A Quick Interview with the Artist

By Ashley Pauley

Q: When did you first start writing songs?

A: When I was Seventeen. I tried different methods such as lyrics first or melody first or a certain theme.I didn't come up with anything really good but I kept on trying.By the time I was 23 I had improved my skills on multiple instruments and had been introduced to four-track recording. The next year, inspiration struck! I wrote about 5 songs that summer and none of them took more than ten minutes to write. I was hooked and I haven't written any other way since.Sometimes that means that I'll write 2 or 3 songs in a month but I've gone as long as 3 years without being inspired to write anything.

Expert drumming on This Bottle, Melinda, Angel Eyes and Jenny by Michael Thomas!

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

A: I'm still in pursuit! When I was younger it was harder to get your music heard. You had to submit a steady stream of cassette tapes to as many record companies as possible or put a band together and play wherever you could. Today, you can be an independent musician, have total control over your music and have your music released worldwide!

Q.How young were you when you began playing an instrument and which instrument was your first?

A: I joined school band when I was eleven years old. I wanted to play drums but the drum class was already full so I had to choose

something else. I chose the trombone and stayed with it for 4 more years. When I was sixteen I began to teach myself guitar

and bass and I've been playing both ever since.

Q.How do you feel your music contributes to music today?

A: I think that the arrangements and recording methods have a lot to do with the overall style of music that I'm making.

I like recording takes all the way through each time, whether it be vocals or instruments. Some slight mistakes or shifts in tempo are

less important than the final result.I only edit for EQ, reverb and mixing (no pro tools).So, if people enjoy the music

I'll have contributed by providing songs in the style of those of which I have enjoyed

Q: Do you prefer a more do-it-yourself approach to recording or a professional studio atmosphere?

A: I definitely enjoy working in a professional studio as far as recording goes. The high quality mics and unlimited tracks

are great! Most of the songs Jenny and Angel Eyes were done in the studio. The downside in my experiences has been the

mixing process. I don't like over editing and obviously studios are very expensive.

Recording at home requires a lot of self discipline and you have to make do with whatever equipment you have

but it doesn't cost anything and you can do as many takes as you need.