1. When and why did you start playing?
I started playing drums in 5th grade I had a hard time developing an embrochure for a brass instrument and I was always focused on rhythm in music. It was just something that appealed to me as an angsty pre-teen. Later in seventh grade I picked up the guitar for the sheer reason that I thought it was a new challenge and that turned into my instrument of choice.
2. Which instruments do you play?
Guitar mainly. I can also play drums and a little bit of other stringed instruments like bass.
3. What was the first tune(s) you learned?
Unfortunately, it was the stereotypical song of Iron Man by Black Sabbath and also bits and pieces of songs from System of a Down and Eric Clapton.
4. Is your family musical?
No, they like music, but none of them ever played musical instruments with any thought of using it later in life.
5. Describe your family member's musical interests and abilities.
My mother likes a lot of different things. I give her credit for initially exposing me to different styles of music, which is definitely important to being an artist.
6. Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
I admire Guthrie Govan for his amazing versatility on the guitar. Laila Biali is a great jazz composer. I enjoy TesseracT for their attention to the groove and a vocalist that really connects with emotions. I love Periphery for the oddities in their music and the fact that none of them have musical training. Animals as Leaders is the most innovative band I have ever heard. They play with syncopation and jazz theory to create an intellectual style of music with no vocals so you can dig into the music. The list goes on and on for eons.
7. Which famous musicians have you learned from?
Honestly, I learn from all of them. They are famous for a reason and people like their music for some reason. Whether I like the music is irrelevant, but it is important to respect different music because you never know where influence could come from.
8. Who was your first teacher?
I was my own teacher on my instrument and I still am. I progress through the music I listen to and let that and what I'm feeling at the moment dictate where my playing goes.
9. Describe your first instrument
My first instrument was a blue sparkle drum kit. It wasn't of really any quality, but I treated it as though it were expensive. My first guitar was a red Squier Stratocaster. I put that thing through hell. I put giant strings on it and tuned it way down which probably ruined the neck. I have since sold both of them.
10.What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town?
I have so many because music is my passion in life. I guess the one that comes to mind is when I first played a gig with my band Esoson. It was amazing being under lights with my three best friends just jammin'.
11. Who influenced you to become a musician?
I pretty much convinced myself to become a musician. Of course my mother nudged me in the direction, but it was ultimately my choice.
12. Who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CD's?
What I'm listening to and my favorites are constantly changing. Consistantly, I have always loved TesseracT, Periphery, Animals as Leaders, Killswitch Engage, Incubus, Lamb of God, and Slipknot. Beyond that, I also enjoy jazz, fusion, electronic, and classical. I can find something I like in everything
13.Have you been in competitions? Any prizes?
I have been in quite a few competitions with my high school marching band and indoor percussion group playing cymbals.
14. Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions?
I do frequently. My band, Esoson, books gigs at local venues in the greater Seattle area. Those are always fun because playing music is what I love doing. If I have one person to perform to that is enough for me. I also perform with my high school percussion ensemble at competitions around the Northwest.
15. Do you play for dances?
I have never played for dances. That would be an interesting situation considering the music I play.
16. How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
Mistakes will always happen. I just play it off like it was supposed to happen. If you aren't phased by it, the audience won't be.
17. Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?
I used to have stage fright really bad. Now the stage feels like home to me so nervousness isn't an issue anymore.
18. What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?
I find it helpful to have a routine before you perform. In my band, we all stretch and do a lap around the venue. It helps get the jitters out. Also, clear your headspace before you go on. Find a quiet place and just relax for a minute. It is easy to overwhelm yourself with nervousness right before you perform. Find something that works for you.
19. How often and for how long do you practice?
I try to play for at least two hours a day. Sometimes it is longer depending on how I feel and how much time I have.
20. What do you practice - exercises, new tunes, hard tunes, etc.?
Practice is extremely important. I think spending quality time on your instrument is crucial, no matter what you practice. Generally my practice consists of playing through rough spots in my bands music or working on accuracy with certain phrases. The majority of my practice, though, is actually writing music. I find that it is good to learn other people's songs, but I think it is more important to create your own sound.
21. How do you balance your music with other obligations - girlfriend, school , job?
Balancing life and music can be hard sometimes. I always want to play music, but obligations come up as they always do. Obviously the people I care about come first, but luckily for me, they all understand my passion. I don't really have a hard time balancing life and music because it is always present in my life. In order to keep myself from going insane, I listen to music all the time and get involved in my schools music program as well as my band.
