Occupation: Singer-Songwriter Birth: November 18, 1969
When I was a teenager, I got into four track recorders, drum machines, and synthesizers, and I started producing instrumental music..
I feel fortunate about being able to make the music I want to make and getting away with it.
But really important, perhaps most important is the craft; how you make your record, the creation of these sonic worlds you want your listener to hea….
And frankly, when I made that record, hit songs were not what I was trying to achieve..
I think my Buddhist practice has a profound influence on my life and encompasses my creative projects.
My first two records were more energetic; Phantom Moon is subtle, quiet; so these various reactions are just something I expected.
Happy music doesn't tend to move me much.
If I were to do this over I'd play a lot more shows before I made a record.
Lately I've been a workaholic. I'm in the studio all the time and I've helped to produce a couple of artists.
I also wanted to make a record that was about other things than romance, yeah, after two years on the road singing all the songs from the first album….
Simon Hale, the British arranger, does all string and wood arrangements on my records.
I try to make sure that the Buddhism is more or less implicit in the music rather than explicit.
But I can't really say there is too much modern music that I'm blown away by at this moment.
A real foolproof way to do it is play your stuff by hook or by crook and build up a grass roots following.
Because of my Buddhist practice, I'm never lacking for inspiration.
I actually think sadness and darkness can be very beautiful and healing..
I'd have these weird experiences where I'd just be walking down the street with this chord progression in my head, this happened more than a few time….
I actually am always a music first person.
I certainly wouldn't say that my life is a disaster, but there have been moments where I've felt like that.
I got a publishing deal with BMG, they were supportive, and some money to record demos.
I'm fortunate I have this coterie of musicians around me to help take music to next level. Being surrounded by so much creative energy, so many creat….