Music Q&A with Mike Park of Bruce Lee Band
Photo by Ryan Perras
The Bruce Lee Band released their new album, One Step Forward, Two Steps Back, last week via Asian Man Records! The Bruce Lee Band is made up of Mike Park, Jeff Rosenstock, Dan Potthast, and Kevin Higuchi. In this Q&A, Mike Park (who is a legend in the scene and also runs Asian Man Records), took some time to chat about the album, what he would change in the music industry if he could, how he keeps it posi, and more! This is a fun read! One Step Forward, Two Steps Back is available for purchase HERE.
Congratulations on the release of One Step Forward, Two Steps Back! What would you say is different about this release when you look back at your last release, Division In The Heartland?
Not much to be honest. It really is an extension of Division In The Heartland considering we recorded the new album a mere six months later.
What does the album mean to you?
It’s fun to make music, but it’s also fun to make music with friends. These Bruce Lee Band sessions have really worked out as a way to get my ideas out in the form of song and I feel like I’m writing my best songs in my friggin' 50s. This might be the best ska record I’ve ever been part of.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
Oh dear, where do I start… If I had to say one thing, I would get rid of Live Nation and give the touring circuit back to local promoters.
What is one artist or band that you haven’t seen in concert, that you hope to see someday?
I’d love to see Paul McCartney. I have a problem doling out $200 for an arena show, but I’d love to hear those classic songs performed live.
What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
Have fun. If you try to "MAKE IT," it’s no fun. It’s just a bunch of bullshit. Play music 'cause you love music. And if you happen to make a living off of your art, then helllz yes!!
We all have our days where it may not be going as well as we’d like. People deal with their worst days in different ways. What helps you get through the bad days? How do you stay positive?
Walk Walk Walk!! I’ll put on headphones, put on a music podcast and just go on a 5-mile walk. Put the DO NOT DISTURB feature on the phone and get the body moving.
Thank you for taking the time for this Q&A. Any last words or final message for the readers?
Be a good person. Don’t be an asshole.
Bruce Lee Band on social media and digital streaming platforms:
Instagram | Apple Music | Amazon Music | Bandcamp | Spotify