What was the beginning pint for your music career? How did it all start?
I kind of tell everyone, I simply don’t remember a time I wasn’t obsessed with music. My father played music so I was familiar with it from birth. My dad left when I was 4 years old and by that time, I already had a guitar I was dragging around the house with me.
Was there any bumps on the road? What kind of challenges did you have to deal with?
Oh yeah, tons of bumps and setbacks. I wasn’t naturally gifted so I had to work at it. I spent a lot of time SAYING I was a guitarist before I became one. That being said, I also posed in front of the mirror a lot and “lip sync’d” little concerts in my bedroom. I truly believe that helped prep me to be an active live performer.
What was the most fulfilling and satisfying moment so far?
So many. The problem is, the measurements keep moving. One minute all you want to do is play an entire song, then you’d like to play it for a friend to listen to, then maybe a stranger to hear, then more people and maybe a bigger venue than your bedroom, then the bar, then a theatre, then… When I’m feeling frustrated, I remember my original goal was to play one of the songs I loved so much all the way through! I’ve gotten so much more than I ever asked for.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
My partner in Ghosts of Sunset (Todd Long) and I have made music for over 30+ years across several genres. Ghosts of Sunset is a rock n roll band with its roots in 1980s hard rock and “hair metal” but our sound is influenced by any music that’s ever moved us.
What is your creative process like?
It usually starts with a “riff” or musical idea. We then build a musical “skeleton” and decide what our narrative is going to be and what story we’d like to tell. As we’re doing that, we’re also adding to the musical bed trying to create instrumental parts that further our story and emotional direction.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bother me that some of things that are the most popular have very little to do with music. If you have enough money to throw at something someone will sell you success.
If you were asked to give a piece of advice to upcoming bands, what would that be?
Always remember what it was you wanted in the first place. A lot of times everything else is icing on the original cake.
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
When a gig is great, it’s transcendent, when it’s bad, it still beats nearly any other experience on Earth. I always enjoy the gigs where someone will come up and talk about music. What they like, why they like it, what’s moving them about your music. Human interaction and moments always make for the best performances.
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing now?
I’ve done a lot of freelance writing. Arts and Entertainment reviews, music bios, etc.… I really enjoy the written word.
What is new with the band at the moment? What are you currently working on and would like to share with the world?
Currently we’re promoting our second single on Golden Robot Records called “Never Goodbye”. On December 7th 2020 we’ll release our third single “Another Rock n Roll Show” and the full EP will hit in early 2021. We’re negotiating some limited touring now. Also, we’re having a REALLY great time doing it all!
