This issue we have an exclusive interview with the new solo artist Mike ‘Izzie’ Saunders. His music style is a clever fusion of hard rock and country blues which can be considered unique in this age of generic emo-pop. A fresh touch is exactly what we need; he also provides a reminiscent homage back to the days of now ancient rock, in other words considered to be the good stuff. The guy has already been proclaimed as the new age Jimi Hendrix, complete with big hair. This comparison is kind of a big deal for the young artist, after all jimi Hendrix is only considered to be one of the greatest electric guitarist of all time.
Before we dive right into the thick interview I think it is appropriate to acknowledge that Izzie’s solo carrer was not his first attempt to break into limelight. Before going solo he could be found playing the bass guitar in small band called the called "TheStandStill”.
Bands live then die out. Known fact. However the heights that a band reaches before finally being drowned out by an unforgiving wave of the newer rockers, is hard to determine. Only a hand full of great rockers such as ACDC, The Rolling Stones but most notably The Beatles, have managed to stand the test of time and changing fads. Others that don’t become as popular are reduced to but a near silent echoe.
TheStandStill consisted of 3 bands members. On lead guitar and vocals was terry McNavin, on Bass was our young wonder Izzie, and on drums Patrick Dufont. I remember writing a review on them after attending the London Numuzak festival which sampled the best up and coming artists on offer from a variety of genres. As a band they weren’t too bad, providing some pretty catchy tunes for the night. As my brutally honest reviewing told, they didn’t immediately offer me a reason to expect them to become a big hit, their lyrics just seemed bland and manufactured. Their music just felt as though something more was to be desired. It seemed the British public agreed with my views. TheStandStill were not very popular at most they managed the odd gig and the privilege of being the back-up band at larger scale concerts. In 2007 they must have finally come to realise this as the year brought about the breakup of the three lads. Each decided that they would peruse careers separately. Come 2010 and the debut album of young Izzie it is clear that he has risen to become the most successful of the three.
We stop by at his studio (located in the suburbs he has based his album on) to talk to the young guitar specialist. He gives us a personal account of how it feels to have persevered and become so successful despite hardly being recognised first time round. He also shares with us the perks that came with his climb to fame.
For the interview I started off with a light question to break him and get his words flowing. I did this with full intent of later burrowing into the more intimate questions. We begin with me asking him “So what is it that rockers eat for breakfast?” He seemed a bit startled by the question but releases an amused chuckle before leaning forward with intrigue. “Breakfast!” he starts “a great way to start the day and even better way to start an interview. I dunno if this applies for all rockers but for me and the guys I work with breakfast is PEAK! Especially if I’ve had a gig the night before. When ya wake up with a splitting headache there’s nothing better than the taste of Sausage, bacon and eggs.”
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