1. When did you know your life was going to be art? I knew around the age of 15 for sure that art was my path. I had inklings of the idea before. But I had an amazing experience performing in the musical "Crazy for You", a Gershwin play, in front of 3000 people and that sealed the deal. To this day, I think back to that performance as the start.

 

2. When did you start for real? I started writing my own songs when I was about 8, but I would say around the age of 15/16 I began to hone in on my craft. Putting records together and preparing to study art at college.

 

3. Were you single minded in this pursuit or did you train/educate for a "real" job?  I studied theatre arts and music at Boston University. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career within the arts and decided it would be best to get my degree in the arts. Turned out to be a great decision.

 

4. School - Did it help, hinder, or immaterial? School helped me grow as an artist. Both my high school and college experiences were incredibly influential to my artistry. I believe one must be learning constantly, striving for more knowledge and greater influence. School is one means for doing this. It may not be for everyone, but for me it was invaluable.

 

5. Who supported your decisions? My family has always been a great source of support for me. They have been there since the beginning and still tune into shows to this day. Without them, I would not be where I am today. 

 

6. Do you have family?  And where are they?

Yes, I am originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and most of my family resides there. I also have family members spread throughout the country, who are always supportive when I visit for tour. 

 

7. What gigs stand out to you, looking back?

I planned my first tour with a group called Chorderoy in 2008. We played 16 shows in 20 days from Florida to Maine and the entire experience was incredible. Those shows varied in terms of setting and crowd size, but are very fond memories. Here in Austin, playing at the Strange Brew Lounge with my group The Light Collective stands out most. As well as shows with my other projects Freerunner and Collabajamma.

 

8. Who did you like performing with?

I view every musician I perform with as an experience unique to the moment. Each moment holds it's own glory. I have very much enjoyed working with Adrian Zapata and Mary Ellen Fine here in Austin, as we form an excellent harmony team. With The Light Collective, I am lucky enough to play with incredible musicians Jose Galeano (Grupo Fantasma), Andres Salas, Shawn McGovern, Chuck Anastasiou, and Daphne Simpson. 

 

9. What do you see as your best work? My two recent records took me over two years to complete and I view them as my best work thus far. My Teacher and The All of Everything. Available for streaming and downloading at thelightcollective.bandcamp.com

 

10. Has your outlook on fame changed since you've achieved it? I have not achieved fame by any means, and I do not view fame too highly. For me, it's all about the music. If people hear the music, and it can help them move forward on their path in life, my job is complete. The rest is insignificant to me. 

 

11. Has notoriety changed you? Again, I haven't experienced too much notoriety. But, I am happy the music is getting out there.

 

12. Do you feel satisfied with yourself? Satisfaction is an interesting concept. I find it to be a sliding scale. Sometimes I am quite satisfied with my work, while at other times, I use my dissatisfaction to create stronger work. A healthy dose of both is good.

 

13. How do you want to be remembered?

I would like my music to be remembered as something that helped people with daily battles in life. We all come up against hardship, doubt, self-imprisonment, death,and more troubles, that we must overcome to live our lives to the fullest. If listening to my music can help even for a moment find relief for others, then I have done my job. 

 

14. What are you currently working on? The Light Collective records My Teacher and The All of Everything. As well as a full length LP with my band Freerunner, due to come out in July.

 

15. Is it as easy as it looks? Performing is working 110% before the performance and then allowing yourself to be open and free in the moment. If one is well prepared, the performance will feel easy. 

 

16. Is it fun? Always! Every opportunity to perform is fun

 

18. What would you say to wannabee performers? Trust yourself, find your voice, and keep moving forward, keep growing.

 

19. Do you have pets, what kind? No pets.

 

20. What's more important - Talent or hard work? Talent is all well and good, but hard work gets you paid (maybe).

 

21 Xtra. What is your take on MP3 downloads? Download away! I want the music to get out there in any form possible!