Frequently Asked Questions!
When did you first start writing/producing songs?
I didn’t really start writing songs until after college. I became extremely interested in recording, and needed to write songs in order to have something to record. So in many ways, my interest in producing was the catalyst for my song writing.
When you first decided you wanted to pursue music, what did you do for a job?
My first full time job in music, was touring with a band called the Terry Kelley Band. I was hired as the bass player, and traveled with them for about three years. During this time, I wrote my first batch of songs, and put them online via PureVolume.com . After Terry (the lead singer) moved to Colorado, I was approached by a record label called “Outlook Music Company” about my music, and signed with them shortly after.
What exactly is your “job” currently?
My full time job is writing string arrangements for bands, and producing people’s albums.
What first influenced you to become an artist?
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. Along the way, I’ve had MANY great teachers. In no particular order, Gem Bishop, Jay Steinberg, Lori Lindshield, Chianne-Yi Liao, and Vincent Bredice. They are the reason I do music today.
What was the first instrument you picked up/when?
I started playing the piano in 3rd grade.
How many instruments do you play?
Though the degree to which I am able to play these instruments varies GREATLY, here are the instruments I’ve performed on my albums: Piano, organ, drums, electric and upright bass, guitar, cello, viola, violin, ukelele, organ, trumpet, banjo, and mandolin.
What are some of your favorite songs?
I will never grow tired of “God Only Knows” by the Beach Boys. Also, I think the string arrangement on “Two Doves” by Dirty Projectors is one of the greatest compositions I’ve heard in modern music.
Do you have any non-musical hobbies?
I wish I did. Does a respectable Scotch collection count?
I know film means a lot to you. Top favorites?
Dancer In The Dark, Melancholia, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 12 Angry Men, The Exorcist, Synecdoche New York to name a few.
Why are you a musician?
I don’t want to over-romanticize this, but there really is only one answer to this- I have to be. I was blessed with one talent, and that is, the ability to play and learn a variety of instruments. There have been times in my life where music was not paying the bills and it seemed inevitable that I would have to get a “normal” job. But rather than do the responsible thing, I followed the words of Carl Sandburg: “I’m either going to be a writer, or a bum”. Sometimes I’m both.
What kind of gear do you use in your studio?
Take a studio tour with the “Photos” link!
Posted on December 8th, 2011 in Unpublished. Tagged as .
2 Responses to Frequently Asked Questions!
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with your list of favorite films, it certainly seems film should be an answer to your non-musical hobbies q. you've certainly got some good ones there – melancholia is a favorite of mine too.