What first got you into music?
MTV. It was brand new, and my friend and I were riding bikes to his house after school to check it out. I was wondering, “Videos of the songs you hear on the radio? How’s that gonna work?”.
I saw The Clash’s Rock The Casbah and was dumbstruck. First, I saw Billy Idol’s White Wedding, and then Rock The Casbah. I remember thinking, “These are the coolest guys in the entire world, and I want to be just like them.”
Who inspired you to make music?
Well, before music, I wanted to be a writer. I have always been an avid reader and I figured I’d like to write the story someone reads. So, I tried it and did not enjoy it. But, I didn’t lose the desire to tell a compelling story.
Early in college, I was invited into a band that was doing covers. From the very start I wanted to write songs, and the other guys in the band were thinking the same: let’s play covers and write our own songs. So, that’s what we did until we became all original. When I started writing songs I liked it immediately.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
My music is a chill, country, jazz rock and roll.
Can you discuss a career achievement you’re aiming for?
I’m on a really good trajectory right now: I’m getting good response on my music and performance, venues are great and new ones are happening, I have good relationships with the venues and other musicians and this project breaks even financially.
A great career achievement is to stay on this path as it grows in scope and see what happens.
How do you overcome writer’s block?
Occasionally, I take a break from music. This can mean either playing, writing or even listening to music. After a few days, I grab my instrument and everything falls into place again.
What album do you recommend everyone should listen to?
Oh man….just one. The Breeze: An Appreciation of JJ Cale.
Can you share one of your favorite music-related memories?
I grew up in Tulsa, Ok, the youngest of 6 kids. I watched all my brothers and sisters take piano lessons, and then I would watch them complain about the lessons. When it was my turn, I said “no thanks”, and I think my mom was relieved!
Being the youngest, I was introduced to popular music early on by my brothers and sisters. I think that may have been the most compelling reason I became a musician. The irony: the same people who influenced me to avoid piano, also inspired me to become a musician!
What’s your go-to song or artist when you need a boost?
Oh there’s a few of these: Chris Cornell, Kimbra and sometimes I pull music sheets for songs I like. Also, I like to get recommendations from my kids. They’ll send me music I would probably never have heard.
Do you have a favorite venue to play at or attend concerts?
I like everywhere I play. I’m lucky,
I play at great places. The best place in the world to see a concert is Red Rocks.
Who would you swap lives with for a day in the music industry?
Whoever works closely with Rick Rubin.
What’s your favorite music decade and why?
The 90’s. While Stevie Ray Vaughan had unfortunately passed away, his star continued rising and he became a household name. Seattle happened and shattered the heavy music mold. And I was in a few bands. One was a jazz, classical ensemble where I learned so much musically.
What’s a truly unforgettable concert you’ve attended?
There are two. My first concert ever was Tom Petty opening for Bob Dylan in Kansas City.
Chris Cornell’s Higher Truth at The Orpheum in Madison, WI.
Tell me about your most recent released song
That song is Maeve. My family went through a tragedy a while ago. When I sat down to write this song in the middle of the sadness and despair, I thought, “I want to add something hopeful to what I am experiencing. I want to have an active role in shaping where this experience goes, and what its memory feels like.”