How is “The Playtime Music Sessions” different from your other material?
Last year I was fortunate enough to meet a great producer from Boston named Tom Dube. He was excited about my sound and we set up a day at his studio, The Playtime Music Studio, to lay down some tracks. Ten of these tracks became “The Playtime Music Sessions.” The big difference is the sound quality. An unbelievable producer with unbelievable equipment was recording me, and my mentality and playability just went through the roof. I am a true believer that if you are around greatness you can become great yourself. You have to want it though. In terms of my music I feel that I am always improving and growing as a songwriter and performer. This release found me exploring things like love, addiction, homelessness, war, peace and just plain having fun. This album is very personal, without a lot of frills. I made a conscious effort to make this album pure and acoustic.
You were accepted to Berklee! How and why did you pass that up?
It wasn’t too hard. The biggest issue was money. It costs a lot of money to go to Berklee. When I was accepted the price tag was like $35,000 a year. I was not really into being in debt for the rest of my life so I decided not to go. I found USM a much better fit in terms of money and Maine itself was very attractive. Portland has this small-town feel in a big city. I love it here and would do it all the same if given the chance.
How does working with children and teaching music classes inspire you?
It inspires me every day. After working with our young people I feel so new. I see such enthusiasm and a genuine love of creating. I have worked with kids in Portland for about five years now and they always surprise me. With kids it doesn’t matter if the song rhymes or if the chords are exactly right. They want to create for the purpose of creating, not to make money or please someone else. After working with the kids I usually write my best songs. Not that the songs are about the kids, but rather the kids help me to get back to the mentality that it is just a song and it is not the only thing that matters. Because, as you know, there is dodgeball and painting and running and playing to do, too.
As a new dad, how does having a child affect you and your music?
Sophia coming into the world really helped me put things in perspective. I realized quickly that I want to teach her to follow her dreams. If I don’t follow mine then how will she learn to follow hers? My music has just gotten better since she was born. The music itself is not a problem but the business side gets a little tricky. Music is a very selfish business. There are shows until one in the morning, traveling, recording and just plain time away from home. I have found that now I have to be a little more selective with the shows I choose and try not to be out too late. I really would never leave my house if I could but that’s not an option. This is my life’s work, and the last time I checked I still have a good 70 years in me. Having a child is the most important thing I have ever done, or ever will do.