Band profile
What is your name and your current position in the band?
Mike Martin. I play bass and sing harmonies for Stride
Tell us about the history of the band. More specifically, when was the band formed, how did you meet, and have there been any particular highlights or low points in your career, any crucial events that have taken you where you are today?
Joel and Matt met at Musicians Institute in Hollywood in the early 90's and they put this band together. I think the main reason the 2 had such great chemistry was because they both had such driving work ethics. They moved to Houston and recruited the other members carefully. The lineup the way it is has definitely been the best we have had. We have definitely had ups and downs but always have kept our STRIDE no matter what.
Our high point was just recently. We had the opportunity to open for Bon Jovi in Houston for a sold out crowd of over 20,000 people.
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
Absolutely! All the time. The credit really goes to Joel and Matt for their never ending faith in this band.
What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
Our latest album is "IMAGINE" and we think people should buy it because it has a great blend of progressive licks and riffs along with melodic emotion as well as dynamical vocals, excellent musicianship and positive lyrical content
How would you categorize the style of the band? And did you ever consider or try playing other styles of music than the one(s) you are playing now?
We never really set out to play any certain style or genre. It just came to be what it is. I would say our style is an AOR/rock/metal/progressive equasion
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
One of my favourite moments with STRIDE was on stage in our home town of Houston in front of over 20,000 people opening for Bon Jovi. Another favourite moment for me was in the studio recording "IMAGINE"
How is the writing process in the band?
Joel generally starts with the ideas and everyone jumps in and collaborates with it. We really don't have a process to writing. We try to keep away from limitations.
What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
I started playing bass at 14. From the moment I saw a bass guitar I knew it was who I was. It was an indescribable emotion that came over me when I got my first bass. Later on in my life I actually put the bass down and worked in construction but never could get the passion out of my heart. I realized that I could never quit playing. So came back to playing bass in 2002. I will always play. I know now that it is not my destiny to put it down.
Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
My idol I would say is JESUS the CHRIST. Although I am not like him, I think he was the ultimate person and is the key to the future.
Do you have any regrets looking back at your career? For example any songs or even full albums that you regret recording? If so, what made you regret it?
No regrets. Even the bad experiences I have endured have moulded me and made me who I am today.
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
No, I love the songs we write. I don't think I will ever get tired of them.
How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
Extremely important. I think it's just as important as the music itself!
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
I am not sure. I don't get too involved in the industry. I think that the future is unknown or uncharted territory for the industry with downloads and mp3 capabilities.
What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
There isn't one! Piracy will always be an issue no matter what limitations are in place. The technology is just too advanced to stop it.
Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
Believe in what you do. Treat others as you want to be treated. Your actions are all seeds sown and your harvest will reflect on that.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
Get up and take care of my 6-month-old daughter, then get my 12 year old son up and get him motivated for school which is a draining task. Haha. Kiss my wife goodbye as she goes to work. I go back to sleep for a while. Get up and make my way to work in the afternoon. I work for a RailRoad company. And at night I meet with the band to work on new songs or rehearse songs for live performance.
What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
My family and on the computer
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
Stride has not had the opportunity to tour yet so I will have to answer that one later as we expect to get onto a tour soon.
You're heading off to live on a deserted island for a couple of years with your portable entertainment system... Which albums, movies or books would you bring? (Max. 3 of each)
WOW.. Great question. Ok Albums: Dream Theater- Falling Into Infinity Rush- Moving Pictures and John Petrucci- Suspended Animation Movies: The Matrix trilogy and Books: The Holy Bible
What is your favourite joke?
Not sure!! To many to choose from!!
Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?
We would like to tour and we are in the process of writing for a new album.
Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
Thanks for all the support and we hope to see you soon. Visit our website at www.strideonline.com and chat with us on our forum..
Added by Steen - 3/23/2006
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