In 2008, I started the recording process in my apartment with drum synth software, a guitar effects pedal and a laptop. Over the years, the project has grown to include a desktop computer interfaced with a mixing board, a real guitar amplifier and the knowledge of picking up new tricks along the way. In 2009, much of the music was lost when my laptop’s hard drive fried, ironically during a session of recording the first vocals for the album. Some of the tracks were recovered but more than half of the album needed to be re-recorded. This was a deeply personal project for me because I’ve never written a fully instrumental song to be released, much less an 8-song album. The process became difficult on a personal level as I battled through fluctuating confidence and self-esteem regarding the album’s goals. Over hours of practice, hundreds of recording takes and many Friday nights out singing karaoke, my confidence grew and the album became something bigger (to me) than what I had originally envisioned. It turned from an exercise to something I’m really proud of and excited to share with anyone who would listen. After three long years it’s finally done.

My music draws on personal experience, things I’ve felt or situations I’ve been involved in or witnessed. The songs on “The Moment” were written between 2006 and 2011 through different stages of my life. Some of the songs have remained unchanged over the years while others were written and re-written multiple times. I’ve drawn inspiration from family, friends and fans of my other/previous musical endeavors (Wrong From Right 2001-2007, Astrozombies! 2007-2008, Marauder 2010-Present). Many of the songs are about different stages of relationships (love, lust and loss), though in the spirit of diversity I’ve written about other topics such as alcoholism, politics, and the loss of a friend to cancer. While the lyrics can be dire at times, my goal was to make the songs enjoyable and interesting to listen to. In the end, I hope you enjoy the music and that you’ll be able to relate to at least a couple of the tracks.

About me personally, I’m in my late twenties and enjoy making music. I’ve been playing drums since 2000 and guitar since 2002. I draw on influences in modern rock, like Jimmy Eat World, The Used, The Ataris (pre-2004), Foo Fighters and Blink-182, though I’m a fan of rock music going back to the days of Led Zeppelin and The Who up through Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins. I’m a fan of most genres of music, including rap, metal, country, and techno (though I’m a little more picky when it comes to these genres). After writing, recording and producing an album, I’ve really gained perspective and respect for what goes into the process of making music.

If there’s anything else you’d like to know, you’re welcome to drop me a line. Those that know me know that I’m not afraid to have a conversation. Thank you for your support/criticisms, and I’m happy to report that I’m already conceptualizing and writing riffs for the next album (which I hope will include a few guest performers, more songs, and less than a three year recording process). Rock on!