What have you been up to over the past year in this big old mess?
A lot of 2023 has been spent planning, creating, & strategizing the release of my EP “Wild & Free”. From creating video posts to filming music videos to scheduling tours and shows, it’s been a busy year for sure!
I’m very interested in how you started your adventure with music, and did you know from the beginning that this is what you wanted to do?
I have been singing in bands for the last 24 years and playing guitar for 18 years. Music has always been a joyful activity for myself and I love getting to write, record, and perform whenever I am given the opportunity. It may not be my career but I will always pursue music in some aspect throughout my life.
Congrats on the release of ‘Wild & Free’, the EP sounds great. What was the inspiration behind it?
Thank you! Each song from Wild & Free has been in the making for over 4 years. Re:birth is the first track idea but was also the last track to be completed. Even though every song is thematically different, they all lend to the idea that life is best when you allow yourself to be wild & free. I was inspired by various elements of life from personal relationships to work to emotions.
What’s your favorite track on the EP and why?
My favorite track is Re:birth since it has the most personal meaning. It was first conceived in 2018 with an entirely different message and purpose. When it was completed in 2022 it had evolved beyond the state of raw angry emotion into a musical journey of healing and reconciliation.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
In my opinion there is no peak when it comes to being an artist. Just as in life, we must always be growing and developing. I try pushing myself often to learn songs from other artists especially when they intricate guitar parts. I also ask other artists what they do when it comes to growing and developing so I can pass on that information as well.
What should we expect from your next releases in terms of style and sound? How different are they going to be compared to your previous works?
The biggest joy I have had being a solo artist is the ability to be free with the sound of each set of music. My first release was a lofi/chill sound and style. Wild & Free is an Americana/folk/indie sounding genre. And my next release will lean towards the alternative/indie rock genre.
Where are you based? Can you tell us how the music scene there has inspired your sound at all?
I was born and raise in Orlando, FL and that is where I started my musical journey. Currently, I am based in Fort Pierce, FL so the music scene is very different here. Amongst all of the metal and bar/restaurant cover bands, I have been able to connect with a ton of other local musicians and their creativity has inspired me to stand out and expand.
If you could perform at any venue in the world, where would it be and why?
Honestly, the venue does not matter to me. Live shows are more about the people that are there. So instead of a certain venue, my dream would be performing for all of my friends and family that I have made throughout the years.
Finally, have you got anything to share regarding upcoming gigs, and what have you got planned for the rest of 2023?
I have a couple of shows scheduled for the rest of 2023 but due to personal schedules, I will be less active musically. I usually take the end/beginning of each year to write and plan. Be on the lookout for more content as I am still promoting the release of Wild & Free!
Follow me on all of my socials and streaming services at @saintofpinehills and linktr.ee/saintofpinehills