Mickey Valentino is a familiar face around the live music scene in SL, so much so that one might be fair in saying that he is a connoisseur of sorts. He understands the details, techniques and principles of music and to me is more than competent to act as a critical judge. Throughout this interview Mickey showed that he is thoughtful in his answers, impartial, fair and honest and I must say that I personally think this interview is one of the best that I have had the pleasure of posting. I hope you, the reader enjoys this as much as I have. Love Harlow
Harlow: SL has a wealth of talent, Mickey as a regular patron of live music in SL can you tell me what it is that you look for in a performer that something that makes you go "I really need to take time out of my SL to hear this person"
Mickey: Thanks for the chance to participate in the relaunch of DTS, I've always enjoyed reading your writeups and now hope to see a good many more. To your question, it's talent in vocals and/or instrument above all else, those will always be the shows I'll make time for and schedule around. Others it can be the presentation or atmosphere created that might make up the 'gap' so those I'll keep an eye out for in events as time allows. That said there is no shortage of talent in the SL live music scene and there are a lot of good people traveling those circles.
"I carry my sunshine in my pocket"
Harlow: In your opinion when it comes to venues what are some of the must have's that ensure you have a good time and what are some of the things that let a venue down ?
Mickey: I carry my sunshine in my pocket so I'm usually having a good time, alone or otherwise. I really don't need much outside of a lag free space and the entertainer to have a good time. Some of the amazing spaces and creations the venue owners put out, design and come up with can be truly awe inspiring, adding a layer of 'icing' on the whole of the experience. The one major detriment to venues/live events I've observed over the years is a lack of security where spammers and hecklers are concerned and their disruption of spaces. Anymore it's just words, not summoned herds of buffalo from a starax wand, bouncing people around the sim, but it's still an annoyance and if regular can cost a venue patrons and wreck the event for many
Harlow: Who are some of the artists that you enjoy the most in Sl and why?
Mickey: Jimmy T. Dukes, the brother plays like a beast and I love the edge to the mans voice. He easily covers S.R.V. better than those I've heard try and I've seen a few over the years. Add to that his own songlist it's always a great musical experience. Noma Falta, the lady is a class act and can hammer away at that bass, but her voice, is melodic and just really pulls me in, she goes great with a nice bourbon at the end of the day and musically she covers a lot of my bases. There are so many I enjoy. Essence is another one who puts on an awesome show and has a lot of great tunes in her list. Her voice has a refined edge and a sultry sound I can never seem to get enough of. Agatha also deserves a special mention here too, with her pussycat voice and lively spirit, her shows are always fun and I enjoy listening to her sing, she also has some great music I have heard few others cover in SL and well you can't mention Agatha without Collin Martin so there is his mention... ;)
Harlow: What is your preferred genre and what is it about this genre that grabbed your attention?
Mickey: I have 2 that fight for dominance and neither ever fully wins and thats classic rock and heavy metal. Most all fueled by a non standard upbringing and a deep rebellious streak against authority or conformity. It's the heavy chords, intricate rhythms and in your face lyrics about things that make many, if not most, uncomfortable.
Harlow: To me music makes me feel, it makes me remember, it makes me laugh, it makes me cry, its all about past memories and making new ones. What does music mean to you and do you have that one song, a line or a verse that just digs deep and makes you feel more than others?
Mickey: Music is as you state, memories, feelings. From shared times w friends and loved ones or just personal events it's all of those things. Fuel for life and personal struggles, growth or achievements. Almost anything in my life of significance has a song attached to it in one way or another. As for a song, line or verse. The song, which shocks even me is Brandi Carlile - The Story, which holds it's own story. Verse or lyric Fight the Good Fight - Triumph "All your life you've been waiting for your chance, Where you'll fit into the plan, but you're the master of your own destiny, so give and take the best that you can" I don't think it needs an explanation.
Harlow: If you could sit at a table in that first world with 3 musicians, dead or alive who would they be and why?
Mickey: Bob Marley, the man had a unique spirit and outlook. While many try and grasp at his ideas and philosophies I think they all fall short of the message he was trying to get across. People only perceive from their own level of experience and understanding and I don't think the world was ready for what the man was putting out there. John Bonham is another often unsung legend who enabled Led Zeppelin. Because of his extreme talent and musicianship he allowed a moving platform upon which all of the band could showcase themselves and do things musically no one had done before and few have been able to do since.
The third ugh...tough one there but I'd have to say Ozzy or Bob Dylan. Both for similar reasons in their exposure and longevity in the music scene(s), their rebellious spirit(s) and attitude(s) both Icons in their own right with a long string of musical history under their belt(s). I'd enjoy being able to gleen some wisdom from either and hear their personal struggles w non conformity and hitting back for those without a voice
"JimmyT, he and I have sat and talked a time or two. I dig talking music and the fuckery of life with him."
Harlow: Following that If you could sit at a table in SL with 3 musicians who would they be and why?
Mickey: JimmyT, he and I have sat and talked a time or two. I dig talking music and the fuckery of life with him. He's a 'colorful' person who has lived and that always makes for good conversation. Noma Falta and again we have talked about her influences and love of music which runs in her family, but there is always more when you start getting into inspirations and the why's of some songs becoming staples in an artists set. Essence would be another, had a short conversation with her once and it went straight to music and she blew my doors off w a band that somehow slipped under my radar for a decade or more and I bet she has 100 more.
"I've always enjoyed reading your write ups and now hope to see a good many more"
Harlow: I am not going to ask you for names but there's some musicians just like in RL who aren't to my taste, doesn't mean that they aren't good just means that they aren't to my liking. What makes you go...."ok this performer isn't for me" and do you think its rude to leave if you aren't enjoying it?. (I personally don't think its rude but I have had some performers say to me that they think it is.)
Mickey: There is one performer that is an amazing human she plays and sings very well, but her voice and sound toss me in a tailspin and I feel half depressed and melancholy after her shows, which may be a testament to the power of her music, but I TRY and keep my SL light so I have to take her in small measures. The 'feel' of the show and music is what is key for me. As for thinking it's rude to leave a venue, look time is our most precious of commodities, you like what you like and if you don't enjoy a show, there's no reason you should stay. Not everyone is going to like every performer.
Harlow: Do you think that live music websites such as DTS and Toggle For Music are performing a needed service in SL...be brutally honest.
Mickey: I absolutely do think they serve a critical role. I, myself enjoy reading them and have discovered new artists and found some great experiences because of the insight or musician spotlights published on these sites. They are invaluable asset for new people to the live music scene looking for artists that fit their particular tastes. They are a hub for like minded people and great community resource.
Harlow: Given that there have been quite a few performers return to SL during COVID and so many performers that are already established do you think that its hard for new artists in SL to be heard and to get a break?
Mickey: I think there are plenty of venues looking for artists. They may have a rough go finding slots during 'primetime' but they can no doubt find venues to play in and help get their names out there. I think it's a pretty good time in SL for artists and many clubs /venues specialize in bringing in new talent and helping to get them 'out there' on stage.
Harlow: In closing do you have any thoughts or observations on live music in SL that you would like to share that hasn't been covered?
Mickey: The people. I've met a lot of amazing people in and around the SL music scene, generally the people are good salt of the earth folks who're quick to welcome in new people and just there to enjoy some music and have a good time. Major kudos to the venue owners who keep the whole of live music propped up in SL as it's a labor of love there is rarely if ever profit on that end of the environment and to the artists who populate the SL music scene.
Thank You Mickey