Mike Gombas doing his thing.

I’ve known musician Mike Gombas (of Counterfeit Molly) for a few years, so we have a bit of a rapport.

In fact, most of the people I have been interviewing for AltDaily are acts I know and want to ask a little “out of the norm” questions to. Just a disclaimer, on with the show.

How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?

It’s an extension of me. It’s basically the easiest way to begin to understand who I am. It’s not that the songs are all autobiographical, but they definitely come from a very honest place and reflect who I am better than anything else I do, including interviews.

That being said, I always am searching for melody. The songs tend to have catchy parts. It’s rock with an emphasis on melody. I tend to like to sing a pretty melody over dissonant chords or flip it and sing dark lyrics over a happy tune. The dichotomy is something I’ve always liked.

What sets you apart from other musicians in the area?

I wake up early and go to work.

How did you come up with your band name?

My parents named me. I’m a junior. Oh… you mean Counterfeit Molly. It stands for in-authenticity.

You’ve done work as the front man for a band and as a solo artist. Which do you prefer? What are the differences?

I can’t say I prefer one more than the the other. I can say I miss playing as a band more than anything in the whole world right now—but that’s not to say if I was only doing that I wouldn’t miss performing my shitty little songs in my own shitty little way.

So far, what is the all time high mark for the band?

Putting out Subtext. Its our best work to date.
(Note: for those of you interested, check out this great album on iTunes)

Secretly every musician has a song of their own that they consider their best. What’s yours?

It changes for me. I think the song “The Secret” is probably the one I feel strongest about but I won’t tell you why.

Meanie.

Finish this sentence. If I wasn’t a musician I’d be…

…An idiot.

What are you currently working on? What’s coming out in the near future?

I’ve been writing a ton of songs of late. I’d love to put out two records—a heavier full band kind of thing and also a more acoustic album. I’m gigging frequently as a solo acoustic artist right now but would love to do some full band shows. I am also working on putting together some visual art shows. I am painting again and would love to get together with some friends and put together a group show.. maybe play at the opening.

Many people don’t know that you create most of the artwork for your album covers. What is your art background?

Eternal Optimist cover art by Gombas

I’ve been making visual art my whole life. My mom tells me I would draw for hours even as a very young child. Other than that, I have a BFA in painting from Old Dominion University with an art history minor.

What discourages you as a musician?

Business. If you want to be a successful musician, you also have to play the game and be business savvy and have an entrepreneurial spirit. I suck at all that.Which is why reaching the top seems so far away at times. But I can write you a song from the bottom of my heart.

You host an acoustic night at Chicho’s and have hosted multiple songwriter event nights at Winston’s. Do you think it more teamwork from the music community could lead to a better scene?

Absolutely. People need to realize we are all on the same team and need to help each other in every way we can.

Speaking of helping, You recently helped film a video for another local band, The Influence. What can you tell us about it?

It was a great experience. We shot the bulk of the video in two nights—late night of course. It was definitely a collaborative process and I was happy to be a part of it. The result is something I am truly proud of.

What musicians in the area are not getting enough credit?

Mike Federali, Eazy D, Joanna Lynne, The Influence, Jackmove, Razor Kings, Jesse Hill. Shit man, anyone who is around here isn’t getting enough credit. That’s why they are still around here.

To end on a bit of a fun note, I’d like to talk to you about your mustache. Some would say you have the finest moustache in all of the 757. How do you feel about that?

I’m alright with it.

Were you born with a moustache as legend claims?

Well if I dispute it, the legend is dead. I don’t think I’m ready to do that.

I have a personal belief that all of Jewel’s songwriting ability comes from her one messed up tooth. Do you think if you cut your moustache off you would still write great songs?

I write great songs? Thanks man.

Next time I’ll be talking with Matthew Archer Stephenson about his band, The Influence, and their new album Falling Objects.