I
started writing songs at the age of 15.
Growing up in New Jersey the lyrics came
easy. There was so much going on around me
to write about. I would find my self
writing lyrics and trying to put music to
them. I could ad-lib words almost like a
rapper. People were amazed at how fast I
could come up with something.
When
I was in my early 20s, my voice started
to come into its own. I found myself being
able express my songs much better with the
passion in my voice. I didn’t just want to
be a singer, I wanted to be a songwriter
as well. I would find myself reading
cassette sleeves to see who wrote the
songs. Being a teen in the 80’s I was
moved by the glam rock scene. The first
rock album I bought was KISS Double
Platinum. I was 14, delivering newspapers
on Saturday morning and I found it at a
yard sale. I had heard the name KISS but
never heard their music. I came home that
day and played that record for a year
straight. I wore the record out. You
could put the needle on the record and it
would slide right to the end. At that
point, I was hooked on Rock and Roll.
In
the late 80’s and early 90’s my music
influences became songwriters. Some of the
writers I looked up to were Mutt Lang,
Desmond Child, Dokken (George Lynch and
Don Dokken), Journey (Neal Schon, Steve
Perry and Johnathan Cain). The most
influence came from my hometown boys, Jon
Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. Their writing
still amazes me. One of my goals in life
is to jam on stage with them and some day
even open for them.
For
the present time, I have a CD out. This
was a great achievement for me…to see my
words come to life. Now I know the feeling
when I hear other artists say that. I am
working with some great guys on a follow
up CD. I have new band called Nine1Nine.
We should have a CD out soon.
As
for my personal life, I have two amazing
kids. They inspire me to chase my dreams
and I hope they will chase theirs. I will
encourage them to do so. The people that
know me think I missed my calling as a
stand-up comedian. I like to make sure
that everyone around me is laughing and
having a great time.
That’s all I have for now, stay tuned and
see what tomorrow holds for us all. Just
remember, you have to have dreams to be
able to chase them.
