How did you get to where you are now?
I’ve been in the music business for a very long time, playing music and working on the business side as well as recording. Had just about every job in the business. I also had a band / moniker called Diamonds Under Fire I used for about 12 years, touring under, supported / pushed and in about 2014 I decided to let that name go and just go solo under my name. I started touring solo, rebuild and lived on the road. I just had a storage unit. I was basically playing on average 100-200 shows a year. I just kind of got to the heart of the matter and really wanted to just tour and doing solo music allowed more freedom to start over, dive into different types of music styles and not have to wait on anything. Around the same time I launched my artist development label A Diamond Heart Production. I was managing bands, writing with bands, working in the studio a lot but I just felt called to do it all but kind of in my own way and have been doing my music and working with other artists since.
What does being a musician mean to you?
I’m not even sure how to fully describe it – a roller coaster? Except you just have to love what you do and be driven by passion because it’s a journey and very hard work – if you pick something you love it doesn’t matter. Life is full of highs and lows and I guess it’s how you look at it. There’s been many times though where I threw away certain comforts to do what I do and love. I surrendered to just music and my cause- kind of a whatever it takes or needs to be done attitude for my message and the higher good for the music and to help people through music. It’s tough though, you have to be very centered and focused so you don’t get pulled in a million different directions. I think it’s important to really try to stay in touch with you and take care of yourself for the extreme nature of the business. I think a lot of things are unknown so you have to be ok with that and find stability within yourself. Put yourself in a position where you find trust and belief in you.
What’s a musical guilty pleasure of yours?
Ohhhh. I love Britney Spears, The Kid Laroi, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber
What are some sources of inspiration for you?
Live music (now that it’s back!), movies, documentaries, songs, other producers & engineers, fashion, travel, New York City, People, Especially the women before me who have done big things.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
I love the path that Linda Perry, Gwen Stefan, Dave Grohl, P Diddy have taken. They are so much more than artists which is inspiring.But older artists The Beatleswere prolific writers & released so much. Bowie constantly reinvented himself.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
My newest single is called ‘Love Will Always Find a Way’. It’s inspired about having an undeniable trust and faith in love, in your own cause and that no matter what love will always find a way through anything. It’s the strongest force on earth. Ghandi said that. I believe it. Some of this stemmed from someone telling me that love wasn’t enough, and it broke my heart because I have faith that it is enough. Love is what can save the world, especially for each other. So I suppose this song in some ways is my response.
What are some things you do to deal with anxiety and creative blocks?
Meditate, bike, trying something completely different musically (like using different instruments), break out of routine, try and do things I’m afraid of.
What’s the future looking like for you?
I have numerous other songs in the works that myself and my drummer / music partner Ryan Carnes are working on. All of the songs this year are love themed and will lead up to a bigger release. Lots of exciting recording artist projects and releases with numerous artist and bands on my label or independently. I would love to tour this year and this will happen when the timing is right. There’s a few private shows in the works right now.
What inspires your visuals, videos, looks etc?
I love fashion and vintage visuals like old looking or colored film. Love flowers and metallics too.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Listen to your heart
Where do you think the music and entertainment industry is headed after this past year?
I think a lot of evolving is happening, a lot more people are starting to think outside of the box. More artists becoming more authentic and very branded on so many levels, more and more amazing artists and venues will pop up as well as different outlets, I think shows will continue to blossom and sell out everywhere. I don’t think live-streaming is going away. I’m excited for it all!
