Three37

When and why did you start playing?

When I was about 12. At the time, all the cool kids (including my best friend at the time) were in band at school, so I wanted to be like them and fit in. Mr. Ron Crowley was the man I tip my hat to for teaching me the basics and making it fun for me. He’s the man who gave me private lessons and saw something in me.

What do you like the most about your profession?

So much to choose from. I guess the entire experience. To see what you put so much work and effort into making people move, clap, dance, sing along, and have a good time. Seeing that come to life on stage is incredible.

What do you like the least?

As with every profession, there will always be those who are difficult to work with. Word to the wise, check your ego at the door! When music becomes more work than fun, you have to take a step back and remember why you enjoy playing in the first place.

What was your first instrument and why the instruments you play now?

I tried Saxaphone for about 2 weeks, but I just didn’t like it. I’ve been drumming ever since. I also try to dabble in hand percussion as well: Congas, bongos, Djembe, Cajon, etc.

If you could go back in time, What would you do differently?

Not a damn thing! I’ve found that everything up to this point has led me here for a reason, and I’m perfectly happy with where I am.

What are your fondest memories about you playing music?

Playing downtown New Orleans for Wednesdays in the Square. It was the biggest crowd I’ve played for to date. To see the people enjoy and respond to original music was amazing.

What was the first tune or tunes you learned?

Lol! It was “I Disappear” by Metallica and “Blurry” by Puddle of Mudd. I remember working on those for hours.  

What is your favorite color?

Not sure if I have one, but if I had to choose, I’m partial to matte black.

Is your family musical? If so can you describe if and how it had an effect on you as you started to grow as a musician?

My family is not at all musical. My dad played sax in school, but it had no bearing on me. They did get me private lessons, which I have to thank them for tremendously. They were always very supportive throughout my growth, both during school and after.

Which famous musicians do you admire?

So many to choose from… Tony Royster Jr., Aaron Spears, Carter Beauford, Gavin Harrison, Buddy Rich, Victor Wooten,  the list goes on.

Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?

I can remember having a Michael Jackson cassette of Thriller. I played the hell out of that thing. I also had Metallica’s Black album.

Who are your favorite musicians now? Groups? CD's?

Local man Marc Broussard, Phil Collins, Earth Wind & Fire, Dave Matthews Band, Eric Clapton, Garth Brooks, Incubus, Jon Cleary, Staind, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Carlos Santana, Tool, Chevelle, Bob Segar,…

HOW has music CHANGED you? 

Music is my driving passion. How has it not changed me? It’s given me an escape from all the BS in the world. It’s made me push my limits and boundaries. I’ve learned to adapt, create, compromise, feel, listen, experience, and just be.

How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

Mistakes are inevitable. It’s about staying calm and collective. I try to prepare myself mentally for when something happens. Ultimately, you have to play through it. Can’t tell you how many sticks I’ve dropped.

Is there a side of you that the public never sees?

Of course. I mean, you try to be as genuine and true to yourself as possible, but we all have secrets and personal things we don’t want any public to know or see.

Do you get nervous before a performance?

Very rarely. When I was first starting to play publically, yes, but not anymore. It’s to a point where I can relate it to being on autopilot. The more fun you have, the less nervous you’ll be.

What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?

Nerves are just part of the game. Relax, be confident, and have fun. Music will eventually be more about feeling than thinking.

What was the most important day of your life?

My birthday.

How often and for how long do you practice?

At least 2-3 times a week. It depends on the schedule really. Sometimes, gigs come so often I don’t have time to. Sometimes, practice is the gig.

Do you teach music?

I used to. I was the Percussion Instructor for North Vermilion High School for about 5 years. I taught the drumline as well as wrote the battery scores to most of the music. Those were the good ole days.

What was the hardest tune for you to learn?

Every song had its challenges. I remember struggling the most with good ole Tom Sawyer by Rush, Satellite by Dave Matthews Band, and Sober by Tool.

How do you balance your music with other obligations?

That’s one of the toughest things to do. Luckily, I have a great employer who works with me. Unfortunately, there are times that music has to take a back seat to work or other life events. The trick is to understand what’s more important.

Do you have a ritual or routine on the day of a show?

Aside from shaving my pretty bald head, no.

What's the best and worst thing about playing club-bars ect?

I think every place has their pros and cons. New venues are always fun. My biggest pet peeve is drunk guys who insist on playing my drums. I’m sorry buddy, you’re drunk ass is going anywhere near my equipment.

What are your dreams and goals?

Ultimately, to be happy while doing what I love to do; play music. Doesn’t have to be just from that, as long as I get to.

Do you write the songs, what are they about?

No I do not. But I’d like to start getting more into that aspect lyrically.

What do you think about the way music has evolved into an industry of hit singles instead of the classic value of a full length record?

To me, It cheapens it. It was nice at one time to be able to list multiple songs from multiple albums from your favorite band or artist. They didn’t sound the same and everything was unique. Songs had meaning. Albums told a story.

What's your opinion on the record industry today?

Desperate. It feels as though there’s a constant desire for the next “trend”. Ex. (hick-hop / bro country, repetitive beats, auto-tune…) How can any record company in good conscience allow an “artist” to use auto-tune? It’s clear that the almighty dollar has surpassed the quality of the product.

Why should someone attend a Three37 show?

Good music from great musicians. We understand what people want to hear and we deliver. Energy and passion behind every note. We’re out there to make money yes, but more importantly we’re there for YOU, the audience, to have a good time!

When and why did you start playing?

I started singing along to Madonna’s True Blue record with my mom back when I was very young. I started playing music when I was 5th or 6th grade. We had my grandmother’s old piano in the house and one day I walked by and remember vividly pushing down on the keys and not wanting to stop the sounds. I guess the why is simply undefinable as when you're a musician… you just play…

What do you like the most about your profession?

I love the freedom that music offers me. I am able to express myself through my own words and melodies or I can do it through someone else’s. Music has been so good to me and it’s something that I will always cherish and never take for granted. Oh and I love being able to sleep until noon! 

What do you like the least?

If there is one thing that I dislike it’s the busy weekends. Not all the time… But let’s face it… I play and work when everyone else is off… it leaves little time for a social life but every now and again it would be nice to share a weekend with friends and family. It’s the life that I choose and they all respect and understand that.

What was your first instrument and why the instruments you play now? 

My first instrument was the piano. I started with the trumpet in middle school and that was my primary instrument throughout high school and some college. I picked up the bass guitar because I wanted to play in bands. Then I grabbed an acoustic guitar and took off when I realized that I could provide my own accompaniment while I sang! 

If you could go back in time, What would you do differently?

I don’t know… I’d like to say that everything that has happened in the past happened within the time frame that it was intended… But I’d have to say that I’d probably want to write more originals and release them, regardless of the quality.

What are your fondest memories about you playing music?

Some of my best memories are those in which I’ve got the audience in the palm of my hand, and not in some ego-maniacal way, just in a way that they are attentive and interacting with my passion… those are my favorite gigs.

What was the first tune or tunes you learned?

My first tune was Push by Matchbox Twenty… it happened by complete accident. I want to say that I learned some Skynard (simple progressions) and Blues Travelar after that… Creed was also pretty big when I started playing guitar so I always tried to learn their stuff to impress the ladies.

What is your favorite color?

My favorite changes… I go through color moods the same way that I go through music moods or any other mood for that matter. My favorite color right now would probably have to be navy blue.

Is your family musical? If so can you describe if and how it had an effect on you as you started to grow as a musician?

My only knowledge of anyone in my family being musical is my Uncle Aubrey and My mother. Aubrey could sing and play a multitude of instruments. I really feel like he is somehow living in me helping me along this path. My mother was never too proficient at any instruments to my knowledge but she could sing like the wind blows (Forrest Gump reference). I grew up with her constantly singing. It was only a matter of time before I started doing the same.

Which famous musicians do you admire? 

My favorite musician is Harry Connick Jr. I love that he is from Louisiana and he’s just a fantastic musician. He’s one of those people who are deservingly famous. He really has talent and he handles himself like a regular guy, just in a down to earth, cool kind of way.

Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?

My mom would play The Carpenters records a lot. We would listen to a lot of Anne Murray, George Strait, Sam Cook, etc… It would constantly be playing in the background of everyday life.

Who are your favorite musicians now? Groups? CD’s?

Like Dustin, I am a huge fan of Marc Broussard. His delivery of his songs has been very influential on the way I try to present my music. Mingo Fishtrap is another favorite. Just soulful, and funky. Matchbox Twenty still remains a favorite along with Harry Connick Jr., Van Morrison and I’ve recently discovered Tony Joe White.

HOW has music CHANGED you? 

I believe I was always meant to be a musician. That has never changed. I feel like the business side of music has changed me into a more diligent person. I work harder now than I ever did in my entire life and it doesn't even feel that way. It’s taught me that if you want something, your’e not going to get it if you sit around and wait for someone to tell it’s ok to have. You have to go make it happen. There’s no formula. Passion, creativity, and determination are key.

How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

Music is art and art is subject to interpretation. You may think it’s a mistake but it may be my interpretation of the performance in that particular instance. Seriously though, music is imperfect. Mistakes will happen. The best and only way to deal is to just keep playing. Don’t ever stop the music.

Is there a side of you that the public never sees ?

Absolutely. “On stage” I am a frontman, a singer, a performer, an entertainer. But when I’m away from the scene, I am just a laid back guy. I enjoy time with friends and family but I equally value my alone time.

Do you get nervous before a performance?

No. I’m not afraid to perform. I’m not afraid of what anyone will think or say, good or bad. I’m confident in my ability and I believe that I can handle any situation on any stage that I’m faced with.

What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?

The more you put yourself in front of people, the better off you’ll be. Period.

What was the most important day of your life?

November 8, 2010… That’s the day that I turned to music to be my cash cow. I quit everything else in life and decided that I was going to be what I had always truly wanted to be.

How often and for how long do you practice?

I play over 250 gigs per year collectively between my solo shows and full band performances. I believe there comes a point in the progression of a musician where practice is no longer needed. I know how to play the guitar, I know how to sing. I believe practice just morphs into learning. It’s very hard to find me without an instrument in my hand. 

Do you teach music?

I’ve given a few guitar lessons and would like to pursue it more, but the gig schedule is so brutal, I’m afraid I would have to cancel too many gigs to keep a regular clientele.

What was the hardest tune for you to learn?

The hardest tune for me to learn on the guitar would have to be Crash by Dave Matthews Band. The phrasing of the guitars over the vocal melody was very hard for me to sync up.

How do you balance your music with other obligations?

Well, music is my priority. I understand that it may not be for everyone else, but music has been good to me and I intend to always strive to respect that. The people in my life know what music provides for me and they are 100% on board so the balancing act is really pretty simple.

Do you have a ritual or routine on the day of a show?

No routine. No ritual. I do try and make sure that I don’t eat immediately prior to the show because it sometimes makes me burp while I sing :)

What's the best and worst thing about playing club-bars ect?

The best thing about it is seeing your name on the sign. In “lights.” It isn’t Vegas but it’s still pretty cool.

What are your dreams and goals?

My dream is to sustain a healthy living in the music industry and my goals are to simply keep growing, keep writing and releasing new music, and to try and encourage people to not be so chicken shit when it comes to following their dreams.

Do you write the songs, what are they about?

I do write songs. They are about many different things. I mostly write songs about some sector of love but I draw inspiration from many angles. Most of my material is not actually from my own experience but from someone else’s experience that I manifest into lyrics. Sometimes the song is good, sometimes its crap. You can't win them all lol.

What do you think about the way music has evolved into an industry of hit singles instead of the classic value of a full length record?

I hate it. As an artist and a songwriter I write a record in the manner that you should listen to the record in it’s entirety to really get the max value from the songs. I understand that the trend is the single and that’s the way the dollar flows but I still hate it. It’s mass produced junk and it’s not ruining music, but it’s ruining the artistry of music. Only my opinion.

What's your opinion on the record industry today?

I believe when peer to peer sharing and iTunes came along the record industry did what they had to do to stay relevant and keep making those Bentley car payments. Bands nowadays are cookie cutter, talentless faces of the industry. Talent shows, such as all of the singing competitions, make me sick. To think that someone could land a record deal by standing in line is absurd. I believe a musician and an artist need to know and feel the rejection of playing for a crowd of 2 people. They need to know that satisfaction of playing for a crowd of 200 people. These experiences are more valuable than anything in this business. In a nutshell, the record industry is nothing more than a group of people trying to build a product. It’s not about the song anymore.

Why should someone attend a Three37 show?

Well look at us. There’s no way you can deny having a good time at one of our shows. If you want to sing along, dance, drink, get crazy, or slow dance with your favorite lady/man, then we gotcha covered. 

When and why did you start playing? Started playing around 12 years old when I started middle school band playing the saxophone

What do you like the most about your profession? Expressing how I feel without repercussions

What do you like the least? Carrying heavy equipment

What was your first instrument and why the instruments you play now? First instrument was saxophone, but I mainly play guitar b/c I never heard saxophones in the music that I liked to listen to.

If you could go back in time, What would you do differently Take guitar and music theory lessons

What are your fondest memories about you playing music? Playing legendary venues like Grant St. and House of Blues, also playing for The New Orleans Saints Football Team.

 What was the first tune or tunes you learned? Smoke on the water on guitar, Hot Cross Buns on saxophone.

What is your favorite color? Grey

Is your family musical? If so can you describe if and how it had an effect on you as you started to grow as a musician? Mom plays guitar and sings, my grandpa played in a popular band back in the day. The music that my parents played while I was growing up influenced me to pick up the guitar.

Which famous musicians do you admire?OZ NOY, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Freddie King, and Jimmy Page

Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones? I was influenced by Radio Mostly.

Who are your favorite musicians now? Groups? CD's? OZ NOY, Rage Against the Machine, Meters, Zac Brown Band

HOW has music CHANGED you? Increased my perception of things and my ability to adapt to any situation

How do you handle mistakes during a performance? Keep on keeping on

Is there a side of you that the public never sees? Yes

Do you get nervous before a performance? No

What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous? Practice

What was the most important day of your life? Buying a House

How often and for how long do you practice? Don’t practice often but when I do normally an hour or two

Do you teach music? No

What was the hardest tune for you to learn? Heartbreaker-Led Zeppelin

How do you balance your music with other obligations? With LESS SLEEP

Do you have a ritual or routine on the day of a show? Eat something easy on the stomach

What's the best and worst thing about playing club-bars ect? Best: Free alcohol Usually    Worst: Cigarette Smoke

What are your dreams and goals? I dream of owning my own business. Goals are for people who plan to fail.

Do you write the songs, what are they about? I don’t write many songs, but I usually write about things that I’ve experienced.

What do you think about the way music has evolved into an industry of hit singles instead of the classic value of a full length record? The music industry is dying and the reason music isn’t selling is b/c the millennial’ s have taken over and destroyed the two things that matter most important thing in any economic situation. Supply and Demand.

What's your opinion on the record industry today? My opinion is that the “industry” is creating human Ad-ware, made up of a pool of “artists/puppets’’ who have “songs” written for them by “ad men” with catchy one liner tunes in order to sell products to their target market of wannabe’s. 

Why should someone attend a Three37 show? Someone should attend a three 37 show b/c you deserve to have a good time.