Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest album, and what themes or stories you aimed to convey through your music?

Currently, I am releasing singles rather than an entire album. The latest single, called “Feeling Fierce” is really about embracing and celebrating your independence and moving forward despite the obstacles. That is something I am learning to do in my own life, and I’m certain many others are as well.

Music often has the power to transport people to different places and times. Can you describe a moment in your life when a particular song or album had a profound impact on you?

There is a song by Alter Bridge called Blackbird. It is one song that is of great importance to me. I have been struggling with some severe health issues centered around a chronic and autoimmune lung disease for years. Now I am trying to get on the list for a double lung transplant. In the song, there is a lyric that says, “may you never be broken again”. I’m hopeful that once I am able to get the surgery, that I won’t be broken. I have that line stenciled on the wall in my studio and it will be tattooed on my arm soon.

Many artists have rituals or routines they follow before performing or recording. Do you have any unique or quirky pre-show or pre-recording rituals that you find help you get in the zone?

I am unable to do any shows currently, but prior to recording I always do my vocal warm-ups. I use a platform called Voixtek.com, started by Ron Anderson. There are some great exercises on it. I also use my DoctorVox exerciser before recording. I’m doing the best I can at singing without doing any damage to my vocal cords.

Your lyrics often tell a story or convey a message. Can you share the story behind one of your songs and the inspiration that led to its creation?

My last single, “The Other Side” was written lyrically about getting that transplant surgery and living my life after to the fullest. Most of my songs revolve around my current struggles and causes that I care about.

If you could curate a music festival with a lineup of your dream artists, who would be the headliners, and what would the theme of the festival be?

I actually used to put on a local music festival here in Myrtle Beach for about 10 years, called Earth Day Music Fest. We had local and regional bands. We even brought in Emerson Hart from Tonic one year. I did try to put on another festival recently that was going to feature bands like Stryper, Tesla, Vixen and even Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators. Things were starting to come along but the city ultimately shut it down because it was predicted to be a very hot and humid month and they wanted to err on the side of caution.

Music can be a powerful tool for advocacy and change. Are there any social or political causes that you’re passionate about, and how does your music play a role in promoting these issues?

I am passionate about the environment. I have one song called “Scorched Earth” which is about that very thing.

The music industry has evolved significantly with technology. How do you see artificial intelligence and emerging technologies impacting the creation and distribution of music in the future?

It scares the heck out of me. This is my career and I am afraid that AI will take over even the writing and creation process which I hold very dear. I mean, it’s already being done. Make room for our robotic overlords. Not a fan.

Many recording artists evolve over time. How do you see your musical journey changing and growing in the next decade?

To be honest, I simply want to be around and be able to continue in this journey 10 years from now. That’s all I can hope for. I’ll keep going as long as I can.