Hi Anthony! Let’s start with the basics. You have a background in NorCal punk and hardcore, but these days you’re more on the folk rock side of things. Tell me about that.
I had moved from Arizona, where I lived for a brief stint after living in Seattle, to Santa Rosa. All I really knew at the time were the radio friendly bands like Rancid and Green Day, and when I moved I was exposed to a whole underground scene. Bands like AFI and Siren were starting to phase out the ska scene and as a kid, I took notice. It was something different than the grunge and metal music I was used to.
I joined a hardcore band when I was in my teens. I met the guys while selling newspaper subscriptions in Santa Rosa. We got together and mainly just covered Nirvana songs at first. They exposed me to a ton of punk- NoFx, The Jesus Lizard, Black Flag, etc. The band lasted about a decade and then ultimately broke up. It was all I had known and I was also going through a personal breakup and at the time didn’t have much outlet except for an acoustic guitar I had in my apartment. I started playing Neil Young songs, then discovered Elliott Smith and that sort of led me down the singer/songwriter path.
You describe yourself as a musical vagabond. What have been some of the most memorable places you’ve traveled and how do those places show up in your music?
I’ve sort of always been a vagabond since I was young. I moved around a lot. The term “musical vagabond” sort of applies to my childhood; being exposed to so many musical genres. Growing up in Seattle, I was exposed to grunge at an early age. My mom took me to my first concerts- Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation Tour and Lollapalooza in 1993. Those both blew my mind. My dad gave me my first cd- AC/DC- Let There Be Rock. My grandfather taught me Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison. My Aunt Nikki used to blast Grateful Dead and Guns N’ Roses in her VW Van on our camping trips. My Aunt Karla gave me my first acoustic guitar and my Uncle Bill took me to his blues band’s rehearsals. It was a melting pot of musical influence.
That being said, I love to travel. I backpacked Europe for three months in my twenties and had to navigate some hairy situations- like going to see Fink at a small venue outside of Paris. I’ve backpacked SouthEast Asia twice- once on the brink of a pandemic that really showed me how communities can persevere. I drove through Costa Rica in a hoopty SUV but saw the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen. I’ve toured up to Canada and along the West Coast and traveled within the states- New Orleans, New York, Hawaii, Mexico. One of my favorite lyrics is from the title track of my last album Different Places, “I’ve seen the world through the eyes of different places; I’m inspired through the eyes of different faces.”
I think the best thing people can do is travel and get out of their comfort zone. It offers perspective and humility. I’m not talking about vacation to resorts (which have their time and place), but I’m more interested in experiencing cultures. I don’t know how that has translated to my music. I played some sort of stringed instruments on a tour in Vietnam once and I was terrible at it, so I think traveling has shaped my character and identity more than anything.
You have a new single out called “Simple Things,” which was recorded at White Whale Studios in Santa Rosa with support from the band Blue Radio. You said there's an energy to the song that was captured by each member who participated, which I love. Talk more about that collaboration.
I’ve known Rob, the drummer, for years. I played in one of his bands and he played as my drummer up until the pandemic. He also played on my album Different Places. We had played a gig together and his other band, Blue Radio was on the bill. I was blown away by their chemistry and always knew I wanted to work with them.
I wrote “Simple Things” during the pandemic. It’s been years of playing it in different variations but when it came time to record, I knew they were the guys to help bring it to life. When they agreed to collaborate I was ecstatic and also nervous.
I hadn’t played with a live band in a while and these dudes were top notch. We got together at Roy’s house in the hills of Santa Rosa with a beautiful view of the city. I remember starting the song and when everyone came in, a huge smile broke on my face. It was everything the song represented- enjoying something so simple as a view- as a collective of musicians making beautiful sounds- of busting out of that cocoon and flying like a butterfly.
I wanted to capture that raw energy. I didn’t want to overthink or over practice the song. We hit the studio the next day and that same energy had resonated. It was an awesome experience to really nurture one tune and see its transformation.
How would you describe the track to first-time listeners of your music?
It sounds like if Jack Johnson had recorded with the Grateful Dead at Dave Mathew’s Band’s studio with Dawes producing it. It has structure, to the point lyrics, some funky bass riffs, super clean production and some fantastic electric guitar riffs.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making now?
I’m all over the place these days. Some of my favorite shows I’ve seen this year are The Devil Makes Three (who I’ve seen a bunch over the years), Little Stranger and Third World. My next single, “Never Gonna Be Famous,” is completely different from “Simple Things.” It’s a tongue n cheek pop song that sort of has a Denm, Little Stranger, Surfer Girl vibe.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start playing music?
Nirvana. Hands down. I wanted to be Kurt so badly when I was young. I think he really shaped me as a songwriter. The guy was brilliant. And Tom Petty. I love his “don’t bore us, get to the chorus” approach to songwriting.
Let’s talk about live shows. How do you prepare for a gig? Any favorites you’ve played recently?
I’ve gotten really into live looping. I saw Mike Love at a festival and was blown away by his one man band setup. I’m definitely not at that level but it’s been so fun experimenting and evolving my sound. It’s how I’ve written some of my newer songs like, “Never Gonna Be Famous” and “Sitting on a Wave.” I loop with my acoustic, split a signal to a bass amp, play electric guitar and sing through vocal effects.
What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
I feel blessed to have collaborated with such stellar musicians over the years. I’ve gotten to sing with Leah Van Dyke (Brothers of Siren) and Eliot Peck (Midnight North), recorded at the legendary Hyde Street Studios and Tiny Telephone. Worked with amazing engineers like Ryan Hayes and Jay Pellicci. Toured with some of my best friends and opened for Gretchen Peters and Little Tybee. But I think the highlight is just my catalogue of music. I love recording and releasing music. I feel lucky to give the world a piece of me that will exist forever.
Now if I ever get to play Red Rocks or Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, that might change my answer.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music, especially from “Simple Things”?
For me, when I hear the song, it takes me back to that feeling during the pandemic. Of being stuck in solitude and appreciating the little things but also wanting to break out and shine again. I hope it inspires people to break out of whatever solitude they might be feeling, and that with all the BS that’s happening in this world, there’s also beauty, you just have to seek it.
Thanks for taking the time! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I want to give big props to Blue Radio. I also want to encourage listeners to follow me on my socials. I have a ton of new music coming out this year and a new EP on the way. And a big thanks to my current fans for helping keep this dream alive!