in his own words

Human relationships will always be complex, and in many ways, I'm writing about the same things now that lured me to songwriting as a teenager. All art provides an opportunity for transcendence, and the gift of songwriting is that both our messiness and our beauty can be used to relate to others through the power of music.

This was extremely important for me as a queer kid because I rarely heard examples of my life on the radio. While I loved the piano, my teachers would often wring their hands when I'd insert my own melodies into pieces rather than read the notated music - something inside me preferred the freedom that came from within. Thankfully, my hard work paid off as ShutEye Records picked up a single off my first 2006 demo, "For What It Is" for their Sweetheart in The City 2006 Compilation CD writing, “Your literate ivory-tinkling and quirky songwriting make you one of the more enterprising artists in today's vast sea of independent acts.” While culture has changed rapidly from my days recording into tape players, the subjects of love, loss, and self-discovery are universal human emotions that will forever be sung about.

The smartest career move I made was moving to New York City and following one of my inspirations Vanessa Carlton. I had read she was playing with The New York Songwriters Circle at The Bitter End, so I went over one night hoping to see her. While I didn't meet Vanessa till years later, I did meet one of the greatest writers, and ultimately life-changers—Tina Shafer.

From that initial meeting, my life was altered in profound ways. The Bitter End and the New York Songwriter's Circle gave me a place to practice and discover myself as an artist. I've been blessed to share that historical stage with acts such as Billy Porter, Julie Gold, Ian Axle and many more. The Circle also provided me with my artistic writing partner and producer Joey Auch. None of what I do would be possible without his incredible ears, production and writing skills. It has been an incredible partnership watching our songs land major award nominations and tv licensing opportunities. Songs off of Crazy Ride and Heart Saver have led to nominations for best pop male vocal (2013 IMEA awards), The Great American Song (2013 POP Category) 5 UK songwriting semi-finalist nominations, two IMSTA New York Songwriter wins, a Philadelphia Songwriter Project Award win and my lyrics have twice been published in American Songwriter Magazine. Additionally, my music has been featured on Nickelodeon's Jagger Eaton's Mega Life and TV Land's Younger.

Every record we put out digs deeper for the universal truth, and Modern Love continues to push me forward. I hope you enjoy it.