I have loved, studied, and practiced music nearly my ENTIRE life.
I still remember the first time my parents played me The Beatles' Rubber Soul. That album had a profound effect on me (one look at my house and studio and you'll understand; The Beatles are everywhere). Little did I know that moment and album would change my life forever. Thus began a lifetime of music.
I might not have known what I was doing yet, but somewhere in my subconscious I started picking out Paul McCartney's vocal harmonies and loving their perfectly-crafted melodies. It is because of that early appreciation that I approach my work today with an emphasis on vocal arrangements. After all, it is what our listeners connect with most often.
I started playing clarinet in the school band in fourth grade, and if I may say so myself, quickly earned my spot in first chair for a couple years. As I entered junior high, I switched to the drums - perhaps because I thought girls might like that better than clarinet. Soon after I started picking up my dad's old Yamaha classical guitar (I still have it to this day) and started writing my own songs. I never cared much for learning other people's songs or shredding guitar solos, I was always most interested with being a songwriter.
This led to several years, throughout my high school years and beyond, of being in various bands and playing several instruments. After a devastating band break-up in 2006, two major musical directions happened in my life.
I decided to take up recording. I always had an interest in it and loved being in the studio when my bands were making albums. So I decided to take it into my own hands, buying a few pieces of recording gear and taking some classes at my local community college. Around this time my performance career took a huge turn for the better. Enter A Change of Pace.
My good buddies from our brother band of A Change of Pace, dubbed ACOP by their fans, asked me to join their band. These dudes had been signed to a label and touring nationally and overseas while they were still in high school - something I had barely even tasted. After a little soul searching and the confidence from my former band mates (let's not forget my parents telling me I'd be crazy to say no), I accepted their offer and signed on to be their rhythm guitarist.
I will forever be indebted to the guys of ACOP for giving me that opportunity. That band took me around this country more times than I can count and gave me the opportunity to work with Billboard-topping songwriters like Jamie Houston (Miley Cyrus, Jessica Simpson, Santana, High School Musical), platinum selling producers and engineers like Elvis Baskette (Incubus, Chevelle, Three Days Grace, Escape the Fate) and Mike Green (Paramore, All Time Low, New Found Glory, Pierce the Veil), to name a few, and a ton of musical and industry experience I use in my everyday life.
Between tours with ACOP I started doing more and more recording and having some friends come over so I could get my feet wet. Applying that knowledge and experience I acquired from my ACOP days, artists quickly enjoyed working with me and started seeking me out to produce their music.
Fast-forward to today. I've been a full-time producer and songwriter for a number of years now. I've been fortunate enough to make a living out of music several years after the end of my performance/band days. I've always tried to keep a level head and be appreciative for having earned the trust of so many artists and bands. Our songs are our babies. To have someone trust you with that responsibility and trust your guidance is an enormous honor. I aim to continue helping as many artists as I can find their voice while perfecting my craft and putting out the most sonically-appealing records I possibly can. One love.