I was 4 when I first played keyboard, but those first experiences never count... I didn't really get serious about anything until high school. More importantly, now I teach band and help middle school kids become musicians.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Mustardplug and River City Rebels along with other local ska bands in the basement of a venue that no longer exists... so memorable because it was my first show with my best friends and we skanked the night away. We even played duck-duck-goose in the pit.
What gear do you use?
I couldn't write songs without the help of my lefty Fender acoustic guitar (his name is Gary Martin Heffer).
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
First influence was probably Sharon, Lois & Bram... then The Beatles, Ludwig van Beethoven, Blink182, The Velvet Underground... tons more...
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
Solo act right now!
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
Bob Dylan or Joni Mitchell... storytelling, improvising, jamming, and heart-pouring... although I'd be so starstruck I wouldn't be able to function. I'll add Glen Hansard to that list, too.
What's the biggest audience you ever performed to? What's the smallest?
My classical piano recitals in college were pretty packed... smallest audiences are always the most appreciative... my middle school classes, my dog, my close friends...
You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?
The Rolling Stones "Their Satanic Majesties Request"