Interview

1. Describe your writing style for everyone not familiar with you.

Well, my writing style consists of no formulas or secrets, no method to the madness I guess you could say. To be honest, I'm not really sure how I do it. When I make myself sit down to have a "writing session," I usually come up with absolutely nothing. I have found that my songs have come to me when I least expect them. Sometimes, I'll just start playing something for fun without the intention of writing a tune, and it turns out that I have stubbled upon something great. Other times, I might be driving down the road and a hook line can pop in my head with a melody attached. Then, I'll just grab my phone and leave myself a voice memo of my idea. I can't tell you how many songs have started on my phone. God bless Verizon. Lately, I have learned to branch out and experiment with my songs. My formula is not to have a formula. It seems to be working. (smiles)

2. When did you know you wanted to be a musician?

I think it all started when I casually strummed a few chords and sang a few notes with my friends around. I saw the smiles I brought to their faces and the excitement in their voices when they asked, "Play another one!" or "Don't stop, keep going!" It was an unusual experience that made me feel like I was doing something right. And being a young teenager, I needed that.

3. You also have a background in theater....what have been some of your more interesting roles, and is that something you'd like to continue to do?

Hmmm...good question. Being so busy with music, I haven't thought about theater in a long time. It's kinda funny because whenever people meet me, they can't believe that I was in theater in high school. I guess people have this picture of "theater kids" as being the outcasts. In my school, the theater kids were the ones who were appreciated because of how we were recognized internationally. I was fortunate enough to win "Best Actor" in the state of Georgia my sophomore and junior years in high school with my roles of Dylan Thomas in "A Child's Christmas in Wales", and Geoffrey in "The Lion in Winter." My favorite and most rewarding role was playing the role of George in Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men." Our cast was chosen to perform on the main stage at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska in front of thousands of people from all over the world. It was insane. If I ever have time away from music, I would love to continue acting. The next role I would pursue would be the role of Mark in the award winning Broadway show, "RENT." Who knows? I just might have to jump at that sometime.

4. 4. Tell us about some of your most memorable times on stage.

Of course the most memorable time would be at the International Thespian Festival in Nebraska, but others would have to be...okay laugh it up...playing the role of Danny in "Grease." I have to admit, I had a blast! I think their is some kind of urge inside every dude to be singing "Summer Nights" center stage. (laughing)

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I'll probably be doing some more touring in the college circuit. If I'm still comfortably paying the bills singing and playing my guitar, I'll be happy.

6. It's very exciting that you've just recently signed a record deal. What's in the works for you at the current time?

Yes it is. Well, I'm about to start hitting colleges all over the country in the fall. Until then, I'm starting work on the new album, doing lots of press, and playing clubs in the Southeast. I'll be hitting the piano bars during the week singing anything from Sinatra to Stevie and everything in between. What a great side job! I'm looking forward to it all.

7. What's in your CD player right now, and what little-known artists would you recommend to others?

Great question! Hmmm... let's see...Okay well, I just got home, and on the way home I was listening to Matt Nathanson's "Beneath These Fireworks." Great album! Also in the CD player is Michael McDonald's "Motown" album and, well, let me think....some Howie Day, some Norah Jones, some Donny Hathaway, and Brian McKnight and Marc Broussard. As for the "little-known artists," I would have to say Joe Purdy out of L.A. and even though he isn't really unknown, Teitur. He's such a nice guy. It's rare to find "nice guys" in the music biz.

8. Do you have a specific charity you'd like to support?

Being that I love children, I decided to help the Companions in Courage Foundation. Understanding the reality that hospitals are "no fun," this charity raises money to build interactive playrooms in children's hospital throughout North America. It's a great cause.