Mike Spero

Eric: Mike, thanks for taking the time to chat with me today! How’s the tour with The Caddies going?

Mike: It’s going great! We’re about a week in and really enjoying playing outside in this amazing weather. It’s been fun touring with The Caddies. We’re known for our fast sets, but this tour has allowed us to slow things down, play some deeper cuts, and even debut a new song.

Eric: Speaking of those deeper cuts, you’re the second bassist to play on some of those tracks. How do you approach playing someone else’s basslines?

Mike: It’s a balance of staying true to the original while adding my own flavor. I want the basslines to be recognizable but still feel like me. I’m fortunate that Authority Zero gives me the freedom to do that. Not all bands are so open to interpretation.

Eric: I can relate to that from my experience in JugHeads. It’s about respecting the song’s core while making it your own. You mentioned a new song with a fuzz pedal. Is that new territory for you?

Mike: Definitely! It’s the first time I’ve used fuzz in Authority Zero. I actually just started incorporating pedals into my setup. You got me hooked on the Darkglass Vintage Micro Tubes, which adds that warmth and punch I love without sounding too modern. I run that into my SansAmp, and it’s a killer combination! The fuzz is a mini Bass Big Muff, just for a moment in one song. I love the mini pedals – less to mess up!

Eric: Haha, I feel you on that. Speaking of messing up, did you have any funny mishaps on tour so far?

Mike: Actually, I had a funny moment with the new fuzz pedal. I didn’t realize the drive wasn’t cranked up enough, so when I engaged it, my volume dropped instead of boosting. Luckily, it was probably only noticeable to me!

Eric: We all have those moments! Any shoutouts you want to give before we wrap up?

Mike: Absolutely! Big thanks to Ira, the sound guy at Goldfield Trading Post in Roseville. He saved the day when my amp wasn’t on for the first three songs. My stage mix was so dialed in that I didn’t even notice! Shoutout to all the amazing sound guys out there – you’re the unsung heroes!

Eric: Couldn’t agree more! Thanks again for chatting, Mike. Looking forward to the show!

Mike: Thanks for having me, Eric!