DN: Talk about the record. Where did you get the idea from? What is the inspiration behind this album?

After years of searching and trying to create an original band with serious musicians, this album is the result! LOL I never intended to be solo guy, or become a singer at all for that matter. The main inspiration from this album, aside from my favorite players, was to make an honest album that was true to what I wanted to play. Recording this on my own allowed me to be as true to myself as possible and forget what's popular, radio friendly and not following trends. I was not afraid to sound like my influences or sound too 80's, too 90's etc.

DN: Who are the musicians that play on the record?

Me! My dad plays drums and keyboards on a few tracks.

DN: Who are some of the bands/musicians that influenced you?

Too many to list them all! Some off the top of my head- Van Halen, Dream Theater, Ozzy, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Gary Moore, Marty Friedman, Yngwie, Alice In Chains, Pantera, Extreme....

DN: Do you have any projects that you are currently working on right now? Any in the future? Any plans to tour?

I have tons of songs in a "so- called" library in my studio! Some are finished, some are just demo ideas with scratch melodies and riffs. I'll probably upgrade my studio with a newer Pro Tools version and re- record those songs. Still gigging every week with a FL cover band called "Casteen Road."

DN: Any interesting stories you would like to share with us about the recording process?

When my friends and family found out I was making my own record without joining a band playing the latest style, they thought I was crazy!!! People said "You sound too 80's", "Don't sing", "You have to change with the times", "You can't do instrumentals." When I was finished recording all master tracks and started burning copies to mix, those same people all changed their outlook and said the songs were great, they liked the singing, they liked the direction I was going in.

DN: What was the most challenging aspect of creating this record?

Recording this record was a test of determination! I was playing in a working cover band that gigged every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm - 2am, sometimes Sunday afternoons, working a night job from Sun to Wed, rehearsing with cover band Thurdays if no gig. Any time away from all of this was the making of this record! This went on for over a year straight. Most of the songs were demoed first and 20 finished were recorded. 7 of those vocal songs are on the album, and the remaining 4 songs are instrumental songs that I wrote and recorded in my dads studio in 2005/2006. I got a pretty good reaction from those songs on myspace around that time, so I decided to include them on the album. Obviously, I listen to them now and think I could have played em' better or differently. But I was only 21 at the time and it's an honest representation of my mind and ability at the time. The first 7 vocal songs were recorded in my apartment, using not much more than recording software and Line 6 POD Studio! I'm expecting people to give me crap about this record, but at least give me credit for trying.

DN: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering support creating this album?

My dad. He hooked me up with the POD Studio hardware and software! I used the POD for all the vocals, bass and most of the guitar parts!