I started singing and trying out different instruments at the age of 4. At 9 years old I picked up the guitar and had my first band at 12, from there I started writing songs and lyrics. I took drum lessons and played bass as well. Besides that I joined the Symphonic Orchestra at my school around that age as well, I was part of the percussion section, timpanis, drums, etc. I also played bass in two Jazz/Big Bands. When I was 16 I took classical singing lessons and learned Opera singing. Basically, I'm all over the place musically, always open to try out new styles and play around with instruments.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Besides going to some local gigs of my friend's bands my first big, real rock show was when my dad took me to Wacken Open Air in Germany in '99. Back then there where only 10.000 people, nothing like it is today...lol
What gear do you use?
I kinda have a lot of guitars...some of them are still in Germany. My favourites are my Epiphone Les Paul Special Plus (which I bought in '98) and my Ovation Celebrity Deluxe (which my mom and step dad gave me for graduating from college). I also love the "cheap copy" of my Ovation, the make is "Spandy" (lol) and it sounds and feels awesome...I bought her after moving to Montreal. I also own a Yamaha BB-series bass which I rescued at a garage sale for 20 bucks, besides a broken wire it was in top shape!
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
Since the age of 12 I played in many different bands and projects, from Thrash Metal, over Jazz bands to Top 40 bands. Currently I'm the singer in SHANGHAI XxXPRESS, we started out as a 80's glam cover band, but recently changed course to be an original band. Montreal, watch out!