1. How old were you when you knew your life was going to be art? - I grew up in a musical family, although most of my family isn’t musically trained, they have a deep love and passion for making it apart of our lives. Even though I had been around music for so long, it wasn’t until I entered middle school when I knew that being an musician is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

 

 

2. When did you start for real? - I had always participated in music in school, but I didn’t officially start or consider myself a full time musician until I moved to Austin.

 

3. Were you single minded in this pursuit or did you train/educate for a "real" job? - A little bit of both. I went to college for a few semesters, and while I was there, I noticed that many of the upperclassmen were not gigging around town much at all. I had great instructors and quickly realized that the college life             wasn’t for me at the moment. I left and started playing professionally afterwards. After a few years of being a “full” time musician, I returned to school and received a degree in Jazz Studies.

 

4. School - Did it help, hinder, or immaterial? - I think it did a little bit of both to be honest. I am very grateful for what I’ve learned in school. I had some great professors and they helped me develop quite a bit.

 

5. Who supported your decisions? - All of my family and friends. I’m very fortunate that people have had my back throughout the years.

 

6. Do you have family?  And where are they? - Yes I do. My family resides all throughout Texas (Victoria, Wharton, Edna, Dallas, Houston, Austin)

 

7. What gigs stand out to you, looking back? - There have been so many wonderful gigs since I’ve been here in Austin. I’d say my most memorable gig was playing on the same bill as Mingo Fishtrap. I saw them preform in Victoria when I was in middle school and their style/energy made me want to get very serious with this craft.

 

8. Who did you like performing with? - Currently I’m playing with The 80Hproject and they are a wonderful group of guys, just as good as family!! I’ve been very fortunate to share the stage with Austin’s finest, thats for sure!! It’s all been a blessing!

 

9. What do you see as your best work? - Honestly…….The new upcoming album by 80H. I’ve been put in a tough spot recently. I’ve developed TMJ and it has greatly hindered my playing for saxophone. I’ve had to pick up keys and it wasn’t the easiest of tasks. This new album will have some sax playing, but primarily I’m playing keys and a bit of vocoder on the album. It’s been a wonderful challenge and I thank the guys for giving me the opportunity to make the transition.

 

10. Has your outlook on fame changed since you've achieved it? - I don’t see myself as famous. I gladly take criticism as well as compliments. I grow everyday from everyone I meet.

 

11. Has notoriety changed you? - It hasn’t changed me one bit. I just consider myself lucky to have met great friends and musicians. It’s nice to be remembered for gigs too! That’s always a plus HAHA

 

12. Do you feel satisfied with yourself? - I do. I feel that I am contributing to my fullest every time i take the stage or go in for a recording session.

 

13. How do you want to be remembered? - I want to be remembered for my personality. Of course any musician wants to put an impression through their music, and I do, but I feel that a huge part of my music is my personality.

 

14. What are you currently working on? - I am currently finishing up an album with the 80Hproject. This is my first album that I will be doing both woodwinds (saxophone, and flute) and Keys.

 

15. Is it as easy as it looks? - Never, lots of hard work, dedication, and time is put into making this an art.

 

16. Is it fun? - Always, I wouldn’t do it anymore if it wasn’t fun.

 

18. What would you say to wannabee performers? - If you love it, give it everything you got! It’s worth it in the end!

 

19. Do you have pets, what kind? - I currently do not have any pets. All of my pets have passed on, but when they were here, they always hung around when I would practice.

 

20. What's more important - Talent or hard work? - I’d say hard work is a bit more important. Someone can be talented, but if they don’t put in the hard work then they seem to peak quickly. I feel that I was born with a natural talent for music, but I wouldn’t be on the level that I am today without hard work.