We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Annese and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks is a necessary step in advancing your career, or whatever you take a chance on. Risk can be unfamiliar, scary, exciting, and so many other things that lead to progress, growth and change. I have always tried to push myself along the way and take some chances. The first step to anything new is a form of risk in something you are unfamiliar with, however, without taking the risk you do not stretch your abilities and life experience.

Playing the drums provides risk in trying new songs and producing music. Each time they release a song on music media Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube, we hope people actually like it, so as an artist you have to be willing to play live, record music and hope it goes over, hence taking a risk. If you’re in the game you have a chance, without the risk there is no game,

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As the fire service goes, I started out like everyone else a firefighter. As I promoted up the ranks, I got my education along the way as well, eventually attaining my masters degree. I am very proud of my career as a firefighter, and to have the chance to serve as the fire chief is an incredible honor. The people of the fire service are an exceptional group of people, they are the ones that show up at 3am for your call for help.

While on that journey a while back I wrote a book called “The Victory Cycle” which was about a formula for creating lasting positive change and results, I even traveled to the Middle East for leadership conference as a feature speaker, it was amazing experience.

While writing the book, I realized how much I missed playing music and feeling the beat at the end of my sticks. I reached out to my guitar player Jeff and we kicked off “The R Train band.” We started producing songs, and working with a small independent label LBR releasing the tracks on all the music media outlets, more music to come next year!

I dedicate myself to being the best I can be on the job at the fire department and through my passion on the drums I found some of that work life balance we’re all in search of. The fire service is a very rewarding career, you are able to help people when they need your help the most. That said, you see a lot of really bad things over a career and over time PTSD sets in sometimes without you even knowing it. Playing the drums provides the outlet completely separate from the fire service and it provides that welcomed distraction from those pictures in my head. A good idea is to have an escape for yourself that is completely all your own, something you can get lost in to distance yourself from what might be bothering you and let it go thought that passion. Maybe it’s painting, a sport, martial arts, for myself it’s cracking sticks and crashing cymbals while sitting within the music that lets me be free. And of course, never give up on your dreams.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s a real eclectic club down there in Miami Beach called “Kill Your Idol” on Espanola Way. The place has a cool vibe and has interesting decor, for example a statue of Bruce Lee off the wall sideways, and best of all live bands. In fact, shameful plug, we’re playing there 11/20 9pm, drop in and say hi!
South Point Park in South Beach, where there is a beautiful pier where you can watch the cruise ships go out, cool people walking up and down the board walk, and go on the beach side for a swim if you like. Also, there’s Smith & Wollensky a steak house right there, they have excellent drinks and great food as well with an exceptional view. After that, take in the Florida Everglades and the beaches you can’t go wrong with the south Florida beach scene.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A definite shoutout to my mentor in the fire service Pat Kendrick, he was my battalion chief and he took an interest in helping me early on in my fire service career. He was always there to provide advice and training when I needed it along the way.

For the drums the late Neil Peart from Rush created a spark inside of inspiration that has still motivated me to today. Chad Smith, Tommy Lee, Alex Van Halen to name few more greats that have been a huge inspiration as well, too many to name here.

A shout out to Jeff for his creativity and production expertise. We’ve played together for many years and owe him a lot for being the other half of the heart and soul of The R Train band.

Of course, a huge shoutout to my wife Kathi who has always been there in my fire service career and my musical endeavors. Without her, I certainly would not be the person I am today.

Website: https://thertrain.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thertrainband/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-annese-991495110?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRTrainBand

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRTrainBand/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1r2eaEzw9gd3X21pw6SIkQ

Other: Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2z4X4poWY0S4DrJIcxML1o?si=HjXKd5fpRyWbWDvngO51og

Image Credits
None

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