JC Internet Indie Radio Spotlight June 2010 Edition
Mike Petrone
Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Mike Petrone Photo by Emiliano Brooks Photography
Sergeant Mike Petrone is creating quite the buzz within the music industry with his music which emotionally tells his story serving our country. Petrone, from Columbus, Georgia, served two tours in Iraq in which he was wounded twice. His heroic actions in Iraq was honored by receiving a Purple Heart, all before the solider turned rapper reached the age of 22. He recently collaborated on a track, “Crank It”, with Lil Scrappy and Iam of Soul Mafia. His honesty, passion, and heart that are all showcased in his rhymes are the best part to listening to Petrone’s music. In this spotlight with our Webzine, Petrone speaks openly about his music and why he loves to make music.
Music
Isaac: Where are you from? How does living there affect your songwriting?
Mike: Columbus GA to Atlanta GA 706-404! I love the South. I was born her but I've been around the world and that’s what affects my songwriting. I understand there’s a bigger world outside of Georgia and The South. I try to keep things in perspective without losing a piece of home or forgetting where I come from.
Being cultured makes me the man and artist I am!
Isaac: Do you focus on any political themes? If so, please tell us in more detail about them:
Mike: I try not to focus too much on political themes because I don’t want to be labeled as a "political" artist. Being that I have served in the military, I personally don’t even like the "political, democrat, republican" conversations but there are some things that just can’t go without being said. If I get political, I focus on the world around me (us); the government, the environment, our generation, and current up to date issues. Things that need to be addressed!
Isaac: What's the greatest thing that's ever been said about your music?
Mike: It’s amazing because there have been so many wonderful things said about my music. I think the greatest accomplishment is knowing I've truly touched someone mentally and emotionally with my words and thoughts. People have cried, laughed and truly felt what I've said. Their actions speak louder than any words that can be said about my music!
How much has heartbreak contributed to your songwriting?
Mike: Not Much, A song here and there.
Mike Petrone Photo by Emiliano Brooks Photography
Isaac: What are your main musical influences?
Mike: My iPod is Crazy. I listen to every genre. I grew up on Rock and ska listening to Korn and Reel Big Fish then got into Hip Hop Listening to Eminem, Outkast, Killer Mike and Nas. I have a wide range of influences.
Isaac: What's the song you're most proud of writing?
Mike: "Crank It" ft. Lil Scrappy and Iam has definitely been one of my favorites and most proud songs! That and "Flaws".
Isaac: What was the last time music was really, really exciting for you?
Mike: Today! Right Now! I love what I do! I do it on a daily basis and I give it all I got 100% of the time. I love it like I started yesterday!
Isaac: What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you on stage?
Mike: I perform HARD. I work hard to make sure I put on a good show but sometimes that can't be helped. I haven’t had to many embarrassing moments but it’s annoying when the mic cuts out and I’m standing there like it’s my fault when it’s really a technical difficulty that I can’t help!
Having the mic cut out on me is always embarrassing.
Isaac: What's the most personal song you've ever written and what was it based on?
Mike: "Flaws" is definitely the most personal song ever written. A lot of people talk about all the great things about themselves; all the positive things about themselves. They hold themselves high without ever taking a step back and looking at their flaws and understanding them and being honest about them.
I hear song after song about how great someone is and all the things they have. I wanted to be honest to myself and my fans on such a personal level I wrote about all the negative things about myself. My character flaws!! I was open and honest!
Mike Petrone Photo by Emiliano Brooks Photography
Isaac: If you could create your own fantasy music festival, who would the top 6 headliners be?
Mike: Outkast, Soul Mafia, Stone Forest Ensemble, Blitz The Ambassador, Method Man, and Mike Petrone!
Personal
Isaac: Do you actually participate in other social networking sites aside from MySpace?
Mike: Yep! FaceBook and Twitter are the Main Ones!
Isaac: What gets you up in the morning?
Mike: My circadian rhythm or my inner alarm clock!
Isaac: What keeps you awake at night?
Mike: All my thoughts. I think a lot and sometimes I think about my plans and what I got going on and it can keep me awake!
Isaac: If you were a superhero what famous musician would be your arch-nemesis and why?
Mike: It wouldn’t be any one musician; it would be the corporate labels ran by lawyers and accountants destroying the industry!
Digital Music
Isaac: What's your favorite internet radio station?
Mike: Would Have To Be JC Internet Indie Radio! Big Ups!
Isaac: What's your favorite website to get music information or news?
Mike: I usually scan through www.2dopeboyz.com and see what’s poppin.
Sports
Isaac: Do you follow any sports, if so, which ones?
Mike: Nah not a big Sports guy! I like football but not to the point where I follow heavily. I do try to stay active and healthy so I like to get out and play sports though.
Books
Isaac: What is the process that gets you ready to sit down a lay out a story?
Mike: Life Experiences. There’s never a set process. Motivation and inspiration come randomly and spontaneous. When life inspires me to write and ride, I get in and hold on!!
