How did you get started in your musical career? When did you know you wanted to be a musician?
I knew at a very early age that I loved music and wanted to play it. I had my first gig with my brother at a place called Surf 6 in Old Orchard Beach. I think I was 10 or 11 and they paid us to leave. We only knew three songs which we played like a broken record.
How do you describe your sound?
I like to think I sound like the music being played at a fantasy, drunken dinner party where the guests include Hank Williams, The Velvet Underground, The Sex Pistols, The Kinks, PJ Harvey and The Carpenters.
Give us the scoop on the new album. How will it be different from your others?
The name of my new album will be “Number 4” because it is my fourth solo project and because my dad used to call me that when he forgot my name. I am the fourth out of five kids. It is due out sometime in the very near future of 2008. I wrote, engineered and produced the whole thing here at home, and it truly is a labor of love. Literally, this is the most closely involved I have been with my music.
What was it like opening up for national bands like Violent Femmes, Ben Harper and Townes VanZandt?
Let’s just say that sometimes it was a huge honor and sometimes it was not such a great idea to meet one’s idols. The best person I opened for was Daniel Lanois. He interrupted his own soundcheck to help me carry my amp and guitar, watched my entire set from the side of the stage and then gave me a hug when I was done.
The Calico Chaps — do you still front that band? Any future plans?
The Calico Chaps aren’t really a band anymore, although I am sure there are a few more country covers to be recorded. I mostly play electric guitar accompanied by Ginger Cote on a full drum kit. It is straight up rock, the way I like it most. I am hoping to get a bigger band together for my CD release.
How do you feel about the sexualization of women in the music industry?
I think it is great! ... just kidding. Unfortunately it still happens and probably will always happen in some form or another. However, there are more women that look great because they want to and not because someone tells them to. And they sound great at the same time. It’s cool to live in this era when a woman can be sexy and strong at the same time. Things are so much better in this regard. Think back to the ‘80s when the only rock role models we had as women were Chrissy Hynde, Joan Jett and Annie Lennox. Now I am sure I could name about 50 ladies who truly kick ass. The sheer numbers prove that things are looking good for us and that we are taken more seriously as artists.