1. what first inspired you to become a drummer?

In my younger years I briefly played piano before moving onto clarinet and saxophone for 7 years during high school. I had always loved the sound, energy, and finesse associated with percussion and drum kit, yet had never considered taking the instrument up formally, probably due to my melodic instrumental background, and more classical training and environment at school. After years of watching other drummers at school and listening to bands such as Tool and the Grateful dead, I began my formal drum training in the begging of 1999 under Darren Perkins. The instrument and I bonded immediately and my understanding of the craft came naturally and with little effort. Through Completing VCE Solo performance with top marks, and studying at the V.C.A and Box Hill Performing Arts Centre, It has been a natural evolution which continues today.

2. anything that you’ve learnt along the way that’s really helped you as a drummer?

Great Musicians and teachers often talk about 'out of context thinking' to improve your craft internally. I have no doubt my instrumental training prior to learning the drums has assisted me greatly. As well as playing numerous sports growing up, which assists with balance, co-ordination, independence, and the awareness of your own body.
Relaxation techniques, awareness of mental states, and meditative approach to practice and performance are vital in understanding that all that comes out on your instrument, comes from within.

3. who have you and/or who are you playing with at the moment and what are the bands movements
   Anything to plug?

I began my professional performing career with well known local Funk/Reggae group 'Funk the Distance' and performed with them for one year. Whilst performing with Funk the distance I joined Original project 'The Pyramid Scheme' who recorded their first album within 6 months of the Trio forming. Next as an original member of Word of Mouth (local Funk/Rock/Hip Hop outfit) I performed for 18 months before the band split up after winning the Revolver Battle of the Bands competition at the end of 2005. I then began to put a strong focus on personal development and my studies in Jazz, out of which I formed the Jazz Quintet 'The J Spots' who perform private gigs and functions. Two Original projects are currently under development to Launch into the start of 2008!

4. what gear are you using at present?

 2005 Pearl Export series with Three mounted Rack toms, and one Mounted floor tom. Gretsch Maple Snare Drum. Mapex Janus System Hi Hat Stand and Bass Drum Pedal. Cymbals: Sabian Hi Hats and Sabian 20" Rock Ride, Paiste 10" Splash, Zildjian 16" China Trash. All pearl Hardware.

5. what would be your dream gig?

To play with Tool would be my dream gig without doubt, followed closely by the Jazz Legends, (All of them in this dream!)
From A repertoire point of view a personal goal of mine is to play drums and percussion for a performance production of West Side Story (Incredibly challenging)

6. favourite drummers and/or bands and why?

Daney Carey and Tool. As a whole the Band are far beyond anything else I have ever heard. Arrangement, combinations of incredibly powerful melodies, sounds, lyrics, and complex understanding of rhythm and polyrhythmic patterns. Focusing just on Daney, his integration and understanding of world music and drumming are paramount to Tool, his ability to draw from these genres and adapt to the drum kit in a Metal idiom are astounding and his mastery of the craft is inspiring.
In a Jazz and fusion sense, Elvin Jones, Buddy Rich, Philly Joe Jones, Jimmy Cobb, Tony Williams, and David Garibaldi.