One thing that hasn't changed since Collins' A-Moms days: There're still those due-paying shows to slog through with shoddy sound systems or hustled sets without a sound-check. One thing that has changed: "More bands, more styles, more clubs and real supportiveness. There used to be unhealthy competitiveness. I sense more of a coming-together of people, from different bands. There's so much going on you almost feel bad mentioning any one band specifically. Detroit's music scene has come a long way." 

Since his stint with the A-Moms in the '80s, Collins has been known for coming back onto the scene with a band, then disappearing for years at a time. Unconventional day jobs like low-budget filmmaking, screenwriting and "anti-stand-up" acts kept him busy, along with "pushing food and alcohol." Then, a few years ago, he "came to his senses and started playing music again." 

He had various ideas for how he wanted to rework R&B and finally decided the only way to make this work was to just start mixing styles and musics together. See what happens. You might surprise yourself, right?

"Sometimes it's better to have things come out of nowhere. If you plan for things, sometimes you just end up running and hiding."

Jeff Milo always appreciates a circus for Metro Times. Send comments to letters@metrotimes.com. 

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