Can you take us back to the beginning? What are your earliest memories, and how do you think they’ve shaped who you are today?
Some of my earliest memories are from growing up in Newark, Delaware. My father was a gigging musician and my mother, who has a wonderful voice, always seemed to be singing harmony parts and making up songs on the spot for fun. I have a natural love and sense for harmony, and I truly believe it comes from being exposed to it from an early age. I also grew up close to talented aunts, uncles, and cousins who were also very talented, so music was always happening all around me. I also have two younger sisters who are both amazing singers.
I was singing at a very early age and eventually sang in choirs in school and church. I was even selected to be in Delaware’s All-State choir as a tenor in high school. I also took piano and trumpet lessons at an early age but everything changed when I started playing guitar at the age of 15. I remember there was a guitar sitting out at the church I went to and pick it up and was able to pick out the bass line from a popular Nirvana song by ear. Once I realized I could do this so easily, I was hooked and progressed very quickly. I was fortunate enough to have guitars in the house to play thanks to my father.
The memories of singing and hearing my family harmonizing, performing, and making up songs really helped develop my ear and taste for music and definitely shaped me into who I am today.
As you reflect on your life, are there any key moments or turning points that stand out to you? What made them significant?
I have a few key moments that stand out to me, but one I remember fondly was performing at a High School talent show about 3-4 months after I started playing guitar. The first song I learned how to play from beginning to end was Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” and I decided I was up for the challenge of playing guitar and singing in front of the whole school. I was nervous, and completely butchered parts of David Gilmour’s guitar solo but when I finished the applause was something I’ll never forget. It was a moment that stands out in my memory and made me feel like “I’m pretty good at this!!”. It fueled my fire to continue to learn and grow as a musician.
Who were the most influential people in your life, and how have they impacted your journey and development?
I would have to say that my parents were first and foremost the most influential as they have supported my career every step of the way. More than that though, music was always encouraged, which I am extremely grateful for and try my best to introduce those same qualities with my sons.
Aside from my parents, I’ve been influenced heavily by my cousin John B Hedges, a classical composer whom I call “the musical genius of the Hedges family”. I am extremely lucky to have collaborated with John B on multiple albums and we have plans to release music under the name “Cousin Hedges” soon. I was also influenced by my high school friend, Aaron McHenry, who to this day, is one of the best drummers I have had the pleasure of performing with. Aaron was a year older than me in high school but was already playing music at a very high level. His enthusiasm for great music, playing at a high level, and encouragement for my progress helped inspired me to strive for progress and be the best I can be on my musical path. There are so many others who have inspired and encouraged me along the way in my career as a musician.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
There are so many challenges that musicians face along the way. One thing that continually pops up is imposter syndrome. Am I good enough? Is what I am doing worth all the hard work I am putting into it? Are my fans bored with my music? Am I bored with my music? Am I wasting my time? Will I ever release another album? Will I ever write another decent song?
All of these questions run through my head and revisit me from time to time. I don’t have any magic answers, but I think the best way I have overcome these nagging questions and doubts is by not letting these thoughts derail my aspirations. I just stay the course and eventually break through the various plateaus and come out stronger in the end. It’s definitely not easy but sticking with something until the end builds character. Don’t give up!
If you were to pick a theme or a lesson that runs through your life story, what would it be?
I suppose a lesson or theme would be to try and remain open to new areas that might be outside of your comfort zone. Being open to trying something new has led me to growth personally and as a musician. I’m learning more and more as I get older. Being a parent to two young boys has also taught me a lot about perspective. I still have a ton to learn, it never ends.
Are there specific accomplishments or milestones that you’re particularly proud of, and why do they hold such significance for you?
I was fortunate beyond words to have had both John B Hedges (Co-Producer, Arranger, Piano/Keyboards, Backing Vocals) and Aaron McHenry (Drums), as I mentioned earlier, perform and provide the foundational groundwork on, “Slightly South of Stormy Clouds”, released in 2016, which is still my best musical work to date.
This album holds a great deal of significance to me because this album was created right before I got married and had my first son. Not knowing how these new life changes would alter my future, I approached this album as if it could potentially be my last and put all I had into it. It was recorded in Sacramento and Philadelphia with so many amazing musicians. I was even fortunate enough to have Tim Sonnefeld, an up-and-coming engineer from Philadelphia, mix and the legendary Bob Ludwig to master the album. To this day, there is not a single note on that album that I would change.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the next chapter of your life story? What legacy do you want to leave behind?
I truly hope that I am able to continue writing and releasing music. As a side note, I have an EP releasing in June 2024 called “Summer in Dewey” which I’m very proud of. I collaborated with John B and my extremely talented close friend Mike Strickland (Bass, Mixing Engineer) and am really pleased with how everything turned out!
I’d like to leave a legacy of someone who has worked hard for everything I have accomplished. I’m trying to teach this to my two boys and at the end of the day, I just want them to be proud of their father.