Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Mike Liorti – Vocals, Keys, Guitars, Production, Composition

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Rosedale? How long has the band been around?

I’ve always been Rosedale along with some side projects and other productions. I started Rosedale in summer of 2004.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

There’s a street in Brampton, Ontario near where I grew up called Rosedale Ave. I’d walk that street almost everyday to hang out at the local music store with my friends and try out new gear. Before Rosedale we were a pop-punk band called Uneven Number. 

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I write all the songs. They’ve become primarily about the experiences and goals I have as an artist. Being relentless, determined, brave, and doing it all out of love. Some songs are nostalgic memories of growing up, some are darker experiences of the struggles/sacrifice along the way, and some are controversial opinions that I have on the evolution of society. They will hopefully change into more of a ‘success story’ approach, but that all depends on my experiences and how I interpret them.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Not many contemporary bands. Tim Grover, Bo Eason, and sounds from the early 2000s.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

I saw The Used, H20, and Boxcar Racer on November7th, 2002 at The Kool Haus. I had already been to a handful of shows and played a few ‘pay to play’ shows with my band at the time. But that show was one big aha moment. And seeing The Used blow up over the following few years was really inspiring for our band.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

I get a good amount of stretching in from just setting up my light show and getting all my gear set up. But if that’s not enough (and I have time) I’ll stretch, do some vocal warm ups, and warm up my hands on guitar/drums. I also try to nap within 2-6 hours before the show if I have time.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

The biggest highlight was getting actual stage time on the Vans Warped Tour in 2012 after leaching/following it for four years. It’s funny how sometimes you have a goal or an ideal situation of how a dream will play out and it doesn’t really happen until a third or fourth try. That has been the case with a lot of Rosedale’s endeavours and it definitely was with the parking lot Warped Tour sets. I really wasn’t expecting it that summer (especially doing it bandless/crewless). 

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

If I could tour with Blink 182 I think there would be a lot more highlights. Playing to stadiums full of kids who listen to the same music as I do would definitely have its benefits.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Support live music. Go to shows and support artists that are in it for the right reasons/life. Ask questions and don’t be afraid. Don’t care/worry about what anyone else thinks of what you wear, what you do, what you say, and what your aspirations are. Be yourself and do your work. There are only two types of pain: the pain of regret, and the pain of discipline. Choose wisely and never quit.