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

“High to Ride” is my current radio single and also the title track to my 6th studio album. When you get stuck in life and need a new perspective, a different view or something spiritual to lift you up to happiness, you need a new “High to Ride”. It is always my objective to convey love through music.

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?
Indeed! I was four when I heard the song, “Play Me” by Neil Diamond. I was mesmerized by its 6/8 time signature.. like a wheel that never stops turning. The words were beautiful, even though I was too young to understand the story line. That was the moment I fell in love with music and how it made me feel. When I married my wife, we danced our first dance to “Play Me”.

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

Nothing replaces preparation. Those are the hours you put in the work. Performing is the emotional release and connection with your audience. I’ve studied voice all my life and always warm up my vocal cords before singing.

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?

The song, “Make Believe” from my 4th album, No Standing Waves, is particularly dear to me. It’s about a man in the twilight chapter of his life, reflecting on his grown children, late bride and faced with being alone. My parents are among the dearest to my heart. They are the patriarch and matriarch of our family and “hold the torch” so to speak. I care-give my parents and watch them closely every day. You see, when viewing life through this lens, you tap into emotions that you otherwise don’t experience. That’s where “Make Believe” comes from.

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?

Dan Fogelberg, Gordon Lightfoot, Merle Haggard and Glenn Campbell would open the show with a song swap. Then, Tom Petty would do a set followed by Bryan Adams. Tears for Fears would take the stage followed by Dire Straits. Boston would be next followed by Journey (the original lineup) to headline the Infinity album! The festival would be called 1976-1986, the best music in history!

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?

The world has lost its innocence. Everyone is so angry and divided. The media fuels this fire. I believe there will always be songs of protest. However, in this day and time, the only agenda I wish to employ is love and kindness through music.

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?

Artificial Intelligence will never write a song with a heartbeat. Technology is great but I’m not a fan of AI. No human in the history of every writes a diatribe like Chat GPT. Stop being lazy people and do the work!

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

I’m busier now than I have ever been in my 30 plus year career. I’m more graceful and unapologetic the older I get. I believe its called authenticity. An artist successfully grows by one real fan at a time. That’s the goal.