Hi! I really loved your release ‘Waking Up’ and find it absolutely brilliant. If someone hasn’t had the chance to listen to it yet, how would you best describe the track?
A: When I was working on the song I was really trying to keep it simple but effective. I think the end result was a slightly melancholy, ethereal, loose vibe that is almost aggressively snapped into place by the kick and snare.
Where was it recorded?
A: I recorded and produced the song in my home studio I put together in the extra bedroom of my apartment.
Do you have plans to include it in a bigger release, like an EP or album?
A: I’m working on putting an album together to release in 2024 that would include this song and some other singles I’ve released along with some new songs.
I’m interested in how you began your musical journey. Did you always know that this was your true passion?
A: I was first introduced to playing music through piano lessons when I was very young. I played saxophone in band and jazz band in school and got my first guitar around 13. In high school I got really into post hardcore metal and met, who ended up being my best friend, Justin who played the drums. We set up his drumset in my families garage and would jam and write and record songs whenever we got the chance.
Somehow the music fizzled out and I started feeling the pressure to ‘do something with my life.’ I ended up going to college without any clear idea of what I wanted out of it. I figured that’s what you were supposed to do and things would work themselves out. Long story short, I picked back up the guitar about 8 years ago. I started learning to produce and dropped out of school to have more time to spend on music. I haven’t looked back since.
Your music blends various styles and sounds in a captivating manner. If given the opportunity, who would be your ideal collaborator and what is the reason behind your choice?
A: Probably Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys. I really love the unique, explorative direction they’ve gone in for the last two albums. I love that he just does his own thing and doesn’t try to fit into the current trends.
What has been your favorite musical experience so far?
A: I would have to say my most impactful musical experiences have been just listening to music alone in my car while driving through the mountains. I love driving at night and listening through a good album.
Where are you located? Can you describe how the local music scene has influenced your sound in any way?
A: I live in Asheville, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville has a pretty vibrant, unique music scene but even more influential than that has been the surrounding vastness and beauty of the mountains. I’m not a huge people person and the escape of the blue ridge parkway and the ability to get away from everything really fuels my creativity.
If you had the opportunity to perform at any venue worldwide, which one would you choose and why?
A: Probably what is now the Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater in Charlotte, NC. I love outdoor venues and one of the most memorable shows I went to was an Alt J concert at this venue.
What was the first album you remember owning?
A: The first album I remember owning was a 70’s Classic Rock album that included some Boston, Foreigner, Foghat, etc. This was a big part of what initially peaked my interest in guitar.
Finally, do you have anything to share about upcoming gigs? Also, what are your plans for 2024?
A: No gigs. I’m currently focusing on writing new music but I have a single I’m pretty excited about coming out October 20th and you can look out for an album in 2024.