Can you tell us about the origins of your musical journey? What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did you get started?
–Music found me. I was helpless and surrendered! I fell in love with music before I was 4 years old. Growing up in the 70’s, I listened to all music genres. At the time, You’d hear Willie Nelson, Gordon Lightfoot, The Beatles, The Eagles, Journey and Glen Campbell all on the same radio station. My parents really helped to cultivate music in my life. They saw how much I loved it and they provided opportunities for me to meet the right people and have the right lessons to get me going in the direction I needed to start a career. I’m forever grateful for their love and support.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your unique sound? Can you share a specific instance where one of these influences had a significant impact on your music?
–I have a wide array of music influences. No one tells a story like Willie Nelson, Gordon Lightfoot wrote songs that resonated with me, My favorite Rock singer is Brad Delp from Boston (he was the nicest rock star I ever met), Bryan Adams had some of the best choruses in rock and roll, Tom Petty is a genre unto himself, but I don’t think anyone influenced me more than Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits. His lyrics always have a sense of innocence to them that speaks to me. He’s also one of the most singular musicians I know. He can play two notes and I know it’s him on guitar. I could go on for hours on my personal influences but these are a few that pop out to me.
Touring can be an incredible experience. Could you share a memorable tour anecdote that stands out to you, whether it was a challenging moment or an unforgettable performance?
–Playing live is not only a thrill but a chance to connect with new people. You can see it when someone is moved emotionally by music and that’s what I love about playing live. I once had the wonderful opportunity to play on live television in New York with Brian Wilson’s Daughters, Carnie and Wendy. I was 25 and it was overwhelming!
Many musicians have a pre-show ritual to get into the right mindset before hitting the stage. Do you have any special rituals or routines that you follow before a performance, and if so, what’s the story behind them?
–I gig A LOT, so I have to keep my voice in good shape. I’ve studied vocal technique for most of my life and rarely ever sing a show without doing vocal warm up exercises.
Collaborations can be a powerful creative force. Could you tell us about a memorable collaboration you’ve had with another artist and how it influenced your music or expanded your artistic horizons?
–I started co-writing songs with dear friend, Ken Orsow, almost 20 years ago. Co writing has been the best thing that ever happened to my writing. Having someone else to edit your work with keeps you objective about the work and often times, one person can instantly see when you’ve fallen short or left a hole in the story. It also speeds up the process. I feel that I’m a very good writer now that I’m able to be less emotional and more objective due to co writing.
Over the course of your career, you’ve likely encountered various challenges. Can you share a particularly difficult moment you faced in your musical journey and how you overcame it?
— I’ve made so many mistakes over the years. I was 25 and did some television and radio appearances with The Wilsons (Daughters of famed Beach Boy founder, Brian Wilson). I had just recorded my first Album at the same time that I played those few gigs with the Wilsons. Consequently, I had access to their producer, Clif Magness, who’s produced massive hits over the years. I asked Clif if I could send him my new album for a listen. He replied, with a “send it on, bro”. I waited and waited and waited.. no reply. You can imagine the battlefield in my mind. A few weeks later, I sent him an email that I wish I’d have deleted instead. He replied in full retort, letting me know that he didn’t owe me a career and that I’d know when something I put out was good because I’d get a call back.. among other choice statements. I’d be lying if I told you that I never think about that. In fact, it crosses my mind often. What did I learn from that experience? Perspective is EVERYTHING and keep your emotions in check. At the time, I was a young, mediocre at best songwriter with no direction as an artist. Acting purely on emotion, I thought I had to force an issue with a famous producer who had more important things to do. What I should have done is relax, enjoy life and cultivated that relationship with Clif. I never received another call from him to work with any of his artists. Harnessing ones emotions and expectations is KEY to life. A music career is difficult to navigate. I believe one must truly LOVE what they do no matter the social success.
Your latest album has received critical acclaim. Could you take us through the creative process behind it, from conception to completion, and the overarching themes or messages you aimed to convey?
–It’s interesting, this is my 6th studio album yet it feels more like a debut album than any other album I’ve recorded. It feels as if I’ve truly found who I am as an artist and this is the most cohesive group of songs I’ve recorded yet. It takes several months to write and pick the right group of songs for an album. It has to feel well rounded as a whole. Once the songs are picked, Pre production happens with Producer Chad Mauldin and that’s where we discuss the overall vibe of the album and how we want it to sound. The first recording session is to get the Bass and Drums down with scratch guitar and vocals. Then, overdubs take place. One day for Acoustic Guitar, Two Days for Electric Guitar, One session for B-3 Organ, A whole day for utility instruments like Pedal Steel, Dobro, Mandolin, Violin, Cello, etc, Lead Vocals took four days, Background vocals took two days, and producer, Chad, recorded percussion and other “stunt” tracks while mixing. Mixing took about a week as Chad mixes along the whole process. Some artists don’t like to be present for the whole process. I, however, LOVE IT. I play all the guitars on my albums. As far as underlying themes to this album, my objective is to move people emotionally thru songs. I want the listener to experience relatable lyrics and stories that mirror the human condition that we all face everyday. In the end, I want people to feel a little more love and be a little more kind to each other when they listen to my music.
Touring can be both exhilarating and exhausting. How do you balance life on the road with your personal life and creative process? Any tips for aspiring musicians who are just starting their touring journey?
–Life is about relationships. You’re gonna have big crowds and small crowds. The vibe may be different from show to show. Be consistent with who you are as a human and artist. Be authentic and you will find your people. Sometimes, the best shows are the smallest most intimate ones.
Every artist has goals and dreams for their musical career. What are some of your long-term goals or aspirations, both in terms of your artistry and your impact on the music industry?
–It’s simple for me. I want to move people emotionally and positively. I want people to feel better about life when they listen to my music. I’d love to grow regionally, and globally with my music.
The music industry has undergone significant changes in recent years. How do you see the future of music evolving, and what role do you envision yourself playing in this ever-changing landscape?—
–It’s always evolving. I believe there will always be super talented artists that get big breaks and there will always be super talented artists that struggle to get heard. All I can do is be authentic, make the most of the time I have here on this earth and make relationships happen. I’m not certain that there’s one silver bullet that makes a career. I think its lots of aspects and with consistency, people will hear my music.