Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?
I wanted to start playing guitar at 5,but was not able to until i was 21.I didnt get serious into it till I was 28 due to my struggles with chemical dependancy issues.
Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business?
For the most part it was the inspiration of the bands that i listened to.Music had such a strong influence on who I was as a person that i wanted to be able to share that gift with others as it had been passed on to me.The first time i played live i knew it was the life for me,the combination of stage fright and then getting up there and just doing it is always sort of a rush and very fullfilling.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
Big black is number one simply because when i first heard them,it was a revelation in my life.I had not known that music like that existed.That began my quest i still follow today of seeking out unusual and unique bands and artists.Then it was pussy galore because underneath all that noise there was alot of skill and energy.later i got into einsuerzende neubauten because of their unique sound home made instruments and unusual song structure.They are a very deep band i highly recomend them.My new favorite is god speed you black emperor,they are probably one of the reasons i am publishing as instrumental rather than try to find vocals.A very subtle band with alot of depth
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
Thats pretty simple,I have a totaly unique sound.The unfortunate truth about music these days is that there are so many bands out there that they all start to blur into each other and sound the same.INFINATE SORROW does have some elements from the bands i mention as influences,but the music stands out because you cant realy say it sounds like anything else.Its primitive stuff,but with my knowledge of harmony and theory it uses textbook structure and harmonies.I also use some exotic sounding scales and keys with some unusual tunings
Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door?
NO!!!! I play to play my music and express myself.If i wanted to do what someone else wanted me to do I could play covers in a bar.No thanks ill stick with playing my stuff.
Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals?
I am so totaly new to that whole aspect of the industry that I am just learning the rops even as we speak.I am at the trial and error stage so I havent realy learned eough to come up with any strategy other than promote myself on the web.I will be attending a school for music soon I hope and it will cover that aspect as part of the curriculum.
Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache?
Absolutely vital.Thats one of the reasons I want to attend a professional level school.Its a big leap to go pro and a very competative market.
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
Theres no failures only results,stay true to your music and be carefull!There are alot of baracuddas out there!Stay focused and dont get discouraged.Fortune favors hard work so keep at it.
Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why?
I grew up on the streets and struggled with chemical dependancy for years.I now work a program of recovery so that whatever success i have i share with others who struggle, to show them there is life after the party gets to be too much.Needless to say my focus for charity would be in that direction because it affects alot of people and is the cause of alot of suffering.
Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.
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