A song that made you want to make music?
When I was in elementary school and had been playing piano for a few years, there was this singer/songwriter named Michael W Smith. He had this power. ballad I Will Be Here For You that I was obsessed with, and knew that I wanted to write these huge songs like that. A little later in life, I would say that the song All My Life by the Foo Fighters really
kicked me into wanting to write rock stuff on the guitar. I had loved Foo growing up, but that song
just propelled me to start writing my own stuff in that vein.
Best rider you have had?
Gotta be House Of Blues in Orlando back in one of my old bands. Was just so nice to walk into a real green room and have a full spread of food and liquor/beer for your album
release show. Nothing crazy, just the quality that makes you feel good for a night.
Craziest moment you’ve experienced in music?
It was on a tour with one of my old bands, and while the act we were touring with were in the middle of their set, the lead singer’s knee popped sideways out of place. He fell to the ground and no one knew what had happened. Once we realized, we carried him back to the van, and he took it upon himself to pop it back in place. I wanted to throw up. Was honestly crazier than any huge crowd we played to or seeing your music video on MTV late at night.
Deepest lyric one of your songs features?
(Trigger Warning: Suicidal Content)
My song Fall Away is about me finally going to therapy for my panic attacks, because they were getting so bad that everytime I had a full blown attack I just kept thinking that I didn’t want to live if I had to live like that. When I say the line “I don’t think that I could make another week or two, but I don’t want to scare you…” It’s my way of telling my wife that if I don’t handle this, I am scared I don’t have long before I do something drastic. Sometimes the hardest thing to do can be to help yourself by getting
the help you need, but I knew I never really wanted to end things, I just knew I could not live like that. Luckily I was able to get the help I needed.
Easiest song you wrote?
All My Friends Are Selling Out. That one flowed out of me so quickly I barely remember writing it. Just had the idea while I was messing around on my acoustic, and
boom. 20 minutes later she was done.
Favourite song in your set?
There’s a song on the album called Coming For You that is us turned up to 11. We even hit a full southern rock breakdown. I have honestly never felt the energy that I get
from playing that song live from any other song I have ever played. And it’s definitely the song people love to hear live too.
Guest you’d most like to feature on your record?
Phil Collins.
Hardest thing about being a musician?
At this stage in my life, having a full time job while writing /releasing music and playing shows. My work funds my music / life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to balance everything and still have time for my family and friends. Let’s just say I stay very busy.
Interesting fact about you?
I was a professional caddy at one of the top golf resorts in the country for 6 years.
Jokes you like to tell?
A lot of dark humor way too soon after anything happens. Or I go straight for the dad jokes. Sometimes, you can blend the two and that’s like reaching nirvana.
Key to writing a song?
Some songs are done in a half hour and some songs take years. Let each song be what it needs to be and take the time it needs. I once had 2 separate ideas that were marinating on their own for over a year. Then I realized one day I could kind of manipulate them to be used together. Would have never turned into the song it did without me being patient and letting it happen.
Longest distance you’ve travelled to play a show?
A band I was in had a one-off festival in Kansas City, and coming from Lakeland,FL that’s about 1250 miles / 19 hrs. Was a long couple of days and I had waaaaay too much Red Bull doing the night drive back to try and stay awake. Ended up puking at some truck stop and curling up on the floor for the second half of the drive.
Most inspiring musician you’ve experienced?
My favorite band is Manchester Orchestra, and when they were on the Mean Everything To Nothing tour way back in 08, I caught them at The Social in Orlando. Was right in front of the stage, and the power of that show just changed me. You could feel him belting his soul out that night. I believe Andy Hull is truly a blessing of an artist, and I have
nothing but respect and admiration for what he does.
New band/artist you’d recommend?
Nervous Pulp out of Pensacola, FL. A trion that are bringing more energy and creativity to rock than most smaller acts are right now. One of the best live artists I have seen in the last few years.
Opening for this band/artist would be ideal?
Manchester Orchestra
Place you’d most like to tour?
Tie between England (any chance to go to the Emirates and see Arsenal play) and Japan (I have always wanted to go, and my friends that have gotten the chance to
tour over there have absolutely loved it).
Quote that you’d like to pass on to our readers?
Ram Dass has been a real teacher to me over this last decade, and this is always my favorite quote/lesson of his:
“When you go out into the woods, and you look at trees, you see all these different trees. And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree. The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying ‘You are too this, or I’m too this.’ That judgment mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are.”
Reason for the title of your forthcoming release?
Flamingo County is this idealized place/version of myself that I knew I wanted to be, and I think this album shows how I got there. It shows me taking different steps in my own journey of embracing who I am, and then still having to continue to grow, and live life, and somehow find my peace. Plenty of struggles on this album. But ultimately, in those, I think you see and hear the constant hope. And then we wrap it up knowing that this is only the start of the journey for me. The sun shines forever in the FLC (Flamingo County)
See me live at?
Hooch And Hive in Tampa, FL on 8/18, Union Hall in Lakeland, FL on 9/16
The old days of music were better than the current, do you agree?
Depends on what you mean. I think that it meant more to be at a show, and see an act you love live. I think the album mattered more, not just because of it being the only physical way people could listen to this music, but also because it was actually a piece of art that you could sell and earn from. However, I think the freedom to see and hear so many more artists because of the internet, and the ability that everyone has to make music at home / for much cheaper than used to be possible, is amazing.
Unusual merchandise?
I was thinking of selling some Flip Flops and Board Shorts with my flamingo logo on them. Sound good?
Variations you’d like to do on one of your songs?
As someone who grew up playing classical piano and viola, I would really love to arrange a few of the more heavy/rock songs into piano/strings versions.
What do your fans mean to you?
It brings me endless joy when anyone lets me know that they love the songs and what I do. I have nothing but appreciation and gratefulness for the fact that people relate to my art and it matters to them. I know what other people’s music has done for me, and the fact that i can pay that forward to anyone at all is everything I could ask for.
X-rays or any treatments needed for performance-related injuries?
All my real injuries were always sports (or risk taking child) related. lol. A few sprained ankles from jumping around like a crazy man on stage, but nothing that put me out for long.
You’re late for a show, whose fault is it?
The rest of the band for not being on time.
Zoo animal that best describes your personality?
I think we know the answer to this one… Livin that Flamingo life…