“Rockstar” Q&A with Mike Stolberg…
Always “in tune”.
Photo Credit: Josh Stolberg
Today, I am excited to share a recent Q&A with my friend, colleague, and Toxic A$$ets’ founder, “maestro” Mike Stolberg (Rhythm Guitar, Piano/Keyboards, and Background Vocals)!
We explore his life-long relationship with all things music, especially Classical music and the piano, along with some lessons he learned along the way. Like a ballad, each of our lives tells a story, many of which share a common thread. As you read Mike’s story, consider thinking about your own relationship with music (or any passion) or how music may have served as the soundtrack to your life.
Thanks for reading!
“Rockstar” Q&A
Featuring Mike Stolberg a.k.a. “Stoli Strumberg”
Toxic A$$ets: Founder; Rhythm Guitar, Piano/Keyboards, and Background Vocals
“You just have to stop censoring the small creative voice that we all hear and experience…”
Q.
What were some of the earliest songs, albums, music videos, or artists you remember?
A.
My parents had an extensive music and record collection that was my foundation. While most of their collection centered on both Classical and Jazz music, around age seven, I remember listening to “Good Vibrations” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys; “Pet Sounds” continues to be one of my all-time favorite albums. Another song that I remember was “Funhouse” by Flim & the BB's, off of their 1985 album titled “Big Notes”. Flim & the BB’s was a contemporary jazz band that was among the first bands to record albums digitally. However, my fondest childhood musical memories involve Mannheim Steamroller and their “Fresh Aire” album series. I especially remember listening to the song “Going to Another Place” from their “Fresh Aire II” album. This song still elicits strong emotions every time I hear it and always brings me back to a place of hope and peace; that good ole "everything is going to be alright" feeling.
Q.
Did you come from a “musical” household?
A.
Yes. Both of my parents are classical-trained vocalists. My dad also earned a Doctorate in Choral Conducting and sang in operas, including “Die Fledermaus”, which I remember attending.
Q.
Who was (were) your biggest, personal musical influence(s) growing up?
A.
Definitely my parents. Another major musical influence for me was my private piano instructor, Mrs. Iris Logeman. She is a well-renowned instructor and her “teaching lineage” purportedly traces back to the legendary composer and pianist, Franz Liszt. She was extremely knowledgeable, always providing me with context; “the history” and “the why”. Iris was expressive in her teaching; strict, but gentle. When teaching larger, complex compositions, she would often break them up into small segments and sections, and then assign a letter or an image to each one. To ensure that I was retaining what I was being taught, she would call out certain ones to play, in order and out of order. I was always drawn to the works and playing of Rachmaninoff. However, my hands were too small at the time to properly play his works. Fortunately, Mrs. Logeman recognized my pension for playing contrasting melodies with both hands and cultivated my dual-voice playing ability by focusing on works by Bach.
Q.
At what age did you leave the “aural nest” of your parent(s) or family, to go forth and discover your own music?
A.
It was during my early teenage years. I was initially (and still am) drawn to symphonic soundtracks, including those composed by John Williams. While I originally became a fan of Williams mostly due to his scores for the “Star Wars” trilogy, it was his soundtrack to “The Patriot” that especially moved me. At the time, I thought it was the most beautiful soundtrack that I had ever heard. I also like scores and soundtracks written by James Horner, Harry Gregson Williams, Hans Zimmer, Klaus Badelt, and Danny Elfman (to name a few). The common element amongst most all of these works was the underlying traditional symphonic sound, not the corresponding movies. I am especially fond of the Romantic period and of musicians such as Brahms and Rachmaninoff. For example, if you listen to “Symphony No.4 in E minor” by Brahms, you may believe you are listening to a modern symphonic movie soundtrack. Again, as a pianist, I was always amazed by Rachmaninoff’s musicianship and technical prowess on the piano.
Q.
What was the first single or album that you purchased?
A.
The soundtrack to the movie “Unbreakable” composed by James Newton Howard. I specifically like the title (6th) track.
Q.
What musicians/artists influence(d) you most?
A.
Apart from my lifelong exposure to classical music and related composers, in my mid-teens, I discovered the Beatles, specifically their album “Rubber Soul”. For some reason, their music piqued my curiosity, and I quickly listened to every album thereafter; it was life changing. During my freshman year of college, my friend gave me bootleg copies of every Beatles album; I was on “Cloud 9”. I've listened to the entire Beatles anthology from start to finish many times and to this day consider one my favorite songs of all time to be "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)".
Q.
Have you ever met any famous musicians/artists?
A.
No famous mainstream performers or recording artists. However, I would consider Mrs. Logeman and Dr. Robert Weirich to be on my list, as both are well-renowned and respected in the world of piano and instruction.
Q.
What were some concerts/festivals that you have attended? Is there a favorite or most memorable?
A.
I experienced RHCP live a few years ago and it was amazing. I saw the Foo Fighters live in 2018 at Sprint Center (now T-Mobile Center). There is a viral video on YouTube from that same concert which shows Dave Grohl bringing a kid up from the audience to play along with the band. The kid crushed it and in return, Dave gave him his actual Pelham Blue Gibson Memphis ES-335 guitar. So awesome!
I also was fortunate to see Gary Clark Jr. open for Kings of Leon. I love the headliner, but for me, Gary stole the show. However, my fondest concert experience would definitely be seeing Mannheim Steamroller live with my dad; this was not a Christmas-themed show.
Q.
Did you sing and/or play an instrument when you were a child or young adult? If so, did you take lessons or were you self-taught (or was it a mixture of both)?
A.
Yes. I was a classically-trained pianist from age 4 to 18. I also took a year of Guitar lessons when I was ten, but for the most part am self-taught. When I was 18, I auditioned and was accepted to study Piano Performance under Dr. Robert Weirich at the UMKC Conservatory, but ultimately decided that I didn't want to be stuck in a room by myself for eight hours a day practicing. I transferred to Avila University in 2005 and studied Music Theatre with an emphasis in Sound Design.
Q.
Did you study music theory and composition?
A.
Yes, as part of my piano/music lessons which also included sightreading and ear training. While I was in college, I also studied music theory and vocal performance.
Q.
Do you like to write music, lyrics, or both?
A.
Yes. I have been writing music since I was very young. Most of the music from my younger years focused on Piano Compositions. As a teen, I started writing music and lyrics, mostly on guitar. About ten years ago, I started experimenting with digital and midi composition.
Q.
When first performing, did you experience stage fright? If so, how did you overcome it or even utilize it?
A.
Yes; early on as a pianist, I would definitely get nervous before recitals or competitions. Luckily, I don't experience it anymore, as I have been playing in front of people for so long.
Q.
Have you ever had a song or performance professionally recorded in a studio?
A.
Yes. I recorded in a studio a couple of times. In 2007 to 2008, I would guest with the Psychedelic Pop band "The Abracadabras". I played a few shows with them and recorded on their 2008 album "Be Still, Be Cool". Some of the tracks I recorded on were: “Give Me Your Name” - (Mellotron), “Black and White” - (Piano), and “Requiem” - (Piano) [Tony’s Takeaways: “Black and White” is a great tune. I especially like the opening vocals, along with the guitar work appearing at 2m 43s and again at 4m 18s, and of course, those piano chords…].
The Abracadabras [open link to hear their album in Bandcamp]
Q.
Do you like music history, musicology, and/or trivia?
A.
Yes. I am especially drawn to the evolution or changing nature of music and its consistent effect on people throughout time.
Q.
Currently, what are some of your favorite musical styles or genres? Conversely, is there a style or genre that you would like to learn more about?
A.
My favorite musical styles right now are probably Indie, Jazz, and LoFi. I would like to learn more about Funk and would love to play it more. I am also intrigued by the recent rise and popularity of “K-Pop” as a musical genre or subgenre; It is an eclectic form, drawing from nearly a dozen styles and genres. What is the draw?
Q.
Is there an instrument that you would like to learn how to play?
A.
The Cello, which I believe has the most beautiful sound of any instrument. I also would like to learn how to play the Oboe and the French Horn.
Q.
Are there other aspects of the music industry that interest you (e.g., producing, engineering, marketing, dance and choreography, style and design, artist management, etc.)?
A.
Yes; recording and engineering. I have always been interested in music production. One day, when I have more time, I plan to build a home studio.
Perhaps a security guard?
Q.
How has your relationship with music, including performing, helped you in your work life? Any applicable lessons or takeaways (e.g., more comfortable with public speaking or presenting to a large audience, stronger relationships with co-workers, etc.)?
A.
Yes. I think being in front of crowds and entertaining has lent itself positively in my interacting with people, not only at work but in my personal life as well.
Q.
Has music helped you achieve a better work/life balance?
A.
Not necessarily. Music has always been part of my life and I consider it an integral part of who I am.
Q.
Are there any other items or insights that you would like to share or discuss?
A.
"The whole problem can be stated quite simply by asking ‘Is there a meaning to music?’ My answer would be, ‘Yes’. And ‘Can you state in so many words what the meaning is?’ My answer to that would be ‘No.’ - Aaron Copland
Sing us a song, you're the piano man…
March 2013: Mike performing during Toxic A$$ets’ first paid gig at RC's Chicken in Martin City (Kansas City, Missouri). Photo Credit: Melissa Sturgis
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