In today’s A-Z challenge, we use our famed 26 questions to find out all about Get Out Alive!
A song that made you want to make music?
Kryptonite – 3 Doors Down. There have been plenty of songs/bands from my early years I could think of, but I have a vivid memory of sitting on my front porch step in Illinois with my mom’s CD player showing my neighbors 3 Doors Down. I may or may not have tried to convince them it was me. LOL
Best rider you have had?
Haven’t been on tour yet, but free drinks have always been cool.
Craziest moment you’ve experienced in music?
I got an opportunity to help produce some of Jonny Craig’s new music for ‘Old Flame’, alongside Colin from Rain City Drive. After the first studio session, JC personally texted me and let me know how grateful he was for my help. Being a fan of his, and RCD, that meant a lot to me. It felt a bit surreal at the time to be trusted to bring the heat in a room like that. I hope those songs see the light someday, and I am grateful for both of those guys.
Then of course, sending out some demos and getting a text that the president of Artery, Eric Rushing, wanted to sign me. He’s also a great dude. The entire team at Artery has been amazing. Shoutouts for everyone. Haha.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
“I’m on my knees, begging you to help me, Father please, I don’t want to feel this empty” – Death Has Been Defeated
Easiest song you wrote?
Hornet’s Nest came out super quick and easy.
Favourite song in your set?
This answer changes like the weather, but right now probably Shiver (unreleased).
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
A full circle moment for me would be Adam Gontier.
Hardest thing about being a musician?
Relationships are pretty tough. It’s been difficult to find bandmates that are like-minded and motivated, especially as we all age.
Interesting fact about you?
I have a 387 day streak learning Japanese at the time of writing this.
Jokes you like to tell?
Not really a joke, but I love saying “What’s wrong with that?!” in a screechy voice in public conversations, cause it makes my co-worker laugh. Just a dumb inside joke. Ironically throwing out swag and yolo. Anything to potentially embarrass myself in public.
Key to writing a song?
I’ve found a lot of value in locking in a rough song structure before I get too deep into the writing. This allows me an outline so I don’t have to stress out where it’s going next.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
Only a few hours.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
I’ve picked up a lot of very different things from very different artists, so it’s tough to narrow it down. I’m going to have to say Adam Gontier from Three Days Grace. I can tell he’s a real musician at heart and he comes off extraordinarily authentic.
New band/artist you’d recommend?
I’ve really been digging my label mates CODE:WORDS. I haven’t met them yet, but they know how to write a great song.
Opening for this band/artist would be ideal?
Rain City Drive
Place you’d most like to tour?
I’d love to run it up in Japan someday.
Quote that you’d like to pass on to our readers?
“Do, or do not. There is no try,” – Yoda
Reason for the title of your forthcoming release?
If I Leave is a vulnerable confession that help is needed. A feeling of low worth and the draw to give up. “If I leave, will you come for me? .. will you even miss me?”
See me live at?
TBA! Working on this behind the scenes right now. \m/
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Sometimes I think about the older eras of music, more so the business side of it. I find myself envying the bands that didn’t have to grind an oversaturated social media platform. It can feel like spinning slot machines every day hoping it’s your turn for people to notice. However, I believe perspective plays a massive role. We are in an age where people have more access to creating and that makes me happy.
Unusual merchandise?
Not really.
Variations you’d like to do on one of your songs?
I think it could be fun to take one of the heavier tracks and do a softer acoustic version. Sometimes cool musical layers get buried behind distorted guitars and drums cranked to 11. I believe some of the heavier tracks could be stripped into some pretty acoustic songs.
What do your fans mean to you?
It’s always nice to hear that people are enjoying something you put your heart and soul into. If I can bring some enjoyment, connection, and inspiration to others, just like my favorite bands did for me growing up, I’ve made it. The fans allow me to continually delve deeper into the world of music. The fans motivate and energize me to keep going. Just as I hope to let people know they are not alone through my lyrics, the fans that connect let me know that I am not alone either.
X-rays or any treatments needed for performance-related injuries?
No.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
Traffic was backed up on the interstate. (I was on the toilet)
Zoo animal that best describes your personality?
Probably a raccoon. I spend a disgusting amount of time on facebook marketplace looking at used stuff I don’t need. I’ll drive an hour for some random trade if it’s something I think I can’t pass up.
Thank you Alt Corner. 🙏