The Top 100

1. How old were you when you knew your life was going to be art?  It has been a lifelong endeavor....I was always in love with the record player! My mother was my main art influence. She always encouraged me.

 

2. When did you start for real? Just a few years ago, for real.

 

3. Were you single minded in this pursuit or did you train/educate for a "real" job? After many years of chasing the music dream, I bought a house, then pragmatically realized it would take more than art money to pay it off. I took a job with the Attorney General's Office, paid my dues and now I can pursue my art full time.  

 

4. School - Did it help, hinder, or immaterial? School helped me how to think, not what to think. I had many art experiences, especially at UT.

 

5. Who supported your decisions? My family has been my rock and music has been my roll.

 

6. Do you have family?  And where are they? California and Texas.

 

7. What gigs stand out to you, looking back? Shows with the Thunderbirds, old Antones, east side gigs, playing for Buck Owens at Continental Club, Billy Blues in Houston.

 

8. Who did you like performing with? My first band, I played with harmonica player , Paul Orta, an awesome player, now I like performing with Kathy Murray, awesome songwriter

 

9. What do you see as your best work? My current recordings with Kathy Murray. My playing has matured to an insightful place.

 

10. Has your outlook on fame changed since you've achieved it? I guess I am famous in some circles, but thanks to the internet, it is getting global.

 

11. Has notoriety changed you? Yes, it has given me permission to be the greatest I can be.

 

12. Do you feel satisfied with yourself? Who does? As an artist, it is always satisfying to complete a music or art piece you know you have done well, which inspires to continue to more and different achievements.

 

13. How do you want to be remembered? Fun ,friendly and kind....and a powerful musician and monster painter.

 

14. What are you currently working on? Music- a new recording of original tunes with Kathy Murray and the Kilowatts. Always writing new tunes and new song ideas....finding the Groove !

 

15. Is it as easy as it looks? It takes patience, practice and experience....still learning new things which keeps it interesting.

 

16. Is it fun? Exploring, creating and performing is fun. The business side is usually hard for artists.

 

18. What would you say to wannabee performers? Always finish school first, so you have other tools in your tool box. It comes in real handy on the long haul. Explore the music you love and find out who inspired the music of your idols. Keep going back to the essence.

 

19. Do you have pets, what kind? Two cats and an outdoor bird and hummingbird sanctuary

 

20. What's more important - Talent or hard work? Hard work , no doubt.....I have played with many talented folks who do not perform in public very much. I know the hard work of making the connections is paramount to a career in music.

 

21 Xtra. What is your take on MP3 downloads? Modern times, I guess. Everyone is staring at the handheld device. Hopefully they will come up for air .....and live music. It is easier to share MP3s than physical CDs and records, so if one can turn someone else on to some cool music...it is a good thing.