How did you get started with music?
My dad played guitar in a cover band when I was growing up, so right from the start I knew I wanted to pick it up for myself. I played a few other instruments when I was in middle/high school as well, but really got into playing guitar and bass when I was starting high school. I remember the day my freshman year when I had an art class that let us play music- somebody brought in a Jimi Hendrix CD and it absolutely blew my mind. From there I spent most of my high school years listening and playing along with classic rock staples- Beatles, Zeppelin, Cream, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Creedence Clearwater Revival.
I was taking a couple courses on radio, and through that found that I had a real fascination with doing production work/recording. It was then that I bought my first recording software, Cakewalk Guitar Tracks 2. Eventually I decided that music production was something that I really wanted to do professionally, so I went to American University and got my Bachelor of Arts in Audio Production. I upgraded to SONAR 2 my first year at American and it was a fun learning experience being able to take the core concepts that I was learning in class and apply them in my own projects with the tools that worked best for me.
After college I started to get into writing my own music and branching out as a vocalist which I hadn’t done previously. After a couple years of working part time as a stage hand and playing/recording with friends, I moved to Boston to work for Cakewalk in Tech Support answering phones and e-mails. Since working here I’ve had the pleasure to play in bands with a few coworkers, including my current project Blueprint for a Riot, which features our Customer Service guru Lars on the bass.
It’s been great working with such a wonderful group of people making products that I’ve been a fan of for so many years.
Aside from music, I’m an avid military history buff and have been doing Civil War and WWII reenacting since 2000. As a sergeant in the 78th Infantry Division WWII Living History Association, I train our new recruits in basic manual of arms and bayonet drill. It’s been an honor to get to meet/work with so many veterans!
Favorite Movie: Toss up between Jurassic Park, Ghostbusters, and Battleground
Years @ Cakewalk: 5
Instrument: Guitar, Bass
Preferred Style of Music: Rock, Blues, Pop
Superpower (if you could have one): The ability to write arrangements like Brian Wilson.
Favorite Bands: Oasis, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Spinto Band, Tame Impala, The Beatles, The Beach Boys