Hometown Influence
It is hard to measure the influence of my hometown since I have called a few towns my home. Growing up in Southern California provided me with a sunny plastic fulcrum to push against. Being the younger brother of two punk musicians set the foundation for my music making ethic: stay true to yourself and speak your truth.
My time in New York City was the height of my romance with the 60s revival folk singers. My songs took on a certain weariness, as I emulated a bygone era of music that the bustling city seemed so indifferent towards. Nothing would influence my music more that the experience of the Austin music scene. In it I would, for the first time, find a community of my people —who listened earnestly and were always eager to join a band or set up a show, no matter how tiny —for the sake of song and revelry. Some are prone to be bogged down by the large pool of talent and oversaturated nature of the music in Austin, but I have chosen to ride it like a wave of inspiration. I try to focus on the craft of songwriting and the regenerative nature of musical friendships.
Of course, Willie said it best in “On the Road Again.” Following his lead has truly lead to much beauty and love —and many good times. Living in Wimberley, as one friend put it, has really ‘elevated my vibe’. Having a space to create that is nestled in such beauty and that carries the artistic energy of my late father-in-law, Texana writer Billy Porterfield has been a source of much inspiration song-writing and music making. There is nothing better than having friends out and playing music while looking at the horizon and taking in the vast Texas daydream together. In living in the Texas Hill Country, having natural beauty and the horizon always in sight, has brought a new voice to my music.
My next LP turns the focus of my writing to the land —the environmental and human catastrophe around the globe. My songs have helped me transform the struggles of love and heartache into healing, understanding, and good times. I'm hoping that I can use some of the same alchemical powers of song on my grief at the chaotic times we are living through.
