Hiya Larry, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I fell in love with music as a toddler. I remember hearing Handel’s Messiah performed; the cadence of the Hallelujah chorus exciting me, so much that while I was standing, I began furiously conducting my arms, mimicking the conductor, who happened to be my dad, and a response of laughter from the choir as witnesses. Growing up, my dad had a stereo receiver and record player. I remember putting on the headphones and being in awe at the sound of stereo recordings—the detail, clarity, richness of sound—it had me hooked.
Emotion through music was understood; it’s part of why I love bringing songs to life in the studio. My dad also had a reel-to-reels recorder. I plugged it in and recorded guitars and vocals. I took advantage of the widely spaced tape heads to enjoy analog echo, experimenting with guitar, vocals, and even backward playback. Music as an expression is my first love. I’ve departed and reverted back to songs and recordings through many different chapters in my life, with each visit having refreshed, new meaning.
I love to listen to and make music that resonates with my heart. This purest approach has allowed me not to worry about success metrics by regular measures, but rather make music for sake of storytelling and connection.
Introduce us to you all and your musical history.
When in elementary school, cassette tapes were popular, a kid in those days might sit to listen to the radio and use a tape to record a mixtape for enjoyment with friends. I listened to artists Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Steven Curtis Chapman on my Sony Walkman.
Their songs inspired me about how music can make you feel. I began writing songs in high school, first as poems, later combining them with music. In college, I recorded a series of my first compositions as heard on Welcome to My World, originally distributed in tape format. In 2003, One Touch, was produced.
This was my first record using a digital audio workstation, engineering and recording mostly by myself; it was a major learning experience. Next, Beautiful Together was written and produced. Topic-wise, it reflected the complexities and realities of relationships, community, service to others, sharing your story. “Beautiful Together” a joy to complete, writing much of it at a playground, and working with music industry powerhouses such as Gary Lunn, bass, and J.R. McNeely, mix engineer.
Pat Pattison, author of “Writing Better Lyrics” and teacher at Berklee College of Music, has influenced my songwriting style. One of my favorite elements is spotlighting words in any given phrase.
Another favorite element is when I allow ideas to be hero’s, such as making love the hero in “Little Things New,” described in the bridge section that regardless of what hardships the subjects face, love will carry them through; it allows the message to have universal appeal. The Gospel Music Association has also been key in my development, hosting immersive music workshops that include songwriting and performance feedback for supporting musicians.
What’s the live music scene like in you town right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
In my Loma Linda/Redlands community we have an active music school, symphonic orchestra, choir, handbell choirs, composers, and various musicians. You can regularly find new talent at recitals and showcase performances. In proximity to Los Angeles, it is a very supportive music scene.
Opportunities exist, even niche industry skills. Hosted nearby in Anaheim is the yearly National Association of Music Merchants I attend to enjoy networking and gaining exposure to musicians and trends. If you show up on time and people like you, there will be space for your help on projects.
I’ve seen a lot of people struggling for support recently online. What’s your view on the industry?
Find safe people who support your work. Keep networking, reaching out locally, and expanding your global network. It’s a great time to envision yourself as a global ambassador. Your music could unexpectedly be popular in another region of the world. Your story is unique, and many people are craving to live deeper and better. Be flexible. Keep innovating. Be curious.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I’m a hot red Swiss army knife. I’m creative; I write, I record, I edit, I produce; I know hook; I know emotion; I know quality. My growth trajectory is evident, from humble beginnings, but in the end, memorable songs win. For example, my childhood bestie and I wrote a song in college, “Here I Am Send Me,” from Welcome To My World; it has great bones, so here in 2025 we have an opportunity to record and release a new version; it sounds fresh with the latest production techniques. I’m working on a new music model for 2025. To showcase unique stories and diverse songwriting, I’ve decided to have new releases on a monthly basis. This helps me grow deeper with my audience while sharing my journey.
Tell us two truths and a lie about you.
Lie: I met Jon Batiste at Winter NAMM Show 2025. I was present at his interview but did not personally meet him.
Truth: I rock my hair back and forth on my scalp, no hands required
Truth: I love using sounds from my Korg MOSS analog synthesizer
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
As an artist, I have been worried about how a song would be received. One of my tracks unexpectedly received an explicit rating. Within the first day of release, I realized it’s unnecessary to worry about how others will react; I’m an integrated artist and songwriter, and my songs reflect ups and downs that many can relate to.
I would recommend any artist pour over their work before release to understand all the reasons they are releasing it; then when asked to defend your work, you understand your motives and perspectives; when another person understands your viewpoint, your train of thought, they can accept or reject your viewpoint, but usually even if they disagree, they can still respect your experience. Differences in viewpoints are also an opportunity for further discussion.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If not, why not?
Not really. I used to wonder about how stock prices can be influenced beyond what common investors know, but I’ve since let go of using mental energy toward things out of my control and beyond. I have other, more important things to focus on. It’s also easy to get drawn into politics. I have friends I deeply respect on both sides of the political spectrum. I have views, and humility has reminded me I have been wrong at times, and I also consider that others might be correct, so I try my best to assimilate various viewpoints. When we simply don’t know the best way forward, I will admit it, and proceed based on the best evidence.
What was your best experience on stage?
My best experience on stage was performing at Red Rocks Amphitheater with a Christian worship team for over 10,000 attendees. To hear a group of people sing together is an exhilarating experience—life-changing, really. Ideally, a positive tune can uplift others and bring a sense of care for your neighbor in this communal experience—a reflection of the human basic need for love, others, and community.
What was your worst experience on stage?
My worst experience was while performing with multitracks and having an inability to sync correctly; it was an awkward performance moment.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I gain inspiration from nature and reading the Bible. I love visiting national parks in the United States. Being outdoors and viewing the sky and sights and sounds is invigorating; it energizes me for future work. In Maryland, I enjoy Assateague Island National Seashore, where protected wild horses are visible to visitors. Family time is aside each summer to enjoy nature, celebrate birthdays, and make new memories.
What are the next steps you plan to take as a band to reach the next level?
With new music releasing, I would like to activate my performance schedule. This will put my music in the ears of more listeners and broaden its impact. I would also like to collaborate more with other musicians and forge closer friendships in the industry.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
Many of my new tracks focus on love. A desire for the right partner, longing for love, loss of love, and more. The idea that love awaits us at the right time and place. I poured out my emotion in these songs, not holding anything back; it felt risky, but the risk of not sharing was greater.
Another unique track, “The Horizon,” highlights equality and the desire for treating others with kindness and respect. Another song, “God Help Us,” was inspired after meeting Grammy winner and artist Rapsody. We interacted at the Los Angeles College Music Industry Summit and had the opportunity to hear her story.
I liked that she used the Biblical character Jonah in one of her lines of her hit song “Back in My Bag.” When I returned from seeing her, I worked up a beat and continued composing and producing, as if a water spigot was open with creativity, and soon after “God Help Us” was born. In “God Help Us,” I imagined meeting Michael Jackson, Rapsody, and God in the Hollywood Hills and praying over Los Angeles. It has some “Thriller” vibe.
What was the recording process like?
I have various techniques. Historically, acoustic guitar and piano have been the backbones of my recordings; they still often the glue that brings the cohesive sound together. I will typically write a song, map it out in Cakewalk, by Bandlab, a software I have been using since it was owned by Roland, and produce it. Occasionally, I have separate musical ideas and lyric ideas that find their placement together while producing.
In my productions, I recommend having two or three options when you are faced with a choice; a quick AB comparison is made, a selection is chosen, and I move on. I am not afraid to revisit a part if it improves it. Once, I had most of the song produced, and when I realized a key change would improve the song, time-consuming as it was, I re-tracked the parts in the new key and proceeded to improve the final song. I have a small mic locker that covers various instruments, but my go-to mic is the Dachmann Audio 87i. Collaboration has been key; it’s enjoyable and just plain fun to be in the studio with others together making music.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
It’s easy to get stuck in creative ruts. For example, songwriting styles change; a trend emerged in addition to verse and chorus; there was a call for a second unique chorus, so you have to be ready to write two hit choruses in one song. Another area constantly evolving is new words; new generations, updated trending key words and phrases emerge.
The same message can still be said; just consider what listeners relate to. Another is that production techniques constantly update, similar to how your phone has software updates; digital audio workstations and applications are fluidly improving with new technology incorporated; do your best to be a lifelong learner.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Yes, I usually would. To say it is ever finished would be immature. I’m constantly uncovering more understanding of emotion, lyrics, and production that I would want to share with the listener to make their impression stronger and have a closer understanding of my creative intent. Mixing and mastering tools are also more accessible for artists, with the use of AI technology aiding in finding better balances and sonic footprints. Down the road, we could look back at 2025 and wonder how we survived musically speaking.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Creating is satisfying. Find ways to tap into your creativity in ways that improve your direct circle of influence, and, by extension, those around you can appreciate and value your work. Keep producing art. You may feel it does or does not resonate with others; either way is okay, since art can be misunderstood by contemporaries, and its perfect time and place can be elusive. Get rest; a mental and physical refresh can be the spark that ignites your next great idea and project.
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