"Who is Michael Lombardo?"

"Behind the Scenes with Michael Lombardo: Banking on an Incredible Rock Boat XXIII"

Welcome back, fellow music enthusiasts, to another episode of our podcast. Today, we're wrapping up season three with a bang, featuring our final rock boater interview before we sail into season four. Our guest, Michael Lombardo, joins us from Bellingham, Washington, to share his incredible journey through music, mentorship, and the magic of the rock boat community.

Michael's story begins in Los Angeles, where his passion for music led him to work at the iconic K-Rock radio station. Michael's love for music never waned, even as he transitioned into a banking career. He and his wife, Michelle, have been deeply involved in mentoring bands since 2005, offering advice on fiscal responsibility and survival tips for life on the road—like the indispensable value of Ziploc bags.

Michael was introduced to the Rock Boat five years ago and has been hooked ever since. He's attended several Sixthman cruises, but TRB holds a special place in his heart. Michael shares his experiences of the unique environment where artists and fans mingle as equals, breaking down the barriers that often exist at traditional concerts.

During our conversation, Michael recounts his first Rock Boat experience, which came at a time when he was rediscovering his personal joys post-divorce. He was invited by friends to set sail, despite his initial skepticism about cruises. The trip turned out to be a surreal experience that he wouldn't trade for anything.

Michael also highlights the importance of The Rock Boat Family's community and how it supports artists beyond the cruise itself. He shares a personal story of helping the band Fox Royale during their European tour with Young the Giant, showcasing the deep connections and support system within the Family.

We delve into the evolution of the rock boat experience, from the booking process to the customer service improvements made by Sixthman over the years. Michael praises the organization for its enhanced communication and the bold move of booking Young the Giant for the upcoming cruise, which he believes will bring a fresh dynamic to the event. As we discuss the anticipation for the next rock boat, Michael expresses his excitement about introducing a new boater to the community and the thrill of witnessing their first-time experience. He also shares his hopes for spontaneous collaborations between artists on the boat, which he feels are the essence of the rock boat's charm. Finally, Michael offers some insider tips for future rock boaters, including the best way to spend time before and after the cruise.

Timestamps

00:00:41 - Introducing Michale Lombardo

00:01:21 - Michael's Background in Music and Banking

00:02:03 - Band Mentoring and Fiscal Responsibility

00:02:45 - Michael's Love for the Rock Boat

00:03:11 - The Artist Experience on the Rock Boat

00:03:35 - Sixthman and Artist Interaction

00:04:07 - The Rock Boat as a Unique Customer Experience

00:05:08 - Discovering the Rock Boat Post-Divorce

00:06:05 - First Rock Boat Experience and Community

00:07:08 - Artist Accessibility on the Rock Boat

00:07:57 - Sixthman's Vetting Process for Bands

00:08:31 - Michael's Connection with Fox Royale

00:09:46 - Andy Frasco's Unique Rock Boat Rules

00:10:07 - Engaging with Bands Beyond the Rock Boat

00:11:08 - Supporting Fox Royale on Their European Tour

00:12:40 - The Importance of Supporting Bands

00:13:13 - Young the Giant's Upcoming Rock Boat Performance

00:14:26 - The Value of Merchandise and Concert T-Shirts

00:15:05 - The Rock Boat Community's Supportive Nature

00:16:07 - Favorite Merchandise Purchases

00:17:01 - The Rock Boat's Unique Selling Experience

00:18:21 - Sixthman's Customer Service and Communication

00:19:08 - Collecting Rock Boat Glasses and Merch

00:20:18 - Bringing New Boaters and Their First Experience

00:21:14 - The Impact of Sister Hazel and Collaborations

00:22:08 - The Rock Boat's Collaborative Environment

00:23:18 - Preparing for the Rock Boat and Post-Boat Plans

00:24:22 - Continuous Improvements by Sixthman

00:25:02 - Anticipated Collaborations on the Rock Boat

00:26:38 - The Rock Boat's Unique Festival Atmosphere

00:27:41 - The Excitement of Introducing New Boaters

00:28:08 - The Rock Boat's Community and Artist Engagement

00:29:06 - The Joy of Unplanned Collaborations

00:30:30 - The Rock Boat's Family-Like Atmosphere

00:31:23 - Pre- and Post-Rock Boat Traditions

The BoatCast would like to thank our sponsor www.TheFITCollective.com for supporting us in promoting Rock Boat Artists. If you want to get the word out about these artists and are interested in sponsoring The Boatcast, please email Chris at: ChristopherRhoad@gmail.com.