(Front Row L to R) Doug Maximus DeRienzo, Eddie the Elf, Michael Oconnor; (Back Row L to R) John Mulrenan, Andy Edick, Pete Mongiello Saturday, November 3rd, 2018 at Brighton Bar, Long Branch, NJ *Photo by Lisa Halkias Pesch
By: Katherine Massopust
SAYREVILLE – The Guardian sat down with Lead Singer Michael O’Connor and some bandmembers who just celebrated the 20th Anniversary of Mikell’s Plot. The band held a celebration at the Brighton Bar in Long Branch, New Jersey where they performed along with seven (both signed and unsigned New Jersey bands) and had a giant celebration.
Mikell’s Plot consists of: Michael O’Connor – Lead Vocals; George Rivera – Guitar/Vocals; Pete Mongiello – Lead Guitar/Backup Vocals; Eddie “Elf” Piotrowski – Drums; Andrew Edick – Bass; Douglas Maximus DeRienzo – Saxophone; John Mulrenan – Keyboard/Backup Vocals.
Michael O’Connor and some of the band members sat down with the Amboy Guardian to answer a few questions.
Michael O’Connor:
Amboy Guardian: When was the band Mikell’s Plot formed?
Michael O’Connor: 1998.
AG: Why the name Mikell’s Plot?
MO: We were originally called the Mike O’Connor Band. My friend Julie recommended to change the name to be more marketable. She used to call me “Mikell.” “Plot” was added in there meaning that there was a plan to put the band together after the first recording with studio musicians was finished.
AG: What got you interested in music?
MO: KISS. When I was 5 years old, I would listen to KISS “Alive I & II” and Queen: “News of the World.” Those three records made me interested in music. I started playing Bass Guitar at age 13 and I started to play in a band called Frontal Lobe at age 18.
AG: What inspires your songs?
MO: Every time something happens in my life or in one of my friend’s lives, I write it down and I later combine these experiences to build a story.
AG: Describe what each member of the band contributes.
MO: Each band member contributes their own unique talents. We need each other to be successful.
AG: Who is your favorite band?
MO: The Ramones. They were able to make simple catchy songs without being too technical. In my opinion, the Ramones were one of the best bands I heard perform live.
AG: Why is music important to you?
MO: I believe music brings people together and there is no better feeling than the energy of positive vibes from the audience.
AG: What was the coolest place you ever performed?
MO: I love the Starland Ballroom’s sound system; however, I’m going to miss Al Cibelli’s which recently closed. I used to get to eat the best cheeseburgers in New Jersey after I performed.
AG: Where do you see yourself in the future?
MO: Playing bigger venues and receiving more radio airplay.
Pete Mongiello:
AG: What got you interested in music?
Pete Mongiello: I’ve been a musician since the 4th Grade. I love Big Band Music and Rock ‘n Roll. At 12 years old, I loved KISS and how Ace Frehley played the guitar. You don’t give up your heroes, because you grow up a little bit.
AG: Can you read music?
PM: Yes, I can read music and follow a conductor’s instructions. I’m a trumpet player. I’m classically trained. I’ve had many music teachers as a child. Jack Trager was the man. He was a phenomenal teacher. As an older man, I reached out to him to learn how to be a teacher.
AG: What inspires your songs?
PM: Life, whatever’s going on in the moment inspires you. One person – one day of many.
AG: What does each member of the band contribute?
PM: I do my job. Being a guitar player, I was approached to play. I filled in and we all got along great. I love playing with George (Rivera). I do what I need to do. It’s what part of being in a band is. I went away from music for a long time. It became a contest. I got back into acoustics around the ‘90’s. Next thing I knew I was back into it.
AG: Who is your favorite musician?
PM: Roy Clark was a huge influence. There are many musicians from every genre that I appreciate artistically.
AG: Why is music important to you?
PM: Music is a religion. Karaoke is a cult. It’s important to support your local rock acts or they’ll go away. There’s a lot of good music out there. Come and see them and learn something new.
AG: Where do you see the band in the future?
PM: I want to continue to play until I can’t do it anymore. It’s about the journey – not the destination. There are things to come. We’ll try new things to start.
Eddie “Elf” Piotrowski:
AG: When did you first get interested in music?
Eddie “Elf” Piotrowski: My father played the bongos. Music is all around you: Carmen in Opera; Vanilla Fudge, etc.
AG: You own the second largest drum collection in the world. How did that come about?
EP: I have 185 pieces and I can play them all. There’s a Preacher who has over 300 pieces.
AG: What inspires your music?
EP: For me, just doing the rhythm. When you start hearing the vocals, you play from the heart. Feeling is more animal that way, like reading a book.
AG: Who is your favorite musician?
EP: There’s too many. I listen and just suck it all in.
AG: Where is the coolest place you ever performed?
EP: The Ritz on 13th Street in New York in the 80’s
AG: Where do you see yourself in the future?
EP: I am looking forward to playing with Mikell’s Plot.
Paul and Tara Cannon from 92.9 FM.
AG: What do you see in Mikell’s Plot’s music that makes it special, and why is it important to support local bands?
Paul and Tara Cannon: We both felt Mikell’s Plot is unique. They’re just different. On top of that, they’re good natured fellows. My husband likes working with them. We give them airplay and give opportunities to local talent. We play 2 of their songs once a day. Mikell’s Plot has been together for 20 years. It has longevity. Each time we work with them, it’s really a privilege. They are easy going and humble. Our mission at 92.9 FM is to help local bands. You can check us out on Facebook at 92.9 FM Sayreville, NJ’s Rock Radio. We’ve been on the air since June 16, 2017. Local bands can contact us at 732-640-8575 or email: 92.9NJRadio@gmail.com. Please send your music in MP3 files.
The Amboy Guardian wishes to congratulate Michael O’Connor and Mikell’s Plot on their 20th Anniversary and continued success. Michael O’Connor will be having a 20th Anniversary photo display and signing at the Kearny Cottage, 63 Catalpa Ave., Perth Amboy at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 9, 2018. Michael O’Connor will be telling stories about his 20-year run with the band.
Michael O’Connor is looking forward to start 2019 on a good note. Mikell’s Plot is opening for the band Warrant at the Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ on Friday, March 22, 2019. Tickets will be available for purchase at the signing.
For bookings or questions, contact Mikell’s Plot at mikellsplot@hotmail.com
(L to R) John Mulrenan,George Rivera,Michael O’Connor, Doug Maximus DeRienzo, Andy Edick, Pete Mongiello and in the back Eddie The Elf at Starland Ballroom, Friday June 22, 2018 *Photo by Paul Wang
