20 Questions: The Little Ones

1. The latest book or movie that made you cry?

The last movie that made me cry was The Wrestler. In my head I was crying, but I didn’t exhibit it publicly for fear that I wasn’t wouldn’t be perceived as tough enough. Just kidding. I did get emotional when Mickey Rourke’s character explains to his daughter that he is washed up. I couldn’t help feel that maybe we are all washed up in some way. Maybe sometimes you can’t really follow your dreams?

2. The fictional character most like you?

I would probably say Hiro Nakamura from Heroes. I think his penchant for being a super hero is really appealing to me. He has great imagination and tries to accomplish the impossible. I can really relate to his good heart as well. Maybe we look alike too? More people should be like Hiro!

3. The greatest album, ever?

Very tough question to answer. I could probably elaborate on some albums that shaped my musical way of thinking. One album is The Beatles’ White Album (1968) and the other is The Kinks’ Village Green Preservation Society (1968). Both records really taught the power of melody and storytelling. Even if the melody is simple it can still have a great impact against a well-crafted musical bed.

4. Star Trek or Star Wars?

Star Wars all the way. I was raised on Star Wars and I have such great memories of going to the toy store and purchasing the various action figures. If I had saved them all they would probably be worth a fortune right now. At some point as a kid, I believed that Star Wars was real. I know there are some adults out there that think that way too…

5. Your ideal brain food?

My ideal brain food is Wasabi Peas. I can’t get enough of them. I like to pop a handful in my mouth and see how long I can stand it. It usually starts making my eyes water and after that I can really concentrate on anything. Everyone should try it.

6. You’re proud of this accomplishment, but why?

I think I am very proud of what The Little Ones have accomplished so far. I think the first thing would be our Sing Song EP. We recorded and put it out ourselves and was really proud of that. In the beginning, all we hoped to accomplish was to play a show in LA. Everything that has happened so far is icing on the cake. here might have been ups and downs in the process but everything is an accomplishment.

7. You want to be remembered for…?

I want to be remembered for being a selfless person who treated others the way he wanted to be treated. I want people to remember me as a nice guy who happened to play music and tried to entertain people in the best possible way.

8. Of those who’ve come before, the most inspirational are?

Anyone who has fought for civil rights and our teachers. Without individuals who have done these things we would be nothing. I couldn’t imagine living in a world that had constant racism and inequality. We must be thankful for those who have fought for our rights. Our teachers are the ones who set us on the right path. We must honor them as much as we can.

9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?

I wish I had written the song “Chikka Chikka Boom Boom”. It’s a children’s song by Bill Martin Jr. and my one year old loves it to death. Every time it comes on he has the biggest smile on his face.

10. Your hidden talents…?

I think my hidden talent is that I am good father to my one-year-old son. I can entertain him with various things and when he cries I am really good at passing him off to his mother.

11. The best piece of advice you actually followed?

Treat others the way you would like to be treated. I try to follow this everyday of my life. Sometimes it doesn’t work but I try anyways.

12. The best thing you ever bought, stole, or borrowed?

The best thing I ever stole was a very nice music stand from the music department in my college. I have had ever since and it has been by my side in the studio and when I write. It still says property of the music department. You can never find good music stands anywhere.

13. You feel best in Armani or Levis or…?

I am definitely a Levis person. I am not really into the designer jean thing because I tend to rip up my jeans when on tour.

14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be?

I would have to say President Obama. I would want to have dinner with him so I could get to know him better on a personal level. It would be great to have an opportunity to sit with leaders and have a normal conversation about things.

15. Time travel: where, when and why?

I think I would travel back to the beginning of college. I think I would want to maybe study something different and probably take the first years of college more seriously. There was so much to be learned and I think I might have been distracted.

16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation or Prozac?

Definitely a spa vacation for me. I wouldn’t want to rely on anything artificial to bring me a sense of well-being. I am very open to a natural way of relieving stress.

17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or…?

I think coffee is really essential to life. Essential to my life. I need that cup of coffee in the morning to get me going. I know millions of Americans feel the same way. Without it, I seem lost…

18. Environ of choice: city or country, and where on the map?

Top choice would be Barcelona, Spain. There is so much life in the city and the people have the greatest attitude in the world. You just feel so at home and at ease in Barcelona. A close runner-up for me would be Woodstock, NY. There’s something in the air there that makes you want to get off the grid and enjoy a simple way of life.

19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country?

I want to say to President Obama that I am very happy that he was elected and indeed eager for ‘change’. I just hope that the Washington DC machine doesn’t cloud his future decisions and that he stays true to his campaign promises. I know a lot of people will be disappointed if he doesn’t.

20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?

We are currently in the studio recording demos of new material that we hope will turn into a new record very soon.