Can you share your musical journey with us, from when you first discovered your passion for music to where you are today as an independent musician?
The musical journey has been a bit of an unpredictable ride as I have found myself constantly changing over each project. When we started out, there was a massive folk music craze that was taking over the US and as time went on musical taste changed and adapted. I find myself to be in the masses as far as musical taste goes. I tend to like the trends that come out and occasionally find myself as an outlier on a specific type of music. I think this drives my songwriting to be different on every project. It adapts and evolves into something a little different with each new venture.
What motivates you to create music, and how do you stay inspired to continue making new and unique music?
Music is something that can break down barriers and walls, it can inspire confidence in the face of the unknown and can be a warm blanket from the cold this world can sometimes offer. I want to be part of the solution for mankind and music seems to be my part in the story. As long as I continue to struggle through life and learn and grow, I know others are doing the same and will need artists who can sympathise with their situation.
As an independent musician, you wear many hats – from composing to marketing. How do you balance these different aspects of your career, and what challenges do you face in the process?
This is the hardest thing for me. I find myself in a constant war with what I should be doing and what I want to do. Discipline is really the only answer to it. If you want to work as an independent musician or really a business owner of any kind, you need to have the discipline to wear all the hats and do the things that need to be done when everyone else wants to stop or quit. It’s all part of being an entrepreneur and not taking a job where the business establishes those pieces for you. If you can’t handle the responsibility, then you’re probably not cut out to be your own boss.
Could you tell us about your creative process? How do you come up with new ideas for songs, and how do you go about turning those ideas into finished tracks?
I find for me that the creative process is something that in rare occasions can all fall into place at one time, but more often than not is an intentional choice to piece things together over time. I may hear a sound, or a chord that really inspires me in a moment, but sometimes that moment is not an appropriate time to take action and write a song. I often find myself recording a snippet or jotting down a phrase for future use. I think creating new music is an intentional choice amidst the mountain of other tasks we have going on. Not every day can be a writing day if you are a business owner.
Independent musicians often face financial challenges. How do you manage your finances to sustain your music career while also covering your personal expenses?
The first step is asking the question, “Is this a career or is this just a hobby.” If it’s just a hobby that you really love to pour money into and spend time doing, then great! Do it to the best of your ability, but keep your day job. Don’t be willing to dive head first into something that isn’t generating income for you. You have to be very honest with yourself about this. But if you find yourself generating revenue, fulfilling orders and overall running out of time in your day because the business is taking off, then consider finding a job that only takes up part of your time and supplement your growing career for a while. This will take an extra level of Discipline, but you can find a way to have balance. Don’t get discouraged and keep fighting through the few months of struggle.
Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging experience from your journey as a musician that has had a significant impact on your career and personal growth?
One of the hardest things I’ve had to go through as a creative is rejection. I’ve had friends in the past who have not supported my musical journey and have been very vocal about their disapproval. This taught me a couple things: 1. Never let your definition of success be dependent on others’ approval of you. This is a dangerous thing to do for anyone in any situation. Opinions, however, do matter and it’s so important to have honest feedback. 2. Surround yourself with people who provide solutions when they disagree. The world is filled with people who can point out things that are wrong. Be the one that is willing to go the extra step and offer a solution.
With the rise of digital platforms, the music industry has changed significantly. How do you navigate the digital landscape, including streaming services and social media, to promote your music and connect with your audience?
For me, The digital landscape is all I have ever known. I hear about the glory days of the past from friends of mine and while I can say how cool it might sound, I’ve never known it. I’ve never truly experienced what it’s like. So for me, it’s always been the next app, the next streaming service, the next digital frontier, and you can either choose to move with it or stay in one place. Personally I like to move with the tide and try to flow with it.
Collaboration is a key part of the music industry. Have you worked with other musicians or producers, and how have these collaborations influenced your sound and career?
This is a hard one for me since I’m a very DIY type person. If I can find a solution that I can do on my own, I generally do it. While this has helped me immensely, it can be a hindrance as well. I have been working on getting together with other writers, other producers and industry individuals hoping to find a more balanced approach for the days ahead. However, many people have had their hand in the band in many different ways and we never could have reached where we are now without their wonderful assistance along the way.
Your music likely reflects your unique style and perspective. Could you describe your musical identity and what makes your sound stand out in a crowded industry?
My favorite aspect of musical ability is the human voice. Capable of being wildly different and unique, I think we have a distinct sound due to the characteristics we have here. Writing style is another element that sets us apart from others. I find myself to be a relatively simple man and I think there is a simplicity to the way I write songs.
What role does live performance play in your music career, and how do you approach planning and executing your live shows, especially in light of recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?
Live performance is what drove me into music in the first place. When I was a child, singing in front of people was a fear of mine. I eventually grew out of that fear and saw the chance to perform as a moment to shine. I hope that we will always have live performances as a big part of our musical journey. I hope we never take the opportunities for granted.
Many fans are interested in the stories behind the songs. Could you share the backstory or inspiration behind one of your recent tracks that holds special meaning to you?
The song, “Pain is Relatives” is a song that I wrote in the wake of my grandparents’ death. I lost 5 of my family members in a span of 18 months. This completely reshaped my family dynamic as well as my day to day life. My grandpa was among those who died and I truly feel like I lost another parent and a best friend. We did everything together over the years whether that be walking, biking. grabbing meals together, working on projects together and even playing music. He taught me how to play guitar as a young boy and I feel as though my musical career is an extension of him in some way. This song is about the pain of losing those we love.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as an independent musician? Are there any upcoming projects or exciting developments in your career that you’d like to share with your fans and the audience?
We are currently writing new music and we are so excited to get it out and have it be unveiled for the world to see! I hope that the music we create can continue to inspire people across the planet! It’s been so wild to see where our music has reached and we are excited to see where it can continue to go into the future!
