Thank you for chatting with us! Did you always want to be a musician or was there a specific moment that something happened that made you think "this is what I want to do with
my life." If so, what was it? I've returned to music late in life. While I was in a great regional original music band in my youth, I was also very good in science and mathematics so I gave up music to have a successful career as a biomedical research scientist in the field of human genetics. In fact, I'm much better known as a scientist than as a musician! But a few years ago, I started to write music again, joined a blues band to get my piano and organ chops back, and then had the good fortune of having PeacockSunrise Records president, Nick Katona, take an interest in my songs and sign me to a record deal. So, in fact, the "specific moment" occurred relatively recently when Nick convinced me that my particular type of
southern rock/soul music would have a new audience.
If you could have penned a song in any genre what would it have been? There are so many great songs to choose from but I think I'd go with a classic that will last forever. My choice would be Leon Russell's "A Song For You". It has everything you need, a memorable melody, great lyrics, and it is timeless.
Is there any news for the forthcoming album? The follow-up to my debut album, Delta Tales, is tentatively titled Signs & Wonders and is being recorded now. All of the songs are written and it is going to be a great album that continues to mine the rich southern rock and soul genre. My songwriting has really developed over the past couple of years and I'm proud of these new songs from both a musical and lyrical perspective. The album will hopefully be released in the Spring of 2022. Like Delta Tales, my second album will be released on
PeacockSunrise Records.
How was the last year for you? What were your highlights? The release of my first album, Delta Tales, has been an amazing experience even during the pandemic. The album seems to have touched a lot of people. The reviews have been amazing and the promotional campaign has been a lot of fun for me. It's exciting to see yourself in rock magazines that I would be buying anyway as a fan. The best thing is when someone emails me and tells me how much the album or a particular song has touched them. Also, more recently, recording the new album with a more stable group of outstanding musicians has been a total joy.
If you could only perform one of your songs for someone who has never heard of you, what song would that be? Right now, I'd pick the current single "Free Will In China Blue". It has all the canonical elements of a Sun King Rising song. It is a retro soul stomper with a great rhythm section, powerful horns, great gospel-like backing vocals, and tells a southern noir tale of sin and justification.
What is your favorite wine? Although I'm a country boy at heart, I am also very fond of good champagne. My go-to champagne is Veuve Clicquot.
What is your favorite breakfast? Breakfast is my favorite meal. When I can, I will opt for a southern breakfast of chicken fried steak, fried eggs over medium, hash browns, white toast slathered in butter, with a large tomato juice.
What is one food that most people seem to like, but you cannot stand to eat? I really dislike cheese, which can make things difficult when traveling since restaurants will add it to dishes without noting it on their menus. People think I'm crazy because of my cheese aversion!
Most memorable meal while touring. Where were you and what did it involve? When I'm in London (which was pretty frequently prior to the pandemic), I always make sure to go to Bob
Bob Ricard in Soho, an amazing restaurant. I'll typically start with sturgeon caviar and champagne, followed by steak tartare imperial, and end with raspberry pavlova.
If you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why? No question about this one! I'm a big fan of Dripping Springs Artisan Gin, which is made in Texas.
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