How long have you been involved in music, and what motivated you to pursue it professionally?

I’ve been playing guitar for about fourteen years now and somewhere along in high school I began writing songs. I didn’t know what I was doing for years until I started a band when I moved to Nashville. I was always motivated but pretty naive of how the music industry works, however I began to play shows and got the ball rolling when we got a manager. After that band dissolved I began making instrumentals and producing beats along with my friends who made rap music. 

Did you have any mentors or influential figures who guided you along the way?

I’ve been influenced by several popular musicians, but the people I look up to most were the people closest to me. My dad who works for SESAC has always given me pointers and countless wisdom when I needed it. My former band manager, Kenny Rosales, really helped me begin to take myself seriously and showed me the ropes on getting my foundation started. Three close friends of mine who have their own respected projects have always given me insight. I began learning more of how to compose music and the recording process by working on several projects with Parker Forbes of The Criticals, I learned many recording techniques from collaborations with him. I also learned to build choruses and harmonies by working with Mookie Clouse of New Hollow and Killjoy. I learned how to really listen to music and dissect ideas and concepts with my friend Antonio Quirarte who goes by IamMusique. I truly wouldn’t be who I am musically without my peers.

Where do you draw inspiration from when creating music?

This is the age-old question. It comes from literally anything and everything, you just have to sharpen your awareness. I don’t believe artists have to be motivated to create, I believe it’s our duty to constantly practice and ideas will flow easier. I tend to keep instruments, pen and paper or a recording device near me at all times. The idea is to be prepared at all times. To simplify, anything has the possibility to inspire you, your perception is what matters.

Are there any specific artists or bands you admire and draw inspiration from?

There is music I listen to that just lets my mind wander but the artists that immediately fuel me to create are Nirvana, Tyler the Creator, Death Grips, Rosalia and Beach Fossils. There’s something about these artists that as soon as I hear their music I remember I have a job to do to become as they are.

What are your favorite albums or songs of all time, and why?

I have three albums I cannot live without. Nirvana’s Nevermind is always number 1 for me because it is the reason I picked up the guitar and began songwriting. It wasn’t to be a star, I just wanted to play those songs and it was liberating. It was aggressive and melodic at the same time, I never listened to anything like it as a kid. 

St. Vincent’s Strange Mercy holds dear to me for nostalgic reasons but mostly it always took me to a place I didn’t know existed musically. It has beautiful arrangements and harmonies but is still experimental. 

Igor by Tyler the Creator changed the way I saw music production in pop music. It isn’t pop at all but is a masterpiece bringing together r&b, hiphop and such wild experimentation in a flawless execution.

What do you want your music to say about you as an artist?

I want my music to portray my versatility and unwillingness to conform to anybody’s perception of what a song SHOULD be. I want people to know that they don’t have to do anything they don’t want to, they can be themselves. That is what I encourage the most. I encourage you to experiment as much as possible to find yourself. Authenticity.

What is your favorite part about working with Dani Felt?

I love working with Dani because she knows how to hustle and persevere. She has many great ideas that she will continue to pursue until they’re achieved. It’s incredibly admirable and inspiring to be a part of her team in any shape or form!

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