I grew up in western New York state all of my life. It was a very rural town so there wasn't much to do but sit at home and play my instruments. Not a whole lot of opportunities there... but I wouldn't give up growing up on a farm for anything! You learn a bunch of valuable life lessons from knowing how the bread gets on the table to death and life.
Two of my biggest influences in music... Elvis and Crystal Gayle. Since I was old enough to remember I idolized Crystal. I even had the long hair to prove it! lol When my mother introduced me to a couple of Elvis' movies when I was about 12 I fell in love with him!!! From his music to his personality to his movies and everything. I am an Elvis fanatic.
I started to learn my first instrument (clarinet) when I was in 3rd grade. And then from then on took on several more. Sax and Piano have to be my favorites to play though. I did alot of extra curricular activities with the band and absolutely loved helping the teachers as much as I could. Although many folks tried to talk me into going to Berkley (which I did get accepted to) for teaching... but my true passion was studio work as I like several different kinds of music and have a decent ear for it. I got accepted to Musician's Institute in Hollywood for the Recording Technology program but unfortunately because of my parents being dairy farmers they were in the risk pool for the loan. So I stayed home and continued to help dad with the farm. And no not all dairy farmers are rich! Contrary to belief there still are some small family run farms of about 35-40 head, like we were.
Then when I was 18, I auditioned for an orchestra based out of NYC. I didn't have the money to go there and audition in person but they allowed me to record my audition and send it in. They loved it and I ended up touring with American Music Abroad under the direction of Ron Sutherland in Europe for 4 weeks. We cut a CD in PA, and then headed strait over to Europe to tour Germany, Austria, France, and Belgium. And get this we returned on August 11th 2001!!! Exactly a month before the tragedy in our country known as 9-11. I saw the twin towers for the first and last time.
After the tour I stayed and helped with the farm and on weekends working at small clubs with friends and watching them run the boards. I wasn't sure what to do with my life at that point and started a traveling petting zoo, as I loved animals so much and had a HUGE collection of them anyway lol. It was very successful but I still wasn't happy. At that point I had not picked up an instrument for over 2 years (since the tour), I'd tickle the ivories when I was walking by my old piano sometimes but that was it. Until I met this wonderful musician and a true mentor (whether he wants to admit it or not) that got me to pick up my instruments again. I got back into it, and realized that is what I had been missing.
He talked me into moving down to Nashville. I came to visit and just loved it. I moved down first to Louisville KY (to be close) in May of 2006 then moved down to Nashville 4 months later. Started writing and found out all my songs sounded Rockabilly so... here I am.
Nashville has shown me alot and I LOVE working behind the scenes! I love being in the heart of all the music!!! I have met so many talented people while I've been here and hope to have my friend's list grow and grow here. I am sure this city will teach me more lessons than I'll need in my lifetime and will be here for a long while.
