THE STORY 

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  One of my earliest and clearest memories is hearing music on the radio and knowing — that’s what I want to do. I want to play music.

 

My first real experience with music started at Sarasota Middle School under the direction of Mr. Bernard Rightmyer. I was so eager to be part of anything music-related that I sat there watching everyone around me choose their instruments, just waiting for my turn. When they finally asked me what I wanted to play, I froze — I wanted to play everything. Since I couldn’t decide, Mr. Rightmyer suggested the flute. I gave it a try, made a sound, and just like that, I was in.

 

I played the flute all through middle school, and I loved it. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a group of people coming together, creating something bigger than themselves — when it clicks, it’s magic. You hear the song come to life, and you know you’re part of it. That feeling hooked me.

 

But, like a lot of kids, by the time I finished middle school, I started feeling self-conscious about playing the flute. I was supposed to join the Kiltie Band in high school, but instead, I walked away from band completely. Truthfully, my heart was already pulling me toward guitar. So, in 9th grade, I signed up for guitar class — mostly as an excuse to finally get a guitar. My parents bought me one, but the class itself turned out to be a bust. The teacher didn’t even play guitar.

 

Luckily, a friend of mine, Chris, taught me my first chords and how to read tab. From there, I taught myself — mostly learning Dave Matthews songs on repeat. (Okay, a lot of Dave Matthews.)

 

In my early 20s, I started singing and writing my own songs. Once I had a solid set, I started booking shows. My first-ever live performance was at Tattoofest in Tampa — thanks to my friend Jenny for that opportunity. My second show was a benefit concert for Carlie Brucia’s family. After that, I took every chance I could to play — usually tagging along with my friends’ heavy rock bands, which made me the acoustic guy on some pretty wild lineups.

 

A few years later, I’d written enough songs that I asked two friends, Nik and Brett, to jam. That’s how Devil Made Microphones was born. We started as a three-piece acoustic band until Nik landed us a gig opening for one of my favorite bands — Taproot. That night, we plugged in, turned up, and transformed into a full rock band. We rode that wave for years, playing countless shows and opening for some amazing acts.

 

Eventually, like a lot of bands, it fizzled out. No matter how much I beg, I can’t seem to get the original three of us back together. But I wasn’t ready to stop playing. So, I doubled down, expanded my cover list, and hit the road solo.

 

And here I am — still playing as often as I can and still loving it just as much as I did when I picked up that flute for the first time.