Artist Information

Instrumentation
Michael Shapiro - vocals & guitar,
Keith Sommers - guitar & vocals,
Nate Pfaltzgraf - bass & vocals,
Sean Moultrie - drums

Biography
Michael Shapiro, born in San Jose, raised in Las Vegas, and now residing in Portland, Oregon, picked up his first guitar at 13. Shapiro was only 16 when he had an opportunity to jam with Bruce Springsteen, an event that changed his life forever. He was encouraged to pursue a career in music from that moment on …

After stints in cover bands in his teens, Shapiro formed the band Trip, released a cd, and toured the country.It was during a gig in Rhode Island on February 21, 2003 when Trip opened for a band called the Great White that Shapiro went through a life-changing experience that shook his soul to its core. On that evening at the Station nightclub, 96 concertgoers died in a horrible fire. The tragedy of that one night perhaps more than any other moved Shapiro to reflect deeply on life.Shapiro has jumped back into the fray with his EP "Everything" with impassioned and soulfully crafted rock grooves. He's currently touring the NASCAR circuit as part of the NASCAR Regional Racing.com's "Emerging Artist Series". Shapiro is also being featured on Extra! TV as "One to Watch in 2006".


1. How did your band come together?

Keith Sommers (guitar) produced the record & introduced me to Sean Moultrie (drummer), who is a local Portland guy. Nate Pfaltzgraff (bass) & I were roommates. Basically we all knew each other from the Portland local music scene.

2. Can you tell us a little bit about them?

They’re all great guys – we’re like a musical family. We go on the road together, it’s just like traveling with my brothers.

3. Do all of you live in Portland?
yes.

4. What is the music scene like there?

It’s a really big pool of talent … there’s a lot of great music coming out of this area. I’ve found there’s a friendly comradery amongst the musicians I’ve met over here, despite the fact that the music is pretty diverse.

5. How would you compare it to LA, Knoxville or Las Vegas for that matter?

The music in this area is more rootsy. In Vegas they seem to be more cover-friendly, in fact when I started out in bands I played a lot of clubs, doing covers (U2, STP, Cure, Cult, Pearl Jam)

6. We all know that you picked up the guitar at 13, how about the rest of the band, when did they start playing their respective instruments?

(not sure the answer on this one!)

7. How fluent are you with piano and the trumpet?

I’m much better on the guitar –

8. Do you play piano on your EP? do you play the keyboard live?

Yes, I’m playing piano & guitar on the EP. I like to play keyboards live occasionally as well & am planning on incorporating it more into future gigs…

9. How did you get to jam with Bruce Springsteen? How did it change your life?

Bruce married a family friend (Julianna Philips) & he came over to my family’s house for dinner one night. I was a young teenager & didn’t really know a lot about Bruce’s level of fame. We sat on the couch & jammed with our guitars, playing blues chords. It was inspiring spending time with him, he was so down to earth. He asked to play the music I was writing at the time. I wish now I had asked him to play more of his stuff …

10. Are there any words of wisdom that “the Boss” imparted on you that you feel would be beneficial to our readers?

The thing that impressed me most was how completely normal he acted. Just a regular guy, interested in hearing what a kid could play.

11. In your own words and based on your experiences and the knowledge you’ve gained over the years, what would you say are the key ingredients that make a successful rock album?

(ha ha) Let me know if you figure it out! I don’t know really, I just put my heart into it & write what I believe in & leave the rest up to the universe. If my music connects with people, then that to me makes it successful.

12. What are some of the life lessons that you’ve learned as a result of the tragic Great White concert?

Always know where your fire exits are. Seriously, I’m still learning that one. Life is fragile, that’s for sure.

13. How did it feel being considered “One to Watch in 2006” by Extra! TV?

It was exciting – it’s always nice to be recognized like that. Hope I can live up to it.

14. Where would you measure your level of success to be at? International stardom or maybe are you already at a point where you feel satisfied?

I wouldn’t mind being on the cover of Rolling Stone (haha). I’m pretty fulfilled with playing my music full time. I love being on the road & am happiest when I’m on tour.

15. Are you married? children?

Not married – my kids are my dogs Ralphie & Barney

16. How old are Ralphie & Barney?

Ralphie – 14 months
Barney – 7 months

17. What are some goals that you have yet to achieve?

Well gee I’d love to play with U2 someday? On a personal level, it’s all about finding balance … I feel like I’m on a definite spiritual path right now, and music is part of it. I’m so grateful to be doing something every day that I’m so passionate about.

18. Where would you like to see yourself in 2006?

On the road & on the radio.

19. Any plans on a full length album?

Absolutely – it’s in the works. Hopefully it’ll be released in late ’06 or early ’07.

please visit:
http://www.michaelshapiromusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/michaelshapiro