The earliest memories I have of anything musical is my mom giving voice lessons in our house. She used to lead a choir for the church that I grew up in. I still hear all the scales and the “heesâ€, “haasâ€, and “hums†in my head today. I started playing piano before I was in first grade and continued with lessons but I got bored with piano (no offense to piano players) and picked up trumpet in fifth grade (I was the original Supertones).
Around that time our church had split apart and my family was going through a lot of turmoil so I quit playing trumpet as well. I remember going to band practice on the first day of school in sixth grade and deciding that band was not for me. It wasn’t until I was thirteen that I started playing drums. Drums were fun and loud enough to keep me interested and I love rhythm. And they’re just cool anyway. I started playing in church and continued learning instruments including electric guitar.
After playing guitar for our youth group for a few months, the worship leader (who was also the youth pastor) asked me to start leading worship. It scared me to death but I was really excited too, so I decided to do it. The first time I lead, I don’t know if anyone could hear me or if I even looked anyone in the eye but it was a success nonetheless. I started to take on more responsibility until I was asked to lead for the adult congregation a few years later. That was a real turning point in my life because I was leading worship not only for my peers but also for my parents and their friends and I was getting paid for it. It was at that point that I knew that music and worship were my calling.
God made it abundantly clear as well when a business man approached me and gave me 10,000 dollars to create my first album, Lift Me. To be honest, I wasn’t thinking about it at all and I hadn’t asked for it. I hadn’t even prayed for it. It was more of a push from God I think. He’s still pushing too. I think God wants us to accomplish our dreams more than we do.
How long have you been making music?

I would say that I create something every time I pick up a guitar, play a piano or load up Logic on my Mac. I’m constantly creative. It’s what drives me. As for songs, I didn’t start writing until I had an outlet which was leading worship for my church. Most of the material for Lift Me came from that time in my life. So, to be sure, most of the material on this album is some of the first songs that I came up with.
Who are some of your influences?

 As a kid growing up living in Seattle, you can probably guess who my influences are. Nirvanna and Soundgarden were my two favorite bands growing up because they were as emo as it got back in the 90s. Back then I was also into gangsta rap which was dominated by Tupac, Biggie, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg. I was going through a lot then and I think I really identified with how emotional and violent it all was.
Now, I actually like a lot of different types of music and I’ve really balanced out. My favorite album at the moment is Family Force 5’s new album. I love their sound because it’s unique and intense but not too dark. On my iPhone I’ve got the Who, Andy Hunter, BT, Enya, Hybrid, Jamiroquai, Snow Patrol, Disciple, Pillar, White Stripes, Muse, United Live, tons of Hillsong stuff, and Planetshakers to name a few.
What is the vision for the future of your music?

I’ve tried to write about everything in life and to be honest, I really don’t care about anything but my relationship with God. (I recently wrote a song about Starbucks though that’s pretty sarcastic. Is anyone else tired of Starbucks?? Seattle is awash in coffee.) I love God and I love people and I want them to know about Him. I've found that in my life He's been the only answer to some of the things I go through. But I want to relate and tell people about Him in new ways. My goal in music is to always be innovating and incorporating new technology, new sounds and better equipment in the creation process.
I’m currently writing new material for my next EP/album and I hope to release material in the summer of ‘09 at the latest. I’m also keeping my eyes open for band members to promote Lift Me and the new material in and around the Seattle area.
Bump Me at thesixtyone.com!!