An Interview with Sunset Riot

An Interview with Sunset Riot

Sunset Riot is going to be performing two sets on Sunday April 13th, 2025 starting at Rainbow Bar and Grill to celebrate their 53rd anniversary, followed by another astonishing performance when they tear up The Whisky stage, where the headliner band is the amazing rock band Vixen. This is going to be an epic day of rock music and I can’t wait.

I recently had the opportunity to meet up with Michael of Sunset Riot and talk all things music. This band is absolutely one everyone needs to follow. The members Michael, Chris, Kenzie, and Peri bring such immense talent to their performances. Please get to know them below. Michael – Lead Vocals, Chris – back up vocals, guitarist, Kenzie -bassist, and Peri – drummer.

General Music Background

What instruments do you play, and how long have you been playing them?
I primarily focus on vocals, but I’ve been deeply involved in the musical process for years, working alongside incredible musicians to bring songs to life. I’ve truly found my voice with Sunset Riot, thanks to Chris “Crispy” Borell, who has been instrumental in producing and shaping my vocals to fit the dynamics of the music we’re creating.

My experience is more rooted in composition, arrangement, and the raw energy of performance rather than formal instrumental training. However, I have a deep love for the guitar and hope to hone my skills further—much like my voice, it’s an instrument that helps me express and emote the feelings I want to share.

What genre of music do you specialize in?
Hard rock with a high-voltage, arena-ready sound. Sunset Riot embodies that classic, rebellious rock ‘n’ roll spirit—big riffs, soaring vocals, and a deep connection to the raw power of music.

Who are your biggest musical influences?
I draw inspiration from bands that combine power, emotion, and theatricality—think Van Halen, Eric Clapton, Sammy Hagar, Rod Stewart, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Foo Fighters, and Linkin Park, but also the darker, cinematic influences of John Williams’ Star Wars’ Imperial aesthetic. There’s a fusion of classic rock swagger with a sense of epic storytelling.

Describe your musical education and training.
While I don’t have a traditional music school background, my education comes from decades of experience in the industry—working with talented musicians, studying the artists I admire, and learning what makes a song resonate. I approach music with an engineer’s mind and an artist’s heart, ensuring that every piece is built with intention and passion.

What do you enjoy most about playing music?
The connection—both with the audience and the band. That electricity when a song hits just right and the crowd feels it—that’s what music is all about. Music isn’t just sound; it’s a force that moves people, and getting to be a part of that energy is everything.

Creative Process

How do you approach songwriting or composing?
I like to start with a strong concept or emotion—whether it’s a personal story, a visual idea, or a feeling that won’t let go. Then, as a band, we work through melody and structure, making sure every part of the song serves the story. We don’t follow rigid formulas; we let the music dictate where it needs to go.

That said, Chris “Crispy” Borell often starts with a tasty riff and then pulls lyrical concepts that fit the vibe we’re feeling. Chris has been the driving force in producing and engineering our sound.

What is your typical creative process when writing a new song?
It usually begins with a riff, a lyrical phrase, or a theme. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a single word that unlocks the song’s direction. I prefer to let ideas marinate and build naturally, then refine them into something powerful and authentic.

The collaboration, artistic direction, and expertise that Chris brings ties everything together.

How do you overcome creative blocks?
I step away and recharge creatively—whether that’s through driving my car, listening to an audiobook, diving into sci-fi and fantasy, or, best of all, spending time with my wife, Red. Inspiration often comes when I’m not actively chasing it.

Again, this is where Chris truly shines—his perspective and collaboration unlock everything for me when it comes to expressing my ideas musically. He has a unique ability to take a concept, lyrical ideas, or thoughts and hone them like no one else ever has for me.

Can you describe a particularly challenging project you worked on and how you overcame it?
Writing “Threads“, a love song for my wife, was a challenge because I wanted it to break traditional structures while still feeling deeply personal and universal. I had to push past habits and let the song unfold in a unique way, staying true to the emotion instead of forcing it into a box.

It’s something we’re still developing, but it is the most deeply personal thing I’ve written about another human being—especially for the woman I love beyond measure.

Performance and Collaboration

What are your strengths as a performer?
Energy. Passion. Authenticity. I give everything on stage because that’s what rock ‘n’ roll is about—leaving it all out there and making sure the audience feels it. I strive to create a connection, sharing nothing but positive vibes with everyone.

How do you prepare for a live performance?
Plenty of rehearsal, but also getting into the right mindset. I visualize the set, the crowd, the energy, and make sure I’m mentally and physically ready to give everything I have.

It’s never about me or the band—it’s about the people in the audience.

Describe a memorable performance experience.
We’re still building those moments with Sunset Riot, but every performance is unique and special because the energy of the crowd always brings a one-of-a-kind vibe.

That being said, playing the Rainbow Bash last year, New Year’s Eve with L.A. Guns three years in a row, and the Wildfire Relief event at Whisky a Go Go were all incredible experiences.

I loved jumping on stage to perform “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” with Britt Lightning at The Belle and the Bear in Cincinnati a few years back.

One performance I am most looking forward to and will surely never forget, is the Memorial Concert for Maureen Singleton longtime Sunset Strip and Whisky icon. Honoring her and her love of music is something I will always be grateful to be a part of.

Are you comfortable collaborating with other musicians?
Absolutely. Rock ‘n’ roll thrives on chemistry and collaboration. The best songs come from different perspectives fusing together to create something bigger than any one person.

I feel incredibly fortunate to collaborate with Chris Borell, Peri, and Kenzi, who have provided the perfect creative environment for me to express and shape the music I want to share. Chris, in particular, has been a driving force in bringing our sound to life—his production, engineering, and ability to hone ideas into something extraordinary are invaluable to Sunset Riot.

Who would be your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?
Beyond the privilege of working with Chris “Crispy” Borell I would love to collaborate with Sammy Hagar, George Lynch, Richie Kotzen, and John Mayer—all guitarists who bring a distinctive voice, soulful playing, and a deep emotional connection to their music.

I’d also love to work with Wolfgang Van Halen, Myles Kennedy, and Pink—each of them masters of their craft with an undeniable presence in rock.

I have immense respect for artists like Britt Lightning, Joel Hoekstra, Michael Anthony, Nita Strauss, Sam Koltunand, Eva Gardner and would jump at the chance to create some vocal magic alongside Patrick Stone and Tommy London.

From a production standpoint, I’d love to have Ted Templeman produce a Sunset Riot track—his legendary touch has shaped some of the greatest rock records ever. And if I could dream big, I’d love to collaborate with John Williams to merge cinematic grandeur with hard rock power—imagine a Sunset Riot anthem with an Imperial march-level intensity!

Career Goals and Aspirations

What are your short-term and long-term career goals as a musician?
Short-term: Get Sunset Riot in front of as many people as possible—build a loyal fanbase, release killer music, and hit the stage hard.

Long-term: Establish a lasting brand, tour internationally, and create a musical legacy that stands the test of time.

Personal Qualities

How do you handle criticism or negative feedback on your music?
With perspective. If it’s constructive, I take it and improve. If it’s just noise, I ignore it. Music is therapy for the soul and an art form that comes in limitless expressions.

I don’t judge other people’s art—I hope it finds a home and a following.

How do you stay motivated and inspired as a musician?
By pushing myself to create music that feels real. And by remembering why I started in the first place—for the love of the music, the performance, and the connection with fans.

And if I ever lose my way, my wife Red is always there for me. She is the foundation for everything I do.

(Interview and Photos by Denise Johnson)

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