Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?
Around seven or so. Our next door neighbors' son's had bands, they were in their early and mid 20's, and I used to sit in their garage and watch and listen. I knew then that was what I wanted to do. It was loud and full of excitement and energy.....all of the things that made up the band excited me....the people, the equipment, the chaos....everything!
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?
My family. They used to let me play their instruments, and helped me get a handle on it. Early on it was hearing the music they listened to, and them showing me chords and other things....that drove me to see that I could do it, too. I just took it from there.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
Early on, The Beatles, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. Between the brilliance of what they were doing and the sheer groundbreaking areas they went into, I just dove head first into it. Muddy Waters gave me the behind the beat feel.....no one in the world can play like him, but if you can learn from someone 'how to feel', I think he's the man! The first Boston album changed how music sounded forever! Gary Moore, Eddie Van Halen and Akira Takasaki taught me how to play with precision, fire and intensity. David Gilmour taught me how to soar........Roger Waters taught me to think.....now Dave Mustaine reminds me to........Paul McCartney taught me to be melodic, John Bonham and Joey Kramer taught me to play for the song. Joe Perry taught me to forget what I know and what the rules are, and just play! Steven Tyler called me and taught me so much..........within a short amount of time, but that's hard won wisdom,. and that's everything!
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
No one SOUNDS like I do. Even though I play every instrument, the music sounds like a complete band. There are fills, riffs and melodies falling into little pockets and spaces everywhere, but since I'm the guy playing everything, nothing steps on anything else, and everything fits together into a cohesive statement and song, without bombarding you with too much for too long. I'm like the classic albums that we grew up with, but with a more modern sound.
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?
That's already happened. I was offered a 13 gig showcase tour, playing lead guitar behind three female singers in a Madonna/Janet Jackson type setup. Excellent money, expense account, equipment supplied, insurance.....the whole package. When it came time to sign, and they said I had to cut my hair, get fitted for the "Johnny Bravo" suit, and learn the dance moves............I had to walk away. So, no I can't and won't.
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'm attempting to appeal to people who enjoy more than one style of music. She Uh Huh and Fight Song are two different types of songs, but they have a common ground.....the SOUND. They both are high energy songs, but neither song competes with the other. You can groove to both, and that's where my appeal is. I can cross over into several different markets, but the entire album is cohesive. Each song has elements of many styles, and it's that mix that earns me so many fans of different backgrounds and ages.
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 Essential! If you don't know what you are doing, you WILL get burned, crushed, eaten up and devoured. This industry is so full of traps that it's almost impossible not to step on a landmine. It's easy to let your emotions rule, but you have to approach it like a business because it is! Be deliberate, be prepared, and be careful!
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
Never quit, never sign anything without a lawyer, but don't sign it until you completely understand it. Read EVERYTHING you can about the business and the people in it, study, ask questions, call people back, look people in the eye, never take anyone for granted, and watch your back! Trust is developed, but so is respect. EARN it, don't EXPECT it. And give it. It will be given back to you in the same measure .
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?
The Red Cross, and Veterans organizations.......... and not just because because I am one.
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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