By Kristeffor Olson, The Metal Crawlspace -
Thrash Metal legends Flotsam and Jetsam continue to be a force to be reckoned with. In 2021, they released their fourteenth studio album, one of my top 5 releases of that year, titled “Blood in the Water.”
With over 70,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, and several songs with well over one million streams, we wanted to find out the secret to the band's longevity, views on our current culture, the state of music, streaming services, and more.
I sat down with original/current guitarist, Michael Gilbert for a little Q&A. Check it out below and be sure to share it on your social pages!
The Metal Crawlspace: I would like to give a quick shoutout to Scott Robertson, a mutual friend of ours, for setting up this interview. Scott is by far the biggest Flotsam and Jetsam fan I have ever met. It’s an honor to meet you, Mike! Michael Gilbert: Yes, Scott is a badass and you are correct about him being the biggest F and J fan. I think he has been to 49 shows at this point!
TMC: We view Flotsam and Jetsam as one of the pioneers of Thrash Metal. Our current culture seems to be all about labels and categories, along with placing bands into sub-genres of music. What category or genre do you define Flotsam and Jetsam as?
MG: Thank you very much. Definitely thrash in the early days but it is constantly evolving. These days it seems we are writing some stuff that would fit in with Power Metal as well. We didn't try to do this, but I think it’s healthy growth for bands to change and have a little variety, but not to get too far off base from their roots.
TMC: One aspect of the band that has always shined along with the masterful musicianship, has been Eric "A.K." Knutson’s vocals. I mean, this guy is on the level of Bruce Dickenson, Ronnie James Dio, and displayed flavors of King Diamond and James Hetfield over the years. I can’t help but recognize the impact your music and style have had on multiple bands since the mid-80s, not to mention, it helped shape a genre of music. Do you feel your band gets the recognition it deserves?
MG: That’s a great question. Firstly, AK is one of the best singers in metal if not the best. And I think I share that opinion with a lot of people. Second, does the band get the recognition it deserves, I don’t know. As a musician, I had a vision of where I wanted to be in this career. I always looked up to Angus, Rhoads, Van Halen, and other monster players, and that was the goal. But realistically, it's like being a sports player and it's difficult to get called up to the pros. I think the right time and place and song or album plays a giant role in that for musicians. At the moment, I'm very content with the success of F and J.
TMC: I want to talk about your latest record “Blood in the Water.” As I previously reported, it was one of my favorite metal releases of 2021, not to mention, it remains an album we listen to regularly in The Metal Crawlspace office. Can you share with us the concept behind the record, in a nutshell?
MG: Thanks, I think I'm most proud of BITW. We had the task of trying to follow up "The End Of Chaos" which we all thought was going to a major hill to climb, but the final product turned out killer IMO. It’s the best representation of F and J to date. I'm not sure if a lot of older fans from back in the day have heard it though, which is a shame because I think they would certainly lock on and agree. The old-school fans are partial to "Doomsday For The Deceiver," but I think BITW would change some minds.
TMC: With fourteen studio albums to date, one in the works, and playing countless live shows, can you let us in on your secret to the longevity of your band?
MG: Enjoy what you do and who you do it with is the key. Even though its work it doesn’t feel at all like work. Also be sure to be flexible with the people you are working with. Other ears hear things differently which is an asset IMO.
TCM: You have many years of touring experience, Mike. If you could give one piece of advice to a new band diving into the waters of the touring scene, what would it be?
MG: Touring is a tough life and there are a lot of sacrifices that musicians make to do it. It's not easy at all and not what it seems. But I love it. It's triumph and then disaster, over and over, every day. From playing concerts in front of thousands of people, to the bus breaking down in the middle of the desert with no AC. It's one of the greatest experiences ever, but not designed for the faint of heart. My advice is tough it out if you can afford to do it. Live every moment to its fullest while you are out there. Who knows when the next tour and life experience will happen again.
TMC: With advancements in technology the music industry has changed significantly.
What are your views on digital media, streaming platforms, and the current state of the music industry?
MG: Streaming is killing the music business. These companies have nickeled and dimed us out of our earnings, and it's only getting worse. Where are the days when you would put on an album and review the front and back and inside cover while the album plays through? That’s what we did in the early days, and at least for metal, the fans are back to doing that and are very supportive of the artists. Streaming is great to get your product out there, but there is far too many hands in the kitty.
TMC: Are you able to share any news about the upcoming Flotsam album?
MG: We are currently writing! We're trying to keep a consistency with the last three records, but yet still be innovative and fresh. BITW is going to be a hard one to top that’s for sure, but we have a really excellent start I will say.
TCM: Would you describe yourself as a “spiritual” person? If so, can you elaborate on your views about spirituality and God?
MG: Yes, I am. I'm constantly trying to do better but I am a work in progress that’s for sure. lol.
TCM: “Cancel culture” is a popular buzzphrase. What are your thoughts on people digging into a band member or band’s past, in an attempt to cancel them?
MG: It's total bullshit! Everyone has a past and something they want to change or wish they didn’t do. These cancel people are ignorant. I don’t agree with tearing down statues and erasing history. It's totally disrespectful, even if it's offensive. The cancel people are just as bad as our forefathers that made wrong decisions.
Our country is based on the right to free speech, but there is no right to dismember someone's very being, publicly, for a mistake or being misunderstood. People should mind their own business, and if they decide they want to cancel someone, they should have more reasons than just their vagina hurting because of what someone said or did 100 years ago or an hour ago. And they should be open to who they are canceling, for pushback, if needed.
I believe that’s fair. It's seriously ridiculous. Get a job! Join the workforce and help our country instead of complaining!!!
TCM: Mike, it’s been a pleasure. I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview! Are there any parting words of wisdom or advice you’d like to pass on to our readers?
MG: You're welcome, and thank you! There are some great questions here and I could go on for sure about the…..last words?...ummm Flots' til' Death!!
Interview by Kristeffor Olson of The Metal Crawlspace.
Important Flotsam and Jetsam links:
Official Website: http://www.flotsam-and-jetsam.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Flotztildeath Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flotsamandjetsamofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXHiPJYBs1-741jx98ncMIg
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