Tell me about yourself, how did you get started in the business and what made you want to
be a singer?
In all honesty, I comitted myself to music out of necessity. It was,and is, a
unifying element to my life in both mind and spirit. It just felt right. Not to mention that i'm just not made to fit
into the "normal" world. I don't see things within the lines.
What are your fondest memories of Oleander?
The early years of Oleander were the fondest for me. A sincere and dedicated goal shared with my closest mates.
We beat a lot of odds in getting where we wanted to go. Then of course things all changed once we got there. Always
does.
What happened to Oleander?
Oleander ran its course. There is a life for everything and we were fortunate to have had ten years together. Things
get old, people get older, everything and everyone is in a constant state of flux.
What are the other guys in Oleander doing since the breakup? Do you keep in touch with any
of them?
I keep in touch with them from time to time. They are working and enjoying their lives like the rest of us, to the
best of their abilities.
Now tell me about Black Summer Crush; how did you get involved with this band? And how did
they become a band?
I walked away from Oleander in order to help create this band with my partner
Scott Holiday. I moved to Southern California with my wife and daughter and rolled up my sleeves in order to help build
another band from the ground up. It took us three years to find the right musicians and get the attention of the industry.
It has been worth the wait.
Were you hesitant to start with another band after Oleander?
Quite the oposite actually. I jumped at the oportunity to be a part of something that i feel is deeply significant. I
fell in love with the music and the message. Not to mention my genuine connection to my partners in this. A real bond
exists between the members of this band. I hesitated for about 30 seconds, just long enough to hear some of Scott's
(guitarist/songwriter) ideas. Then it was a sincere comittment to working with him.
What statement are you guys trying to say in your music - or what would you like to say with
Black Summer Crush?
I think that what we are really trying to do is make music that reflects who we are and what we think is missing
from everyday popular culture.
I hear a lot of 70's rock influence, which is great to hear... what influences the band?
Oh you know, the classics, the Small Faces, Zep., Zombies, Pink Floyd, Beatles...bands that we really dig.
What are some mistakes that you've learned from the past that you wont make with Black Summer
Crush?
Hmmm, everything really. It's like being given a car when your a kid versus buying a car with your own money as an adult. I
think I'll value the journey that this band will take and be able to actually enjoy the moment more with a clean and clear
heart and mind. I was very much the kid who was given the car in oleander.
Are there any plans to sign with a major label?
We are signed, just signed actually, to EMI Records. An extremely modest situation which will allow us to be in
the game and have a platform from which to build a career.
Tell me about the CD you are making with Black Summer Crush. What will the songs be like
- what will they be about - what will make this CD stick out from other bands?
Well, the music is very unlike the majority of what you're hearing right now on the radio..very rooted in the classics,
Stones, Small Faces, Pink Floyd, Beatles... not a lot of bands are pulling that off. For us, it is natural. We
like to think that we are doing something significant, something honest.
Do you plan on touring after the release of the CD?
Touring is going
to be a priority as soon as the record is released. The difference being two week tours instead of monster two months
ones like we did in Oleander. Quality not quantity.
What has been your favorite tour so
far - it could be with Oleander or Black Summer Crush. And why did it stick out so much?
My favorite tour so far was always the radio shows that we would partake in. They were the shows that had the most diversity
and the best oportunity to check out other bands. Radio shows tend to spotlight the biggest and the best.
Who does the writing for Black Summer Crush? What is the usual writing environment like for
the band?
Our guitarist is the primary writer in this band. And I dig that immensly. I'm over that responsibilty,
having done it for Oleander for fifteen years. Scott is a brilliantly creative person whom I trust and agree with
lyrically. It's very easy to lean on him.
Out of all the songs you've released over the years, which one are you most proud of?
Anything on "JOYRIDE" is near and dear to me. I wrote it while I was getting clean and sober. Very
personal. But I have to say that I am most proud of anything that I have written that has touched anyone
and hopefully made an impact upon them.
Tell me about your fellow bandmates, what do each of them bring to the band and what is it
like when all of you are in the same room together?
This band has a combustible dynamic that I have never experienced before in a band situation. An absolute explosiveness
of musicianship that never stops impressing me.
