Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I grew up in Buffalo NY and started playing guitar at around age 9. I was in a number of bands through high school that broke up after about a year. In college I started playing more shows and became more of a music nerd. During my late 20’s I was largely inactive in playing music as I struggled with having to choose between touring and taking a good job. When I was 33 I started writing and recording again.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Hello London”?
A: I’m planning to continue writing and recording in order to improve my ability and keep sharing my songs with the world. I will continue to promote online and play shows that are offered to me. My message to anyone discovering ‘Hello London” is to just listen to the music and if you enjoy it keep listening!
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: I’m inspired by artists who I grew up listening to that are still putting out music and playing shows. Whether it’s a band that is doing it full time or my friends from growing up who are still keeping at it. I have a lot of respect for the work and time that goes into making albums and playing shows, so anyone who keeps at it is an inspiration to me. Musically, I’ve been inspired by the recent resurgence in pop punk and emo.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the album, “Patterns.”?
A: Each song has an individual message in my opinion. There is social commentary on the album and also personal meaning in the lyrics as well. I like to leave the meaning of a song open to the interpretation of the listener.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: My music straddles the line between indie rock and pop punk.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Patterns”?
A: I recorded the album at home and it’s always a challenge trying to get a better sounding recording and to hold yourself accountable to making sure everything is played correctly. I was definitely frustrated with life in general when I wrote ‘Breathing In’.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: Each song has an individual message and an emotion that I am trying to convey. I just want to make music that is good enough for other people to care about. I want to be able to make the listener feel the emotion of the song.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Robert Smith
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Keep at it. Be careful with the advice you choose to listen to. Everyone has an opinion. Some are worth it and some aren’t. When you’re young it’s hard to pick and choose between who to listen to. If someone makes you feel discouraged, that’s probably someone to ignore. People are competitive. Stay positive and believe in yourself. If your dream is to be a musician just keep going.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Just keep writing and recording and don’t let yourself be discouraged. When someone gives you a compliment, understand that they didn’t have to and take it to heart and use it as inspiration.
