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Where were you born?
I was born in Mt Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, NY and raised in the Bronx, NY. How old were you when you started in the entertainment business?
I'd say about 19-20 years old. How did you get introduced to the business?
Friends in the biz who put the good word out! Thanks Guys! What a blessing. Who discovered you?
Onree Gill. It's so amazing how you can meet people in the most modest places and then create such amazing life long relationships. I can truly say that's my brother for life. Who inspired you growing up and have those inspirations changed as your career has progressed? Have you had any personal mentors along the way?
Here's a short list of my inspirations; Marcus Miller, Chic Corea, Pat Metheny, Bill Evans, Sting.
I've had many personal mentors along the way including Onree Gill, Mike Ciro, Ray Chew, Derrick Godbold, Simon Ellis, Marc Delcore, Johnny 'Natural' Najera. What a blessing these people are to my life. I can't say that my inspirations have changed but I'd say they have grown! I admire every great artist's endeavors in this industry. Tell me about the experience of your first big gig?
It was amazing. The feeling of nervousness and excitement is inexplicable. Nonetheless it was the moment that inspired me to continue to strive to be the best at it. Give me your thoughts on the music industry and how it’s evolved through the years?
It's ever-changing but still the same. It's art and anything that's an art form is universal in that we all feel the same about it, we all are affected by it in the same way just in different environments and atmospheres. Also, we will try to re-invent it for the rest of eternity and shamelessly fail because it is already perfect. Do you think ImGiggin.com is what is needed in the entertainment industry and why (LOL…very leading)?
I think ImGiggin.com is genius in that it provides an environment for musicians and artists to connect. This is something that is not available anywhere these days. We are the one's who make art, art! And now we have a place to share and connect and motivate. What are the kinds of things you work on when you’re practicing?
Placement, groove, timing, versatility in all styles of music. Tone, composition, ear training, harmony, sensitivity. Im always learning new things. I love to search and find new things to discover in music and create new challenges for myself. What is some of your favorite kinds of music to listen to?
Jazz, Soul, Blues, Latin, Pop, Country, Alternative among others. I appreciate all styles of music. What are some of the things you do in your free time?
Listen to music that I would normally not listen to. Watch videos of musical performances. Workout. Practice. Keep in touch with my people. Meditate. Do you have advice for any aspiring musicians and singers?
Find your place in art in this world and do your best. Respect everyone and be humble, honest & genuine. What is your most memorable gig to date?
So many! So I'll mention two that stick out in my mind at the moment.
1. Montreux Jazz Festival with Alicia Keys
2. Opening for The Police with Alejandro Sanz @ Rock In Rio, Lisbon Portugal. Have you had any embarrassing moments on stage/studio and how did you get through them?
WOW! Well, I don't like telling this story but here it goes... Huge show in front of 140,000 people (yes, I'm leaving out the details on purpose, lol) and I had to pee sooo bad! I couldn't leave the stage so I had to have my tech place a garbage can off to the side of the stage and while playing a song I did my business practically in front of all those people! It was intense but I got through it! Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?
Still loving music with all my heart. Reaching new levels in my craft as well as in the industry.
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