Tell us about your more recent band experience before joining NTRANZE?

I enjoyed playing keyboards with a band founded by my good friend and compatriot Jason Barr. The band performed under the name The Funk Feelharmonic. We played many gigs in the Huntington, West Virginia area for nearly one year. During the summer of 2003 we entertained throughout Myrtle Beach, SC and the Grand Strand. I appreciate Jason for demonstrating what a great showman (shaman) is when you love performing.

What does the band name NTRANZE mean to you?

Since the former band name for NTRANZE is N’trance I believe the literal definition of the word "entrance" is still applicable. Entrance is a great word to use in the context of well-performed music. The listener becomes entranced in the sound. Although powerful visual presence helps create a great show, people recognize someone who loves sculpting sound when they hear it.

When performing live with NTRANZE are there certain stage aspects that excite you?

Funk is the embodiment of the Id in music. The musical pelvic thrust latent within every scratch and jam is the best part. The members of NTRANZE are cognizant of the importance of accurate representation for cover music.

When performing we play tribute to the masters or one hit wonders who created this music. As we simultaneously infuse our own unique effects into every song, we invariably deliver a recognizable signature sound.

What are your favorite cover songs that NTRANZE plays?

The Bob Marley tunes we play are special to me because we really jam out the most on those tunes. Particularly, improvisation is more important than anything else. ‘Word Up’ by Cameo is a kick ass song. Every time we play it I feel twelve years old again. Stevie Wonder’s ‘Sir Duke’ and ‘I Wish’ is classic.

What inspires you to create original music?

The same thing that inspires anyone to change the world around them inspires me. We are all symbiants with the ether all around us and it is part of our nature to interact with it. Some of us try to do it with as much harmony as possible. There is also the sucker for attention in me that loves an audience, but expression comes first.

Describe your original musical compositions?

My original music centers on finding a groove or a jam that sounds so right that it is self evident. I generally do not like songs that have very few chord changes and I rarely write love or relationship-oriented songs. These songs are ubiquitous on the radio today and I think that it is a travesty.

People would not go to museums at all if every painting or sculpture was merely a different viewpoint of the same apple. You would think being in a funk cover band would conflict with these opinions, but funk music is just so righteous and fun that it does not matter.

What form of relaxation do you practice?

Music is the best way to relax, uplift, and exorcise demons. It is a spiritual lubricant. If a keyboard will not do the trick or is not around, drinks and friends go hand in hand. The ocean is beautiful, too. I do not think the locals appreciate the beach as much as they should. Of course, I grew up with a cliff in my backyard.

If you could play any venue in the world, where would you choose?

I like the outdoors. I would choose some gigantic natural amphitheater, isolated far away and someplace warm. Madison Square Garden works for me also.

Where do you see yourself in five years and what vehicles are you driving?

Music is my career now, so I see myself playing music. I will give NTRANZE everything I have to give. I compose a lot on my own and I think I have some extraordinary tools to employ within this band. I would like to say I will be driving a BMW, but I may need to invest in something that does not show dents and scratches that much. Perhaps I will be driving a used Cherokee.

What is your vision of success and how can it help the world?

My vision for success is comfortably supporting myself by doing only what I love to do and hopefully supporting someone else down the road. I cannot imagine living a better life than truly following my heart.

If everyone actualized their spirit and passionately lived their dreams, we would have no worries in helping the world. All of our problems would soon dissolve.