Mike Ratza - ProfilesArchive

About Me

I've been playing music all in all for about 10 years. All of my musical knowledge is self-tought. I've never really had any formal music education, coaching or lessons...minus about 3 months of basic guitar lessons (my native instrument) - Thank you Jeff! I began song writing and playing solo acoustic/vocal gigs for fun while I lived in Gainesville, FL. After travelling the country for 6 months I returned to Florida and moved to Tampa. I started a full time job at a resort where I was essentially unable to find time for music and ultimately unhappy.Upon reflection of my life and goals I decided to move back to my home town and return to college. About a year and a half ago I found interest in saxophone. My parents had bought me an alto when I was in 3rd grade, but I hated the thing. Mostly because my interest and appreciation for music had unfortunately not yet been developed. Plus, It made my lips numb. :) I picked it up and began to learn the basic notes from ear. I do not yet speak Eb language and always communicate in concert pitch A-440. It may not be "correct" method...but it is how I identify notes.Like a true artist, I am never quite where I want to be musically. However, I strive to become better and more knowledgeable about the art that I love. This makes me happy...and some people seem to like the way I express myself. And that's all I need.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 31/01/2006
Band Website: www.mikeratza.com
Influences: Bird songs - crickets - mosquitoes - the ocean - thunder - rain - wind - dripping water faucets - bullfrogs - flapping windsheild wipers - children laughing - the high frequency hum of a muted television - my own heartbeat - crowded airports - women in high-heels walking at a brisk pace in large, empty rooms with hardwood floors - every other song that I've ever heard.All of my experiences including this present one.
Sounds Like: Tonic vibrations in non-sequential orders, two kinds of sauce, and a large uncarbonated glass of soular winds.
Type of Label: Major

My Blog

Patriotism - July 4th - Democracy and all of that jazz!!!

This is a response to a bulletin I recently recieved...No Open Mic!!!!! What?!!!But I was going to play "Stars and Stripes Forever."So the place is open...but no open mic?Why for?I tell ya, I don't li...
Posted by on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:14:00 GMT

Thank you for the great show, out @ Tamiami

Well, That's about all I NEED to say, but I'd like to say more. May I? Thank you - I will try to keep it brief. A huge part of musical performance is actually in the amount of people, amount of energ...
Posted by on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 15:59:00 GMT

February

finally, it got a little cold outside.it's almost February.finally, i got cold on the inside.it's almost two and a half years.the air that was once warmand full of bright light,has cooled off and has ...
Posted by on Sat, 27 Jan 2007 14:00:00 GMT

Your Majesty

Who can commission work for less than they should? Your Majesty.Who can breach agreements between nobles without care? Your Majesty.Who can decide to re-evaluate one man's worth? Your Majesy.Who ca...
Posted by on Sun, 21 Jan 2007 00:23:00 GMT

Some questions that I cannot get answers to.

To be and where to be found... what was the question? Life is a book half read and half written. What page are we on?Where am I?Who am I?How many chucks could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could ...
Posted by on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 01:00:00 GMT

Epiphany at Spring Bayou

Every Christmas Eve I bring myself to a place which I find to be spiritual and nostalgic; Spring Bayou.I simply walk and talk out my inner conflicts, my hearts' desires, and the reasons why I shouldn'...
Posted by on Wed, 27 Dec 2006 15:24:00 GMT

CD still coming...

I ran into a brick wall. It hurt a little, but I'm ok now. Well, it the end of July and the album is nowhere near its completion. It will be coming together though - just might take a lit...
Posted by on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 23:40:00 GMT

Album in the making!!!!

Hello, virtual friends!!! I have some news that has never been anounced yet - as of this moment soon to come. Some new news. I will be recording for the majority of this coming week (from ...
Posted by on Wed, 28 Jun 2006 02:17:00 GMT