Mikey Sorbello #4Real
@mikeyontheskins @thegraveltones Photograph: Hardy Amies
#4RealFriday is where I ask 5 Questions to some damn real, damn awesome pals who are living and doing dope stuff 4REAL!
They've inspired me or been a support in some way and I wanna share them with you.
MIKEY SORBELLO
WHAT COFFEE DO YOU DRINK?
I am proud to be a Long Black drinker. #LB4LYF
WHAT work DO YOU DO?
I am a drummer.
COOLEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Having my signature on my very own drum stick! That still blows my mind.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Balance. If I love something it's all or nothing.
BEST ADVICE?
"Find what you love and let it kill you" Bukowski
Mikey and I go back years now, and probably know more about each other than we’d like! He started off being a customer at a café I worked at and used to come in everyday while he was working at a drum shop on Denmark St. His personality was so infectious we became as addicted to him as he was to our coffee. We’ve worked together and run in similar circles so I’ve seen him and his two-man band grow and rise to stardom.
The Graveltones are incredible. It’s just him and his best pal Jimmy but the sound is so much fuller than that of two. Jimmy rocks the mic like some Jagger reincarnate, while Mikey smashes those drums, creating raw rock music that feels so good to listen to and watch.
The first time I ever saw Mikey play I was blown away. I still remember it very clearly. I was genuinely shocked. He has a presence when drumming that you very rarely see - anywhere.
There’s a vibrant energy that you can’t help being drawn into.
I've wondered over the years where the source of this energy and enthusiasm comes from (and whether I can bottle it); there's the craft and the constant challenge drumming presents for him personally and professionally but I think what it comes down to is his pure love of the drums and everything that surrounds it. He’s mad-crazy for drumming!
To me there's nothing greater than seeing someone, especially a good friend, becoming a superstar, doing what they love and consistently getting better and better with their integrity still in tact.
You’d think its natural raw talent, and it very well may be, but I know that this guy works really hard to be as good as he is. He used to spend hours and hours in a smelly £5/hr Denmark St room practicing the beat to an obscure song just to perfect a fill or a lick that no one else will probably ever hear him play – Just because he must. So his drumming repo tore is vast.
I really admire his dedication and focus. It’s always impressed and inspired me. He’s always so nice to people, genuine and humble. It’s hard to find fault with him really.
Of course, he’d disagree with me on that I’m sure. But I know he’s #4Real
Check out his new album that dropped this week here. Even better, go see The Graveltones live. It’s like the Black Keys/White stripes but rockier and waaay more fun. My favourite track on Love Lies Dying is “This Loves Gonna Break” and “Together Again”.
Check it.
Play: "Bang Bang" - (World on a String)
Play: "Catch me on the fly" - (Don't wait down)
