When did you get the music bug? According to my mother, I’ve been singing for as long as I could talk. When I was about 8 years old, my parents bought an acoustic guitar for my older brother. Whenever I got the chance, I’d sneak into his room to “play” it.
What was your first ever musical performance? 4th grade show and tell! By that time, my brother had an electric guitar, and I was in possession of his aforementioned acoustic guitar. I brought it into class and performed an original “song,” which was just a simple melody on one string!
What was the first album you ever purchased? It was definitely Led Zeppelin II and I purchased it from Sam Goody in the Silver City Galleria Mall in Taunton, MA. I’m pretty sure I was 16. Not sure where I got the money from. I think I worked at McDonald’s around that time. I remember looking for Led Zeppelin I, but they didn’t have it!
What was the first live concert you ever went to? I was 6 years old. My brother, who was 10, had convinced me to save my 1 dollar-per-week allowance for an entire year, to pool our money together, and to beg our mother to buy us tickets to see Aerosmith at the Providence Civic Center. Incredibly, she agreed. So we dressed up like 80’s rock stars and mom took us to the show. Skid Row was the opener and it was the first time I smelled marijuana.
What are your main influences? I’m heavily influenced by the British invasion bands and by punk rock. Early rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm & blues are also among my favorite styles. One influence that may not be readily apparent is that of hip-hop. Wu-Tang Clan and Notorious B.I.G are among my favorite artists of all time!
How does the writing process work for you? I never sit down to write. For me, ideas pop in at random and I try to get to the piano before they pop out. Sometimes I get lucky and I’m already practicing when they pop in. If I catch one, I’ll spend the next couple hours fleshing it out and trying to remember it. Then I usually spend about a year fine tuning it. I never write them down. If they’re any good, I’ll definitely remember them. Anytime I try to write a song, it always sucks.
What’s your favorite thing about writing a song? Letting the idea lead the way is always very exciting. Completing a work of art is always very exciting. Completing a work of art and deciding never to use it, however, is among the most satisfying experiences for me. I think it marks the point when an artist has matured and is ready to start some shit.
How did Old Town Crier come together? During the pandemic I decided to record some demos in my barn. Five of the songs I recorded came out really well, so I had them mixed and mastered by Dave Westner and they became my first EP, I’m Longing for You Honey in Middleboro, Mass. I put it on Bandcamp, sent a bunch of cold-call promo messages on Facebook, and it started selling immediately. I thought to myself, “Ok, I can do this.”
How was your experience recording A Night With The Old Town Crier live on stage at The Extended Play Sessions? Recording a live album at The Extended Play Sessions was one of the greatest experiences of my life! Bill Hurley and his crew are at the top of their game, as is the band I hired. It was an amazing experience to have my songs interpreted by such talent, and to have it recorded at one the best live music venues in New England. I’ll never be able to top that album!
Who would you like to open for on tour? Definitely The Rolling Stones so my mom can meet Mick. And because I need the money.
CHICAGO 'N BEYOND 