My musical journey started with my fifth birthday. My parents bought me a small budget friendly acoustic guitar. I don't remember much about this specific guitar; however, I do remember that I loved it more than life itself. I would spend hours just strumming the strings and pretending I was on some stage in front of millions of people. I eventually annoyed my parents so much with my lack of musical knowledge that they decided to pay for my guitar lessons. I was very excited to finally feel like I was learning something, however my interests soon shifted elsewhere.
A year or two later my interest in the guitar reappeared. I remember taking a trip to my local music shop and being awestruck by the skill of my soon to be guitar instructor. I begged my parents to pay for a new acoustic guitar, however as a test of my determination they decided to let me save up for one myself. A few weeks later I walked in and purchased my very first "real" guitar.
I took lessons for years at that music store, before switching to a private instructor with a more serious focus on my musical education. Not only was my new instructor a great teacher, but he also soon became my friend and a mentor. I am still taking lessons with him to this day, and we frequently discuss recording gear and other musical topics when we are not working on my guitar skill or my recordings.
Throughout my early teenage years, I formed a band and frequently played live in and around our surrounding areas. This band went through many names, from “Rubber Octopus” to "Stone Eye Fire", to "Hiraeth", and finally to "The Fringe". Throughout our short history we were hired to play shows at various venues, such as bars, fair grounds, and local art festivals.
Throughout this time, I also began an internship with a local sound company, Townley Sound. As part of this internship, I have done live sound and even studio recordings for numerous bands in the local area, in settings ranging from festivals, to bars, and even to studios. Jason Townley, owner of Townley Sound, has taught me many valuable lessons in this field and has also gone on to become a friend and mentor much like my current guitar instructor.
My Musical career finally looked like it was going in the right direction, until COVID hit. it stopped me dead in my tracks. my mental health plummeted, and I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. There was nothing that could have prepared me for the struggles I would face during this time. As a method of escape, I used music. I dedicated myself to guitar and to my recordings. I spent countless hours working in my home studio, networking with fellow musicians despite the pandemic. Throughout this time, I saw the most improvement in myself, both musically and mentally that I have ever seen since.
This proved beneficial because nearing the end of the initial lock down I started working at my local music store, Parkway Music, as a part of the team. I have worked there for nearly two years and am currently employed there as a member of the guitar department. Through working there, I have made many valuable connections and met many likeminded musicians and friends. I even did sound with Townley Sound for one of my coworker’s bands. Not only has this experience taught me many valuable lessons and skills it has also taught me valuable knowledge on gear, recording techniques, music history, and instrument repair. Through these contacts I have gotten some of my demos professionally reviewed, from people such as my boss, to Glenn, from Spectre Sound Studios.
All of this brings me to where I am now. I am a musician, it is what I have always done, and it is what I will always do, regardless of circumstance. I have had my fair share of awful performances and mistakes; however, I get back up and continue to learn and grow. These experiences have shaped me and molded me into the person I am today.
The Ice House x2
The Hanger on the Hudson x2
S & S Brewery
X-Stock x2
Woodburn x2
Saratoga County Fair Grounds x2
Gaffney's x2
Rustic Barn Pub
Beekman Street Art Fair x2
Gaffney's x2
Beekman Street Art Fair x2
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