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?
For as long as I can remember, music has been a source of joy, inspiration and connection for me. Everyone in my family enjoys singing and harmonizing together. So music was just a part of growing up. When I was a teenager, the Beatles anthology came out and inspired me to plunk out their songs on piano and later the guitar. In college, I studied theatre which put me on an interesting musical journey. My career as an actor has led me to taking on the roles of Hank Williams, Phil Ochs, Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. Each role demanded fully immersing myself in the repertoire and style of each artist. That’s really formed who I am now, musically speaking.
What motivates you to create music, and how do you stay inspired to continue making new and unique music?
I’m not a religious person, but I do think that songs are an expression of the soul. The songs I love have brought me a lot of joy over the years and got me through tough times. If I’m able to express something honest in my own music that resonates with someone, there’s no greater feeling to me.
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?
I don’t. Lol. That is to say, I do find it a constant struggle to strike that balance. I’d rather spend all my time playing and creating music, but a lot of time is swallowed by the other aspects of the job I need to cover to make a living. That said, I can’t complain. Ultimately, I love what I do, so it’s worth whatever else I gotta do to keep afloat.
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?
The ideas come in different ways. I think staying open to receive inspiration at all times is key. I might hear a phrase I like for a lyric in a conversation or movie or book so I write it down. I might be listening to a song that I’m digging the groove or feel of, so I’ll hit pause and just starting singing a melody to that feel established in my head. Sometimes it comes in a dream.
I’ll make a lot of a voice memos as I start to carve out the song into a shape that I like. If it’s an Oh Boys song, I’ll send the memo to the guys and then we’ll refine it together in a rehearsal. Then we’ll play it live and make adjustments as we feel it. Ultimately it’s to the recording studio with it.
Independent musicians often face financial challenges. How do you manage your finances to sustain your music career while also covering your personal expenses?
Keep many irons in the fire. I’ve developed several live shows that I give: A full band show that’s a tribute to Buddy Holly, I’ve got a duo show that’s focused on the “dynamic duos of the 60s”, I play a solo folk show called “Folk City” I also sing in a CCR band called the Fortunate Sons and do side gigs as a guitar player. I teach guitar lessons and do some busking from time to time as well. By diversifying, it’s kept me gainfully self-employed.
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?
Back when I when still in University, I got obsessed with the music of 60s folksinger Phil Ochs. I made it a mission to put on a one-man show about him, turning down a lead role in one of the Main Stage shows to do it. Following my instincts, and choosing my own path then has led to me to where I am today. Performing in “the Ballad of Phil Ochs” not only taught me what I was capable of as an artist, but gave me the confidence to be bold and follow an independent path.
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?
This its something I’m still learning and struggling to improve at. I am someone who values my privacy and personal time. I feel most creative when I’m offline. I travel a lot and have lived in several different cities over the years, so there is no question social media has helped keep those connections alive.
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?
Kieran McCabe and Shaun Whitley of my band, the Oh Boys are the best collaborators. They are both loaded with musical talent and bring a unique instinct and perspective to our songwriting process. We have a lot of trust which I key to successful collaboration. There is no doubt the songs are better created in collaboration. Also, I’m writing more with these guys in mind. Knowing what their capable of inspires me to write with their voices in mind.
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?
An identity crisis! I have to laugh about it, because I do feel I’ve lived several different lives now. But, if I had to say it succinctly, I’d say “Throwback Pop”. Of course, I have many influences that slip into my songs, stylistically. I’ve never cared for attempting to “be relevant”. And this has always been the case since I was a kid. Most of the music I grew up listening to was already 30+ years old. So I don’t pay attention to trends, I just have to stay true to myself and have faith that it’ll click which others that are into the same kind of old-school, pop-rock vibe.
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 has made up the majority of my career. Everything else is really just in support of being able to play live. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about for me – connecting to others for a moment of time through music in the same room. That’s the best.
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?
There’s a new song I’m working on called “When your Heart Became a Dot”. It stemmed from a conversation I had with a friend about the purity of young love and things that we did as teenagers to pursue it. At one point, he told me about the perfumed notes he used to get from a girl and how all the “i’s” were always dotted with a heart. He knew it was all over when he got a note with no hearts. That image unlocked the song for me.
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?
The Oh Boys have 4 songs that are recorded and being mixed right now. So stay tuned for a new release this fall. We’ve also been selected as official showcase artists at this year’s Folk Alliance Region Midwest conference in October. So hopefully, you’ll see us on the right all over the Midwest next year.
