Michael Mullins

Michael

Michael Mullins was born and raised in Bergen County, NJ. He graduated High school in 2005 and attended college locally until he figured out his next move. He began working in various retail roles and began to grow his possible career paths. Eventually, he found himself in a Management role Selling watches for Swatch. He developed a passion for sales and communication and began a career with sales as his main interest.

He then started selling financial products and Cash advances with various companies. He has experience in almost every field, but Sales won his heart. Eventually, he met a company called APN and he has been working there since.

He has many interests including music, guitar, fitness, hiking, reading, and self-study, He often goes out, almost every weekend for a strenuous hike through the mountains of NJ and NY.

What is your Hobby?

My main hobby growing up and currently has always been playing guitar. I started playing when I was 14 or 15 and have stayed consistent and interested to become a better and better theoretical player. I have found myself in many situations playing with other bands and musicians and nothing feels better than completing and playing a song as a unit. By myself, I often practice techniques and learn other songs that I like. 

How did you get started?

I got started when my brother got a cheap used guitar as a birthday present from a pawn shop in NJ. I didn’t immediately pick it up as he tried to, but eventually, I started picking it up and figuring out how to use it. At this time, the internet and youtube were not the immense platforms they are now. I had no way to watch videos or copy other people. I spent a lot of time learning the basics all on my own. Eventually, I started learning Metallica and Led Zeppelin Riffs and then after that the sky was the limit. I grew an affinity towards Metal music from all types and all different countries. The diversity and energy of Metal made it feel like home. Over the years I have been through many guitars and AMP’s and bands, But now I have a decent set of gear and continue to learn songs and create my own.

Tell us what you love about it?

Music is freeing and it is easy for me to get lost in it. Music displays and embodies emotion and energy and finding the right sound you want to hear is extremely satisfying. I love the challenge of having to get better and try different things. Not all of it sounds great, but eventually, you find something that’s not too far outside the box but still pushes your boundaries. 

The physical technical ability is super fun to practice and finding new music expressions and mastering the basics fascinated me.

What types of gear have you spent money on for this hobby?

I have bought thousands of dollars in guitar and gear over the years. Many of it I had to end up selling as It eventually just takes up space. Nowadays I am playing PRS and Keisel on a katana amp.

Where are some of your favorite places to shop for Guitar gear?

Sweetwater, guitar center, and Sam Ash were always go-to’s. Sweetwater, musician friend. Today there are many options.

Any good guitar books for beginners?

When I started it was basic tab websites. Today there are countless free books and videos online and I am jealous that kids today get to start with such an advantage. I always grabbed theory and tab books from Guitar center growing up.

How has your Hobby changed your life?

Playing guitar and developing an understanding of music has opened up many worlds of sonic possibilities. In some music I have heard, the average person might not know that it ever existed to that degree. The world of metal is deep and wide and contains every subgenre you could imagine. You will find what you’re looking for in music.

Any advice for people starting out?

Stay consistent, be diligent. Push your phone on DND or mute and focus on the guitar. Get lost in it and practicing will be easy.