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You're a self taught musician so how did you learn to play?I got a guitar like 21 years ago that I would pick up every once in a while, but I had a hard time focusing enough to learn. So, I didn't have the patience, until about six years ago, when I started playing more. I got a book on chords and learned how to pick a little more intricately rather than playing intricate chords, because that's what worked for me. I already had words because I'm a poet, so eventually, I just kind of put words to music.
I had a 70 year old babysitter who used to teach me how to play church hymns on the piano. My mama bought me an electronic organ when I was 5 and I used to play Christmas music on that. Eventually I started going to nursing homes and playing church hymns and Christmas music all year round. -
Do you write every day?I don't write every day, but I think every day, I live every day—and that's part of the writing process.
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How do you deal with stage fright?I work through it every day. I always tell people, I'm nervous because I give a crap. I have a lot of anxiety issues. I can't change that, but I can't let it consume me. Since the music came along, I deal with my anxiety better, because I'm forced to calm myself down.
I used to visit Billy’s, a local blues bar in Grand Rapids, MI, on Monday nights to watch the open mic before I was comfortable to play in front of anyone, including my own girlfriend and my friends. I was terrified to step outside the comfort of my own living room and play in front of others, so I knew I had to face my fear. Playing open mic seemed like the most natural progression in the steps necessary to overcome my stage fright. I have always been really shy and had stage fright.
The only way to overcome your fears is to face your fears. So one night, my friend, Laura, and I went to the open mic to play 3 songs. I was so nervous. Laura played lead guitar with me. During the 1st song, my first open mic ever, I broke a string. So I had to ask to use someone's guitar. But I got through it and was so proud that I had FINALLY taken the first step on my musical journey.
I think open mics are the best way to practice in front of a live audience before you start booking your own shows. In addition to playing in front of others, you get to learn from others and see a variety of musicians perform. I still perform at open mics on some of my days off when I’m touring. It keeps me fresh and gives me that live practice in front of an audience of strangers. It’s always a learning and growing experience. -
What are your long-term career goals?I always want to tour in some capacity, but my ultimate goal is to write for film and TV. I've done that already for the independent film, Fagbug, and I'm always trying to get my music in front of the movie music decision makers.
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Why do you play barefoot?Truly the only reason I play barefoot is because I get so nervous before a performance and I swear it makes my body temperature rise and I get too hot. So I slip the shoes off to cool myself off. One time I couldn't play barefoot outdoors because it was over 100 degrees on a black, uncovered stage and it was hot!
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Why did you choose LVNMUZIQ?Well, I love music and thought it would be weird to go by (lovin' music). So I decided for sure to spell music with an IQ on the end because I always tell people I'm a smart musician. So since I love music and I'm a smart musician, I go by LVNMUZIQ! And I capitalize it because I was an Advertising Major and knew that it would capture people's attentions. Especially when I'm playing a festival with lots of other bands, LVNMUZIQ stands out because it's usually the only one all capitalized. Every little bit helps.
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Current favorite musicI listen often to Damien Rice, Missy Higgins, David Gray, and Ray LaMontagne and anything on my Pandora Radio station.
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Do you have any pets?YES! I love cats. Next to music, cats are my biggest passion in life. I have a tuxedo cat named Luna who will be 8 this year. I also have a white cat named Whoopi who will be 7 this year. I also have a 14-year old gray and white long-haired cat named K.D. She lives with my parents. I love to do benefit concerts for cats.
