1. In what way do you consider yourself to be different from the average Rap
group out today?
I really don't think you can compare our style of hip hop to anything that's
out there today. We have more of an old school flavor to us, plus we don't
rhyme about the same things everyone else does.
2
Who were your musical influences and how have they helped you to develop
your career?
Our influences have been Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Rakim, Tribe called Quest
to name a few. A lot of late 80's hip hop and I also was into Hardcore music,
you can also see those roots in our musical style too. All that lead us in
the direction of the killer Mike Control sound.
3
Where do you see this group to be in the next five years?
I see us having a strong underground following that will let us do tours
that will draw us sold out venues.
4
. Are there any rappers/MC's that you are really digging right now?
Right now I got M.O.P the Smut peddlers, Sick of it all and Jedi Mind
Tricks in my CD deck and of course Mike Control the introduction.
5
Why did you choose not to have any guest appearances on this album?
We wanted to get our shit off first. We wanted to give everyone a taste of
with the duo from Brooklyn is all about. We plan to work with some other cats
though on some new tracks were working on.
6
When can fans expect to hear a full-length album from Mike Control?
We probably will put out a couple more singles before we put out the full
length album. We wanna generate more of that buzz and keep going with it
before we drop the album. But the full length will no doubt happen.
7
Of everything on this album, I am especially satisfied with the superb
production! Most underground artists, as you may know, don't have the best
production when they are coming out? You obviously knew what you were doing
in picking your production team! I'm interested in knowing how you found
them, and whether you plan on sticking with this same team in the future,
or finding new production?
To tell you the truth we are the production team, with the exceptions of
two tracks on the EP Mike the Oscillator Co. worked on with us. We do plan to
work with a couple of other producers on some upcoming projects though, just
to get some different styles of production and a different flavor to our
sound.
8
Are there any plans in the future of perhaps having your own recording
label and artists?
Basically right now its like where running our own record label being
independent and all. All the moves we make is on our own, we have no one
helping us out. One day I would like to run it as a real label and put other
artists on and do tours together. That would be nice, as long as we stay
focused on what we want to accomplish within our group.
9
What do you think of the entertainment industry as far as where it's been
and where it is headed? Do you think that rap is headed to a dead end, or
will it live on forever!
I think the entertainment industry has been better years back when it was
more about the music than what kind of look you have or what crowd you can
appeal to. For the rap music that you hear on the radio and see on MTV I
think its at a dead end, but I think its a dead end that will never end. TV
and radio will feed you a song that sucks till you like it, its all about the
money. That's why I listen to independent underground groups, that's where
you have the heart in the game.
10. Will you be doing any type of promotion for your current EP, such as
mini-tours, etc.
In the next issue of Strength Magazine we put a 1/2 page advertisement and
a couple of other underground zines. We plan to try to put out more
advertisements, as long as its within our budget. We will be doing shows in
NY area to promote the EP and we also signed up for some outer state music
festivals later on this year.
11. I read how you were rapping before, and the group did not work out! What
made you return to music, and do you plan on being here for good now, or is
this all temporary?
Well, the Grey Ghost was working as a commercial editor and had access to a
big studio. So he started messing around with beats and came up the sound
that later became mics I grab. I heard the beat and it all began. This is not
a temporary thing, back then we were just young kids messing around and
didn't have no idea about the business and what needed to be done. Right now
we are focused and having a great time. I assure you Mike Control will be
around a long time, keep in mind this is only the introduction.
12. How do you feel about rappers venturing off into other areas of
entertainment such as acting!
If that's what there into more power to them.
13. Lastly, Will we ever see Mike Control on the silver screen, or at least
the TV screen?
I doubt it, although Grey Ghost is writing and directing an independent
film called aynamonos gamblers which we will probably promote through our
site and they might put into some film festivals in the future. On a last
note I would like to thank manhunt for interviewing us and I think everyone
should check out The Introduction EP. Its sure to get your Adeline pumped. If
its not in an underground shop near you, you can get it off our site
mikecontrol.com . Brace yoself the coming is here.
Peace
Jonny Bro
Mike Control
