What first got you into music?
As I child, I grew up with music playing. We were a musical family so it was never really a choice, I just grew into it. At 12, I started learning guitar and drums and decided I wanted to start writing my own tunes. From there it grew from a hobby to a career and is now part of everything I do.
Who inspired you to make music?
I had lots of great teachers, but I would have to say that my strongest inspirations were also my first ones. My parents and grandparents played and sang music. It’s just what we did.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
The music I typically create has a story or message behind it. I’d like for someone to get something out of my songs. I always hope the music can be a source of strength or inspiration for someone.
Can you discuss a career achievement you’re aiming for?
The biggest thing I want is to be able to support my family and then be able to support others. The business is so difficult that anyone who has success has also had help.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
I write through it. Writer’s block comes to everyone. When I say I write through it, that means I write stuff I know I won’t keep. I’ll write the same word or sentence on the paper over and over. I’ll write a letter (email) to a friend, or just list things I’m thinking of. The physical act of writing is key to unlocking the mental part. When the mental part isn’t flowing it, it’s important to keep the physical part happening. It’s sort of like turning the ignition in an old car. If the fuel isn’t flowing, you don’t just give up and walk away. You keep turning the key, pump the gas pedal, prime the pump, and then the fuel starts to flow. Fuel doesn’t flow by itself, and I think writing is the same way. If you stop the physical part you stop the mental part.
What album do you recommend everyone should listen to?
August and Everything After- Counting Crows. It’s hard to pick just one, and there are several others I could have picked, but this record was huge during my teenage years and I can relate to the songs. I figure most people would be able to as well.
Can you share one of your favorite music-related memories?
Noelle Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul, and Mary sat with me at a steakhouse and explained how folk music was “music with a purpose” and encouraged me to keep believing in what I do. Deryl Dodd told me, as a judge in a music contest, that my voice should be on the radio. I love how you can be starstruck in one moment, and as soon as the conversation turns to music, everyone is equalized a little bit. I think that’s because no matter who you are, you’re lucky to get to be part of this huge world called music.
What’s your go-to song or artist when you need a boost?
When I need to remember why I started doing this, there are several, but most often it’s Paul Simon. There’s a groove, a simple complexity that I really appreciate about his style
Do you have a favorite venue to play at or attend concerts?
They’re all pretty good. I like the Granada Theater in Dallas.
Who would you swap lives with for a day in the music industry?
I’ve always thought it would be cool to be Billy Joel. Who wouldn’t listen to whatever I wanted to say? Who would tell me no, ever?
What’s your favorite music decade and why?
This is a trap question. They’re all good for their unique qualities. The 20’s gave us records, the 30’s gave us charts, and recordings of blues, jazz, and swing, The 40s were Big Band’s heyday, the 50’s gave us guitars and the beginning of Rock and Roll, the 60’s gave us Motown and Woodstock, the 70’s gave us prog-rock, the 80’s gave us pop and new wave, 90’s for grunge and college acoustic rock (also mainstream country) and it just keeps going. I’d have to say I was mostly impacted by the nineties since that was the decade I was 12-22 years old.
What’s a truly unforgettable concert you’ve attended?
Paul Simon was amazing when I took my mom on Mother’s Day. Since mom is a big reason I heard Paul Simon when I was young, I felt it fitting to take her.
Tell me about your most recent released song
“Don’t Let Go” is a person apologizing for what they’ve done wrong and begging their partner not to give up on them. When I let a friend listen to the demo, she thought it was too fast to sound like an honest plea. I slowed it down by about 20 beats and it now seems much more heartfelt, which is what I’m going for. I always hope to meet the listener where they are and think this one has done that.