Where are you from and could you tell us a little bit of your upbringing?
" I'm from Chicago originally.
I was born in the city, but my family moved to Barrington in 1969.
It was mostly farms and small subdivisions back then. My brothers and I grew up playing in marshy swamps and forests, that ringed the lake our property sat on...It was pretty idyllic looking back at it now."
What genre of music do you make and when did you first decide to be a musician?
" My music straddles lots of genres, but if I had to put it in a category I would say it's Avant Alternative Rock.
I was given my first set of drums at five years old by my uncle, who's also a drummer. It was about then that I got bit by the music bug. From that point on I new music would be a big priority in my life."
Who are some of the notable artists and people that influenced your career thus far?
" It's a pretty varied bunch:
The Beatles, Nirvana, King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, Muddy Waters, John Coltrane, Captain Beefheart, The Tractors, Big Walter Horton, Jack White, The Call, The Doors, Art Blakey, Keb Mo, The Band, William Clarke."
Could you tell us about your latest projects?
" I'm currently recording my 79th Quartzbed album titled Out of Light.
I recently went thru a divorce and I guess it's a kind of "finding your feet again" album.
I also drum live with a couple of amazing Roots artists... Wumbloozo and the Cadillac Angels. Both are top notch in their field."
What should we expect from you in the near future?
"I will be releasing Out of Light and also have 2 more albums worth of Quartzbed material written and ready to record. So that should keep me busy for a while."
Could you give us some advice that you can offer to someone who is just getting started in making music?
"Be open to all music. The good,the bad, and the ugly all have something to offer. Listen to your own voice on whatever instrument you choose. Copying is a great way to learn but in the end you need to be you. What you have to offer the world is just as valid as anyone else. Learn about business as well. The " Music Business" is as cutthroat as it gets, so best be prepared for disappointments along with successes. Also be kind whenever possible. Most people will not understand, but in the end it will help you.
Are there any important achievements you have gained since beginning to do music?
" My goals and achievements are not typical of most musicians. As Tony Robbins wrote in his book Awaken the Giant Within, the greatest achievements in life come in small barely perceptible increments. Just because you don't immediately get results , and have to work twice ad hard as most, doesn't mean the smallest strides aren't remarkable. Stay the course and enjoy the journey, it's not the destination but how much you loved and learned along the way that matters most. Kaizen is the mantra of my life."
Besides music, what are some of the things that you are into?
"I love my Olde English bulldogs and collecting quartz when i walk them.It's oddly soothing to do both at the same time.
I also cherish working on my different drum sets, endlessly tweaking them to my personal tastes, as well as writing prose.
Some prose gets into songs, some doesn't."
Are you currently on tour or planning to be?
"I was recently offered the European portion of The Extreme Tour but had to turn it down. My touring days unfortunately are likely behind me now... My heart's willing, but the body...
Any last remarks?
" The greatest satisfaction in life is creating something uniquely yours, no matter what field or genre of the arts you're into.
As such I'll continue to create new Quartzbed music until I'm no longer of this earthly plane.
Best, Quartzbed.
P.S. Listen to your muse and your heart, they'll never steer you wrong."
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