Name a visual artist and/or author whose work embodies what you do musically:
Growing up in California, I was exposed to a lot of John Steinbeck – specifically Of Mice and Men and East of Eden. I’ve gone on to read many of Steinbeck’s early novels including The Pastures of Heaven, To a God Unknown, In Dubious Battle, Grapes of Wrath and Cannery Row. His words and stories are beautiful, enough said.
Where were you born and where do you live now:
Born in Redwood City, CA – grew up in Burlingame, CA, a small suburb of San Francisco. I’ve been living in New York City for the past six years where I currently reside in Bushwick, Brooklyn.
If you had to move, where would you choose:
If I had to move to a place that I haven’t already lived, I’d probably move to a kibbutz somewhere outside Tel Aviv, Israel. I had the opportunity to visit Israel a few years ago, and I immediately felt like I was at home.
Name something you miss about your hometown:
In-N-Out Burger, any place in Burlingame that serves huge deli sandwiches, Super Burrito & La Cumbre Taqueria. That’s pretty much my diet when I’m back home
What is your favorite vernacular phrase/device of your hometown:
“That’s hella sick, dude”
What is one thing you hope a listener takes from your music:
That’s a pretty tough question to answer, as I don’t compose music with specific hopes in mind before the writing process begins. With some of the music I’ve recently released however, I think my goal was to provide the listener with an alternative lens into small musical glimpses. My hope is that the listener will be transported into their own world, establishing their own connection to the music.
What is your favorite weather condition:
78 degrees, no humidity – sun-shinnin’, not a cloud in the sky!
Favorite food/drink:
Bagels w/ assorted cream cheeses // Coca-Cola from Mexico (with real cane sugar).
What is something you find funny:
Angelo Spagnolo & Anthony LaMarca are two of my funniest friends. From Pittsburgh, PA & Youngstown, OH respectively – both strong personalities with amazing senses of humor. You’ll probably meet them someday.
What is your favorite sound, musical or not:
I love the sound of string instruments, specifically the Cello, Viola and Violin. Even though I’ve had a lot of performance opportunities with string players – the instrument family still fascinates and mystifies me.
What is a non musical event that has influenced your music:
Any sort of religious event/holiday/experience affects my pace of life – a time for everything to slow down. I try to cherish these opportunities.
What do you like best about the internet:
What is there not to like about the internet?
What animal do you most relate to:
Back in California I have 4 dogs split between my parents houses. There is Maggie, Lucy, Poncho and Anu. I see myself in all of them. My unconditional best friends.
What’s your favorite mode of transportation:
Trains.
If you weren’t a musician, what occupation would you most enjoy:
Considering that my mother, father and stepmother are all psychologists, I think I’d be pretty good at that….
What is one song you wish you wrote:
Steve Reich – Daniel Variations
The Velvet Teen – We Were Bound (to Bend The Rules)
