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

RV is a single about living life in the moment. Back in 2015 I was putting the finishing touches on my album, “I Wish It Would Rain”. I wanted to keep my writing chops up but didn’t want to focus on actually creating new songs, so I would get on social media in the morning, ask what people wanted a song about, and then post a video of the new song that afternoon. It allowed me to keep my creative flow and keep interacting with fans while the majority of my attention was on finishing the album.

One of the songs that came out of that time was RV. My friend, Cheo, had just sold his stuff, bought an RV and was travelling the country with his lady. When I got online one morning to ask folks what they want me to write about, he just commented “RV”. I knew what he meant and he knew I was proud and concerned for him. I wrote a fun little song about packing up and getting away to live life. When I posted the video that afternoon, he commented that it was his new theme song. That was the last I heard from him. A few months later a mutual friend told me he’d passed away.

Though I think about him every time I sing the song, I try not to be sad. I try to remember his lust for life and that every moment is a gift. RV is a testimony to my friend, Cheo, and a reminder for all of us not to miss the beauty that surrounds us.

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?

When I was a kid, I got a record player and stereo from Santa Claus. Included were some records with music for kids. I learned how the record player worked and played the heck out of those records. After awhile, I got tired of those records and wondered if the stack next to my dad’s record player would play on mine. I grabbed one that looked cool and dropped the needle. As I heard the opening riff to “Hotel California”, I knew I was hooked on rock music. That sent me down a long road of musical discovery.

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?

There is something about my clothing I won’t go into, but it’s the first choice I make when getting ready. I’ve been convinced that picking the right pair of jeans is crucial to having a good show. I have a specific energy drink that I drink right at 30 minutes before the show. We have a tip jar guitar case set up that involves an armada of boats folded from different denominations of currency. They have become the armada that protects me on stage so we set them up every time. I still don’t know why they did it, but awhile ago, a couple of fans folded a couple bills into boats and told me not to unfold them, so I just threw them in the case. Once I started setting them out, people occasionally will contribute and the armada has grown. For my birthday show one year, a couple gave me an Elmo that plays guitar. He now sits in the case, jams with me, and is head of security. I’ve decided these are my good luck charms.

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?

I was sitting next to a friend who had just returned from a long work trip. He missed his girl, and I understood how he felt. He asked me about writing songs and wondered if I ever thought about writing about the physical characteristics of the person I love when I’m away from them. As he spoke about his feelings, I jotted down some ideas which eventually became the lyrics to “Look.” His girl’s name is Stacey.

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 think I’d want to have a place where up and comers can show their stuff. It so often seems that the only people who can make it are the ones who already have. With music on demand everywhere, it’s tough to get people to listen to new stuff anyway. I’d want the theme to be about involving yourself in music you don’t already know.

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 have some material about government overreach. I have others about the current squeezing of the middle class, and still others trying to encourage everyone to see others. I’m passionate about everything that makes life difficult for people. When I see a chance to write a song that addresses one of these issues, I do it.

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?

Unfortunately, I don’t see it having a positive impact. Those who are making money on music, not necessarily musicians, will make more money and everyone else will make less. The creation of music is human and cathartic. If that goes the way of AI, it will have a negative impact on our culture.

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

I try to be aware of current trends without being boxed in by them. I don’t like thinking that I follow trends but I am aware that an audience might respond better to something that sounds like what they’re used to. I’m also learning how to do more production myself and there’s always something new to learn about that.

Thank you to Tune Talk for the opportunity to talk about my music. In a world where there are so many options for every listener, I appreciate this chance to pull the curtain back on how I go about working in this crazy business. I hope if anyone reads this interview and has a dream like mine, that they will be inspired to go ahead and get started. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions and thank you for your time.