Q: How did your journey in music begin, and what led you to the bass guitar?

I actually started with clarinet in elementary school. Then, in 7th grade, my band director reassigned me to trumpet. I told her I played clarinet, and she politely said, “No, you’re a trumpet player now.” She was right—I became one of the best in the state of California, earning scholarships to the International School of Music and the Arts. I toured with my ska band in high school, became a soloist and first chair in college and drum and bugle corps, and even played in the Air Force band during tech school.

After my military service as a C-17 crew chief, I worked as a production manager at Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit helping wounded warriors. They needed a music teacher—so I taught myself guitar and bass to give lessons. It was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. Since then, I’ve played in multiple projects, and now I sing, write, and play bass for Belles’ Suitors, as well as serve as a minister and musician at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

Q: How has your classical and jazz trumpet background influenced your bass playing and songwriting?

Everything starts with the groove. My trumpet training always echoes in my head—I often think, “What trumpet line would fit here?” and then build a bass groove that complements it.

Q: Who were some of your biggest musical inspirations growing up?

Michael Jackson was my first concert, and his influence has always stayed with me. I’m also a huge fan of ska, jazz, and any music with a full horn section.

🎤 Life on Stage with Belles’ Suitors

Q: As both a vocalist and bassist, how do you balance rhythm and melody on stage?

Very carefully—just kidding! It can be challenging, especially with syncopated bass lines. But it comes down to feeling the groove and the chemistry on stage. That’s when the music becomes magic.

Q: What’s your songwriting process like?

Sometimes a phrase or melody hits me and I record a voice memo to capture it. Later, I build on it using the Acapella app or during rehearsal with the band.

Q: What makes the sound of Belles’ Suitors unique?

We blend our independent styles in a way that just flows. There’s an effortless chemistry during rehearsals that creates something fresh and distinct.

✍️ The Creative Flow

Q: How do you collaborate with the band on new music?

We each bring our own flavor, but the energy clicks naturally. It's one of the things I love most about working with this crew.

Q: A song you’re especially proud of?

During COVID, Jeremy and I co-wrote a song that ended up in a movie called Delusional—we recorded it remotely using BandLab while living in different states. I was in New York, he was in Kansas City. We're currently working on a bunch of new originals for the band, and we’re really proud of the direction it’s taking.

Q: Do you ever revisit old ideas or lyrics?

Absolutely, and I’m excited to bring some of those to life with the current band.

🚀 Performance & Highlights

Q: Favorite gig so far?

We love playing at Shovelheads—it’s a fantastic local open mic venue. And both Jeremy and I are Air Force veterans, so playing at the Skwiat Post 451 American Legion has a special place in our hearts.

Q: How do you prepare for a live show?

For me, performing live is a spiritual experience. I approach it with excitement and reverence.

Q: Have you had a moment on stage where everything just “clicked”?

From the moment we started playing together, it just felt right. That’s how I feel about this band—it clicks.

🧠 Challenges & Growth

Q: Biggest challenge in your musical journey?

Being seen online in a crowded space can be tough. Luckily, I have a background in marketing to help boost our online exposure.

Q: How do you stay motivated to write and perform?

Having upcoming shows on the calendar is a great motivator. Goals create momentum.

Q: Advice for musicians juggling multiple roles?

Tempo is everything. Practice with a metronome—it sharpens your timing and tightens your sound. And don’t be afraid. Get up there and give it everything. Everyone makes mistakes—it’s how you recover that shows who you really are.

🎶 Personality & Fun

Q: What’s something fans might not know about you?

I was a C-17 crew chief in the Air Force and served alongside Jeremy. I also hold a master’s in Marketing and Advertising, and I’m a 4-time national jump rope champion and a CrossFit coach.

Q: What song always gets you hyped?

Anything with a horn section—ska, jazz, funk. That kind of sound just lights me up.

🔮 Looking Ahead

Q: What’s next for Belles’ Suitors?

We’re gearing up for Battle of the Bands at Shovelheads on June 28, 2025, and we’re going in to win. Beyond that, we want to record and release our originals and hit the regional scene.

Q: Any upcoming projects you’re excited about?

Definitely Battle of the Bands, and also working on new music that we’re excited to share soon.