Rockstar has an interesting history. “Dan and I both grew up in Sedona, AZ, and both moved to Portland separately,” said Rockstar. “It was just chance that we are here now, together. I moved to Portland to play Michael Rockstar songs. Portland is really open and accepting. It’s a great city; not as big as L.A. but just as diverse.”

Dan moved here because his kids were here. “Right before I moved I bumped into Michael. I told him I was moving to Portland, and he said, ‘Whaddaya know, I am too.’ We’ve been playing shows ever since.”

You can catch Michael Rockstar today at 9 p.m. at the Mississippi Pizza Pub at 3552 N. Mississippi. At michaelrockstar.com, you can check more thorough listings, photos, audio recordings, and play games that involve such activities as punching Michael Rockstar in the face.

“There needs to be more humor in the world,” said Rockstar. “We’re seriously deprived of comedy at the moment.”



- http://www.advocate-online.net/042806/MR_04282006.html


Discography

Michael Rockstar has released one Album
Self - Titled Michael Rockstar.
He has also worked with pdx 49 Fox news as a musical street performer.
Please visit

www. youtube.com/michaelrockstarvideo

His albums are availble on itunes and through.......
www.cdbaby.com/michaelrockstar
www.myspace.com/michaelrockstar

Free Videos can be seen at

http://www.youtube.com/michaelrockstarvideo

Photos

Bio

Michael Rockstar is a musical comedian. Hailing originally from Los Angeles, and currently living in Portland, Oregon, Michael's music is as diverse and interesting as the places he has resided. "I spent time in Asia, teaching English in rural China and hanging out in Thailand - I played shows twice a week for people who had no idea what I was saying. It forced me to become a much more involving entertainer," says Michael. Growing up in a musical family, Michael is no stranger to the industry. His father Marc Wolin was in the successful Los Angeles-based band Wheeze in the early 70s and continues to perform and produce various acts through his company, Sedona Records, of which Michael is a part. Experienced and prolific, Michael has written and performed music since the age of 11, and, after graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in Music, Sound Recording, and Media Arts, Michael has embarked upon an artistic journey unlike his previous endeavors, or those of his musical comrades. "I'm working on a masterpiece," he says. A delightful combination of rock, folk, pop, comedy, and dialogue, Michael's charismatic appeal is most evident at his live performances.

http://localcut.wweek.com/2007/02/21/the-good-the-bad-and-the-funny/