What’s your instrument of choice and why?
Guitar. My dad played for 40 years and at 13, I was given his original instrument and haven’t looked back since.
What are you involved with musically?
I play in Jazz Ensembles on campus for school. I also play with Balls Deep, a heavy funk group.
Who are your biggest influences?
Jimi Hendrix. John Coltrane. Ali Akbar Khan. Eddie Hazel. Tony Iommi. Sleep. I’m also heavily influenced lyrically by Hawkwind and Monster Magnet.
Who have you been listening to lately?
Funkadelic. Lettuce. Bill Evans. Wayne Shorter. Black Sabbath. King Tubby. Om.
Radio Moscow.
What’s your plan for the future?
Start/own a comprehensive local record label/promotion group and help create and support a burgeoning music scene. I’m also enticed by the idea of working as a professional musician or a full-time music producer.
Any advice for aspiring musicians?
Don’t stop practicing, always try to play with musicians who are better than you, take constructive criticism and always be humble. Recognizing that there is always more to learn is an important thing, that is, if you don’t want to pidgeonhole your mind!