What is your genre of music?
Not really sure. Someone once said “Hard Yacht Rock”. I thought that was funny…and not inaccurate.
Give us a little bio about you.
Born and raised in NYC. Started playing music when I was young. Studied communications, film and music tech at Northwestern University. After graduation I returned to NYC and went to the School of Audio Engineering. Played guitar in a bunch of bands and did some scoring and jingle work. Decided to just start a project where i do everything, and here we are.
Tell us more about your music.
I write all the music and lyrics and perform all of the instruments. I like to mix different styles together especially discofunk/rnb and hard rock.
You have just released ‘Like Paradise’, what’s the meaning behind the track?
The song Like Paradise is about NYC being paradise to a lot of people, both those who live here and those who just like to visit because they love it. I have spent my whole life here and definitely take a lot of things for granted but I still get those moments where I look around and get chills and filled with love for this city.
What was the writing process like?
I came up with the main synth parts years ago and never knew what to do with it. I wrote it while experimenting with a Roland SH-32 synth that I had for awhile. when I was going through old ideas for this group of recordings i put the bass line behind it and went from there.
What was the recording process like?
I record with Steve “The Mix King” Sola who has a studio in the Financial District. I got him to dust of his Oberheim DMX analog drum machine which we used on the pre chorus and the bridge/guitar solo and it sounds great. Used mostly hardware synths on it, tenor saxophone, and an electronic drum kit. I think this is the best drumset sound we have gotten so far and it also worked out really nicely mixing the played drums with the DMX machine.
How was the process of the naming the new single?
I just took the words that are repeated the most. Easy.
Will we be seeing an EP or Album anytime soon? If so what can we expect from it?
No plans at the moment, but it’s been talked about for further down the line.
Do you have any shows coming up or a tour maybe? If so where will you be heading?
Hopefully in the fall. Will start in NYC and go from there.
What else can we expect from you?
have some videos in the works. also some collaborations with Robots With Rayguns
Who are your influences?
The Power Station, The Gap Band, INXS, Van Halen, David Bowie, Zapp, Billy Idol and Steve Stevens, Joe Satriani, The Isley Brothers, Steve Vai, Robert Palmer, Tony Thompson, Phil Collins, Prince, Giorgio Moroder, Rick James, Jan Hammer, Tears For Fears, Motley Crue, George Michael, Go West, a ton more. Sorry for the long list.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully with a personal studio full of great gear, making new music and planning a tour.
What would your dream venue to play in your hometown be?
Giants Stadium. You might know it as Metlife Stadium.
Would you be up for collaborating with an unsigned artist or band? If so how can they contact you?
Absolutely if the chemistry works. Hit me on twitter.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Too many songs to list. There wasn’t one song or one artist in particular.
Where is your dream festival to perform?
Hmm never really thought about it. Something that had many artists of different styles.
What made you go into music?
I think Diddy once said he “fell in love with music like you fall in love with the woman you marry” or something like that. That.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Musically it would be “Don’t study music in college,” from my first guitar teacher. In life I think “Don’t be a part of someone else’s problems” – Meaning if someone is going through a hard time, don’t add to it. My mom told me that constantly growing up. Good advice for everyone i think.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not just about the industry also just as an artist/band?
Learn at least basic recording and production skills. I can’t stress that enough.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Not sure but David Lee Roth probably said it.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Other than my music equipment? A small towel, a t-shirt to change into after the show, aspirin, a large water bottle, and DUCT TAPE
You come off Tour:
1/ Where is the first place you go?
Parents house. Then some place with alcohol to see my friends.
2/Who is the first person you see?
My parents.
3/What is the first thing you eat.
Pizza covered in Nachos, burgers and buffalo chicken fingers. Side of fries. Diet coke. Just kidding, Pina colada with a floater.
You work with Big Machine Media, how did that come about?
My manager, Arie, has worked with them with other artists. They’re great.
Tell us your ‘Paradise’ destination to go have fun.
A giant ski mountain covered in fresh snow. After music that’s my favorite thing to do.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Twitter and Instagram
Facebook
