JOHN LENNON/BEATLES, JONI MITCHELL, STEVIE WONDER, ANI DIFRANCO, PRINCE, IMOGEN HEAP, ELLIOT SMITH, SPIDER BARBOUR, PAUL McMANN, LED ZEPPELIN, KING CRIMSON, PINK FLOYD, MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, YES, THE POLICE, STEELY DAN, PEACEBOMB, THE MINUTEMEN, PRIMUS, P-FUNK, SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE, RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS, OJOS DE BRUJO , RADIOHEAD, NIRVANA, ELVIS COSTELLO, SUZANNE VEGA, LYLE LOVETTE, , BEN FOLDS, COHEED AND CAMBRIA, ETC...
Sounds Like
an angel's funeral lament super imposed upon the sound of a box of notes dumped down a long flight of stairs....
Most of my noteriety thus far has been derived from my work with "3," the band with a number for a name. Some have deemed us unclassifiable but if you ask me we're a hybrid rock group. Often we're referred to as progressive, which I like , because it suggests moving forward, which is what we are striving to do as a band. I'm basically addicted to writing songs, its a healthy thing though - really. About half of them have the right energy to be "3" material and the rest end up as my solo work.
I was born in a musical family. My father, Jimmy is a great soulful guitarist, bassist and singer, among . My brother Josh is a phenomenal writer, singer and rapper who also happens to be one of the best drummers I know. My uncle, John the Baker, is a great writer and activist working at Alternative Tentacles and fronting several punk and hardcore outfits on the west coast. There is definately something in the genes, although each of one of us is stylistically unique. Our passion is truly what we have in common.
As an artist I strive for balance. When it comes to expression I do not favor one polarity over another. Im not trying to be dark in what I create but Im also not going to sugar coat my feelings about the world. A friend once described my music as a dark night of the soul that delivers you to the light. I dont think I could have put it any better myself.
I seek to create contagious music that has more to offer than your average pop song. Potent melody and composition graced by skillful playing and heartfelt lyrics with multiple levels of meaning. I love songs. I love to counter balance simple melodic movements with intricate riffing and rhythms. Truth is what inspires me. And the beauty of music itself. when it comes to writing songs sometimes I can hear them in my head, as if the song already exists just outside our everyday reality. Then I use whatever means possible to give the song form on a material level.
Anyway, the creed I live by is also the best advice I can give: follow your heart, it may not always be the easiest way, and often it can lead to things quite unexpected, but I think it better serves the evolution of the soul than to pave over your dreams and lead a life that reflects the desires others in the outside world project upon you.
wow you are incredible, beyond words. can't wait to photograph and meet you someday! :)
"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds. Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be. " - Patanjali
