CORNERS OF SANCTUARY Holiday Interview

New wave of Traditional American heavy metal band CORNERS OF SANCTUARY have guitarist Mick Michaels talk of the holidays for this time of year!


1. What are you doing for the holidays?

Mick Michaels: Like many people, I will be spending time with my family...enjoy each other's company, getting caught up and indulging in some great food. Food always seems to be the highlight. Food, family and fun... the perfect Holiday combination.

2. This Halloween season I did what?

MM: I watched a ton of fun Halloween movies with my family throughout October. We made a list and watched a movie each night… capping it off with “A Nightmare Before Christmas” on Halloween night.

3. Did you dress up this year?

MM: Absolutely! I dress up every year as a rock star... :)

4. What is your favorite Halloween candy or treat?

MM: Hands down it has to be the Baby Ruth bar. Snickers comes in as a close second.

5. What are you thankful for?

MM: Besides being alive and kicking, I am so grateful for my family. Their love and support is what keeps me going and has me believing anything is possible.

6. Do you have a favorite dish for Thanksgiving or do you enjoy everything?

MM: I'm definitely a sampler when it comes to Holiday meals... a little bit if this, some of that...to me it is part if the experience. But if I had the choice, I’d say go right to desserts.

7. Who's the one out of the band, that eats the most, when it comes to the holiday season?

MM: I would have to say Mad T can really eat like a champ… regardless whether or not it the Holiday season. He has a stomach of steel.

8. Do you or have you gone shopping on Black Friday, if so what did you find and buy? Or have you gone out to see the sights of the crowds?

MM: I am not a Black Friday guy at all… ever. I usually put up the tree and all the decorations on Black Friday. I like to avoid the crowds if I can. These days I’m an online shopper. One and done!

9. When it comes to the holiday season, does the band all get together, or does everyone do their own thing?

MM: The band does get together for a Holiday dinner. We exchange presents and all...it's a real good time. It's a chance for us to spend time together and not be music related. During the month of December, while we are out on the road, we try and take as many photos of Christmas trees as we can find in different places. It's fun and everyone gets into the spirit of things. It also makes the long drives interesting.

10. What is your favorite Christmas song to sing and why?

MM: I have always enjoyed "Holly, Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives as well as "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms. These songs just reflect the fun and purity of the season and I find them uplifting. Plus, I really dig the banjo in "Holly, Jolly Christmas".

11. One thing you really want for Christmas is what?

MM: To have a great time with my family. My family is my greatest gift. I can’t ask for anything more. But I can always use socks.

12. Do you still believe in Santa Claus? Enough so, that you would pay him a visit at the mall or other local events?

MM: Absolutely do! Santa is cool and he represents the magic of the season. If we stop believing in the magic all could be lost. And yes…I have been known to swing by a mall or two and have a photo taken with the big man.

13. What type of Christmas tree do you prefer white or green or your own version?

MM: I'm a traditionalist...go green!

14. Are you a late or early Christmas shopper?

MM: Early… The sooner the better. This allows me time to actually enjoy the Holiday happenings.

15. One thing you have to do on New Year's Eve?

MM: Eat sushi!

16. Do you have any New Year's resolutions?

MM: Not really resolutions, more like goal settings. Each year I write a list of things I want to accomplish for the coming year.  I put them on paper with the best intentions. Committing them to paper is my way of letting the Universe know what my hopes are. On New Year's Day the following year I look at that list and go through what was accomplished. Of course there are always things that didn't get done. But what surprises me most are the things that get done that you didn't expect. That is always exciting. That’s the magic of life.