Interview: Michael Kollwitz talks new music & the intriguing Chapman Stick® instrument
- by Andrew Braithwaite
- in Interviews
Billboard charting Chapman Stick® artist Michael Kollwitz has recently shared his new compilation LP, "Best of Serenity," a remaster from his award-winning trilogy of "Serenity" albums.
Recently, we managed to catch up with Michael to ask him some further questions about himself as an artist.
How's the new compilation album release of 'Best of Serenity' doing? Are you happier with the new mastering?
My album 'Best of Serenity' is doing great. It was a labor of love, and the remastered tracks sound amazing. The music I originally envisioned on The Chapman Stick® has been accurately reproduced, demonstrating its versatility and expressiveness. I couldn't be happier!
The guitar can be hard to master, but the Chapman Stick looks incredibly challenging to grasp. Where did you learn to play it? How is it tuned?
I was one of the late Emmett Chapman's first students and protégés, starting in 1976. At that time, The Stick was so new that we sometimes learned together. I'm not sure what he saw in me, but he took me under his wing when I was only nineteen years old, and I just stuck with it through thick and thin. We remained friends until he passed away on 11/1/21.
The Stick can be tuned any way you like, and unique string sets are available for different tunings. I have primarily stuck with the 'classic' Stick tuning of perfect descending fourths in the guitar (melody) range strings and perfect ascending fifths in the bass strings. The instrument is available in models featuring 8, 10, and 12-string versions. Like many others, I started with the 10-string model and switched to the 12-string 'Grand' version in the mid-90s. I'm equally comfortable on almost any Stick model and have played mostly the 10-string for the last year and a half. The myriad of Stick choices is impressive.
What other instruments do you play?
I don't own any guitars or keyboards because The Stick has everything I need for musical creativity and expression. When I lived in Lahaina, Maui, for six years, I was known to strum a mean ukulele from time to time, but since moving to the mainland, I rarely ever pick it up anymore.
I can imagine the use of the Chapman Stick draws instant attention. Do you ever get asked to collaborate with other musicians or genres that you might not have considered before?
You're absolutely right! Over the last four decades, I've been asked the same question countless times: "What is THAT?" And yes, I have enjoyed working with many talented musicians throughout my career. While living in Hawaii, I unexpectedly found myself as a bandleader. I had the opportunity to hire a diverse group of sidemen, including Hawaiian slack key guitarists, pedal steel guitarists, flutists, saxophonists, and percussionists. We performed regularly at corporate events, and I was surprised to find out what kind of mix we'd end up with. I was always amazed at how quickly the sidemen could blend their sound with my Stick, and we have many fond memories of playing together at pretty extravagant events. Unfortunately, I can't disclose some things that went on behind the scenes. Suffice it to say, our clients were always happy with our performances, and that's all that mattered!
When did you feature on the Billboard chart? Did this bring more recognition to you as an artist?
Between 2018 and 2020, three of my albums made it to the Billboard New Age charts. Serenity II, Serenity III, and one of my holiday albums, Santa Plays The Stick, all debuted in the Top Ten. I vividly remember the day my record promoter called me to break the news; I was shaving and was so surprised that I dropped the razor into the sink. I was completely taken aback.
As far as I know, no other Stick player had ever charted on Billboard, so I received much attention from the Stick community. This achievement gave me a sense of validation as an artist, and I was grateful for the feedback that helped me continue pursuing my dreams. Both personally and professionally, it was a much-needed boost.
I've noticed you've received lots of awards. Which one means the most to you?
I am happy to share that my holiday album, "Santa Plays The Stick," won the Best Holiday Album of 2020 award from the Zone Music Reporter (ZMR) organization. The album resulted from a new recording process and my conscious decision to be more whimsical in my arrangements. Although it was a lot of hard work, seeing how much people enjoyed it gave me immense joy. The album made it to Christmas playlists worldwide and received much attention. Even Santa was happy with it.
Another memorable award I received was for my single, "Hidden Hand." At a crossroads, I wanted to create something completely different from my previous work. The song went on to win the Best New Age Video of 2019 award from Clouzine, which was a pleasant surprise.
Are there any other Chapman Stick players out there you admire?
The Stick is an incredible instrument, and there are many excellent players around the world. Tony Levin is the most visible and has introduced countless people to this unique instrument, for which I'm grateful. Apart from him, I have always admired the fantastic skills of Alphonso Johnson, Don Schiff, Larry Tuttle, and Leo Gosselin. I've noticed over the years that no two Stick players sound alike. The instrument provides musicians with a new palette of colors, and the different musical manifestations are endless. I've heard classical, Bossa nova, jazz, bluegrass, country, rock, and even Russian folk songs played on The Stick. It's a unique corner of the musical world that deserves more recognition and a broader audience. People need to learn what they're missing!
Have you got a standout gig or performance that you have played?
During the late 90s, I had the privilege of being the opening act for The Beach Boys at the Reno Hilton Amphitheater, where I performed in front of an audience of 8,000 people. It was an unforgettable experience for me. Although initially nervous, I eventually found my rhythm and played The Stick, which was great. I played a one-week gig with a percussionist at the Silver Legacy Casino in Reno, NV, a month later. Recently, I was at a retreat in Reno with my speaking coach, Mike Rayburn, and all these memories flooded me. I've documented these experiences in my latest book, "Stick With It - Adventures of a Chapman Stick Player." Throughout my career, I've had the unique opportunity to play at some of the most peculiar and exciting gigs. That's what you'd expect from someone playing the most amazing musical instrument you've never heard of!
Do you think younger generations will continue with this unique instrument? Are younger audiences learning it?
Yes, absolutely! To both questions, I say yes! A few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet with a young Stick player who could play and sing all the parts of some Hendrix songs simultaneously. With the addition of drums, it was like having a whole band! Watching him perform was genuinely inspiring, and it reminded me that there is always more to learn. After the performance, I went home and practiced for several hours.
What's in store for the future? Any new releases or shows?
My book "Stick With It" exceeded my expectations and opened many doors for me. People suggested that I narrate it into an audiobook, and now it's available on Amazon and Audible. Musically, I'm exploring some of the more obscure tunings on The Stick and collecting tracks for another live album I plan to release in 2024. Professionally, I am going in a completely different direction. I'm giving keynote presentations combining music on The Stick with the many lessons I've learned. Emmett Chapman was my first mentor, and he taught me creative problem-solving. In my early years as a Stick player, I couldn't earn a dime playing it, so I spent 20 years selling two-way radio systems to governments and public safety agencies. I learned to fly and earned my private pilot's license along the way. In 2003, the telecom sector had a downturn, and I began my journey as a full-time musician and recording artist. Mixing these elements together, I've developed a personal identity as a problem-solving artist. As a musical keynote speaker, I'm teaching this approach, which is somewhat unusual. But what else would you expect from a Chapman Stick player? As the old Arby's slogan said, "Different is Good!"
