To skip an enormous amount of detail, I started actually playing BASS when I was 18, now having played for just over 3 1/2 years. In that time I have been extremely fortunate to both meet and work with some exceptionally talented musicians. I learn everything I know by ear, and can learn most any song I hear in a day or less. I practice up to 12 hours a day, every day.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
The first *Real* Concert I ever attended was the 2006 Unholy Alliance with Thine Eyes Bleed, Children Of Bodom, Mastodon, Lamb Of God and Slayer. Absolutely stunning light show and equally stunning live performances by every band.
What gear do you use?
Currently I use an Ibanez Prestige BTB 675 5-String w/Active Bartolini Mk II Pickups. My Amp Rig is currently an Acoustic (brand) B200H Head, with matching Acoustic B410 (4x10) and B115 (1x15) Cabs. I also exclusively use Monster Cables.
Who was your biggest musical influence growing up?
Starting off, my original #1 influence to both start playing, and in Metal in general was and still is majorly Fear Factory. I always was drawn to how low-end and crunchy sounding Fear Factory's Guitar/Bass Tone is, not to mention how Groove-Influenced their music is. This is originally what coaxed me into picking up Bass. As I grew older though I of course began discovering new and other bands, and now draw huge influence and inspiration from quite literally too many amazing artists to name in a single sitting.
Are you in a band? Have you been in bands?
In the past, I have worked with many locally-popular bands in the Alabama area, such as: Thy Devourer, Sepsis, Of Men and Angels Flesh, and Jerolyn. On a National level, I worked with Rings Of Saturn for around 6 months. On an International level, I am currently doing work for Amogh Symphony (India) and Monumental Torment (Russia) through File-Sharing.
If you could jam with anyone, who would it be?
Michael Manring - The ultimate Bass GOD.
Mikael Akerfeldt - The Prog Metal GOD
What's the biggest audience you ever performed to? What's the smallest?
Back when I was playing Bass for Jerolyn - Played in a HotDog Restaurant to over 700 people.
You're stuck on a desert island and only get to bring one album with you. What do you pick?
Opeth's "Ghost Reveries" album - First heard it when I was 15 - Nothing on that album could ever get old. That album is perfection incarnate.