We’re thrilled to speak with such a talented performer like yourself. What was it like growing up in such an artistic family?
Thank you so much for having me BuzzMusic! I can remember when I was about 5 years old going to church with my Grandma (Betty) and loved watching her sing and play the piano. She even got me singing a little. My grandmother was an amazing artist. Broadway shows painting, crafting, and anything that involves her creating something she was natural. My dad got back into playing guitar when I was 13. He was always jamming loud Classic rock, Soulful Motown, or Blues. He started teaching me the chords, and the next thing I knew, I was jamming right next to him.
Through my teenage years, I was very fortunate to have a best friend who also played guitar. We jammed out every chance we could. It wasn’t until I worked my first job at “Classic Cases,” that I decided to take my music to another level. I got turned on to more masterful style music like Dream Theater, Pantera, Rush, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Al Di Meola, and Strunz and Farah. I couldn’t get enough of the sounds.
The guys at “Classic Cases” were guitar shredders and they started teaching me all kinds of scales and riffs. That’s when I knew, at 16. I wanted to be a lead guitar player. Bands were in and out of this place all the time. On my lunch or break, some would take time to teach me things or just jam with me. This company builds fiberglass custom cases for musicians, lighting companies, etc. I guess it was just the right place at the right time.
“Beyond The Trail” is truly a beautiful song, and you wrote it 12 years ago! Do you feel that your approach to writing music has changed over the years?
I composed a small fraction of “Beyond The Trail” 12 years ago. I slowly just kept adding to it throughout the years. This song has been about all of the ups and downs throughout my life. About the different paths that I chose to take.
When I got married, I finally finished it. It took that missing ingredient, LOVE, to finally finish my song. I was so excited, knowing how long I’d had this idea. “Beyond The Trail” is a 12.5-year journey of my life. My approach to composing new music is still similar. I enjoy listening to a lot of different styles genres and, but most of my music comes from my feelings. I feel like I have been able to tap deep into my inner feelings and just pour it all out.
Your music can attract a wide variety of listeners across the globe. What do you think had the biggest impact on your overall sound and style as an artist?
My biggest impact was the people who inspired me. My family and friends opened my mind to some awesome bands. As far as style goes, Classical Guitar, Latin, Tango, and Progressive Rock have had a big impact on my composition style of music.
You’ve said that writing your own music has always come naturally to you. What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring songwriters/musicians who face adversity with writing?
Practice, Practice, Practice Every Day! Listen to some of your favorite artists and pick out some sounds and riffs that touch you and explore. You want to build up your ear for listening to sounds. Next thing you know, it will start coming out in your playing. I like using a loop pedal to help me compose. This has been a game-changer.
What can we expect to see next from Bond Fusion?
Bond Fusion is finishing up an album soon. Stay Tuned! My album release concert and tour dates coming soon. In the meantime, you can catch me in the Austin, TX, area playing my heart out.