What first got you into music?
My musical journey began in a record store at the age of 15 when a friend introduced me to Bob Dylan. His singing left me completely blown away, an experience unlike any I’d had before. Though I continued to listen to his music, it wasn’t until another 15 years passed that I gathered the confidence to start composing my own songs.
Who inspired you to make music?
I suffered a lot from boredom and indifference in my early thirties, so I really tried to find a way out of it. To my surprise, I found peace in just sitting with my guitar and writing about it. I never planned for it to be a music career, but with so many finished songs, I just wanted to record them and see if they were any good.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Melodies keep emerging, but without something to say, it won’t feel like a song. I guess the message is very important to me. I still have a lot of unfinished songs in my drawer just waiting for some words. Mostly, I write music with my guitar or the piano, and sometimes I try to create music without instruments to break away from those ordinary chords, but somehow they end up sounding a lot like the others.
Can you discuss a career achievement you’re aiming for?
I’m grateful for the ability to create music and for finding the time to do so. My goal is to continue pursuing this passion for as long as it brings me comfort. The path ahead is as mysterious as life itself, so I’ll simply follow along and see where it takes me.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
I went through a period where, every time I had writer’s block, I bought a new guitar. I finally realized I had to stop doing that. My drive comes from life itself and how challenging it can be just being alive. The best way for me to release that tension is to write about it. I have a lot of songs that probably only worked as meditation, and I don’t have any plans to let them go.
What album do you recommend everyone should listen to?
There’s an album by Van Morrison titled « Days Like This » that is very uplifting yet full of emotions. It encompasses a wide range of feelings and is fitting for any moment if you’re up for some music.
Can you share one of your favorite music-related memories?
I once went on a three-week tour in the US, performing live on numerous radio stations. One of my appearances in Chattanooga, TN was canceled, but instead of sitting back, I went to an open mic, which led to three other shows. It was a memorable experience, showing that one closed door can open other possibilities.
What’s your go-to song or artist when you need a boost?
When I need a boost, it always comes down to listening to the inspiration that got me started, such as The Band, Tom Petty, Neil Young, and Bruce Springsteen, to name a few.
Do you have a favorite venue to play at or attend concerts?
In my opinion, it’s always about the crowd. If I’m in the mood and they follow along, it will be a good concert.
Who would you swap lives with for a day in the music industry?
My passion for Delta blues has always been very intriguing, and I have read numerous books about it. They say that Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil and came back performing like no one else. It would be overwhelming to know the true narrative behind that.
What’s your favorite music decade and why?
That must be the sixties and the seventies, as it feels like they completed the songbook. Even though music is inscrutable and I discover new gems all the time, there’s just something about that era.
What’s a truly unforgettable concert you’ve attended?
I once attended a small festival featuring relatively unknown songwriters. I was amazed by their stage presence and how they captured the moment, playing as if it were their last concert. Today, the focus often revolves around streaming numbers and gaining recognition to perform at venues.
Tell me about your most recent released song
My latest release is titled ‘If The Blues Were Gone’ and can be found on the album ‘A Brand New Leaf.’ It’s about life itself and focuses on the simple theme that without setbacks, it’s impossible to appreciate the good.
Thank you for having me in this interview; I sincerely appreciate your support.