1. what first inspired you to become a drummer?

I warn you it's a bit of a long winded answer, but you'll see why.
I've been involved with music since i can remember, as my Mum is a Pianist. She had my sisters going through Piano lessons very early and my talented Grandparents would show me cool little blues tunes and other little licks. It was great. Growing up, I had a cousin Paul Desira (VCA Graduate, Master Guitarist! RIP) give me a few lessons on Guitar. When i convinced my parents that i wanted Guitar lessons at age 8 or 9, my eldest sister Melanie then started learning Drums. Through her i learnt the classic AC/DC rock beat. I wasn't completely sold at this point, i was still dreaming bout being the next Angus Young and Roy Orbison and a couple others i may or may not remember! Ha Ha... It wasn't until a few years later, after losing my Guitar teacher Liz, and trying my hand at Saxophone, that i rediscovered my love for the Drums and Rythms. All i remember is going to shows and being unable to take my eyes and ears off the drummers playing! It was just so fascinating. So i believe my first inspiration to be my sister Mel.

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

Having an open mind has been my saving grace, i believe. I find i can't descriminate with music. All music gets me moving. In having the open mind to everything else thats great, i can sometimes find me being too hard on myself. Then comes into effect the open mind, the self belief picks back up again and away i go. John Bonham didn't start out great, he became great, initially from wanting to learn something new from that which fascinated him.

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

I am currently playing in a band called Fire Underground. We have played with bands such as The Grates, Midnight Juggernauts, The Getaway Plan, The Black Keys, we played Pushover this year which i believe was one of my favourite shows we've played to date, apart from Amsterdam last year, when we went on tour to play Canada, America and Europe. It was absolutely crazy! In Amsterdam, i found out a drummer on tour with us Reggie Ray damaged his back and couldn't play for his two touring bands so it was up to me to fill in, i had a space of 1 or 2 hours to learn four or five songs for the Band 72Blues and straight after, play Fire Underground's set, party on, train it to Berlin with the Amsterdam comedown, then another 24hrs to learn another four songs for Reggie's other Melbourne Band Konqistador and perfect the ones i had already learned of 72Blues. i believe it was Eight shows in Three nights. UNFORGETTABLE!

Anything to plug?

We're Launching our new EP "Seize the Day" at Revolver Upstairs on the 9th Feb also playing a house party or two in the meantime. If your planning a houseparty anytime soon or know of anyone who is, and thinkin bout having a band play, contact us or simply check us out at

www.fireunderground.com
www.myspace.com/fireunderground

4. what gear are you using at present?

    '98 Pearl Export 5-piece kit
     14" Sabian Pro Hi-Hats
     16" Planet Z Crash
     18" Meinl MB20
     20" Sabian Pro Ride

5. what would be your dream gig?

ROCK IN RIO! alongside Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Peppers and  Muse

6. favourite drummers and/or bands and why

Jeff Burrows   / Tea Party: The sound and the strenth he gets out of his beats are awe inspiring
Danny Carey  /   Tool: His intricate technical wisdom
John Bonham  / Led Zeppelin: Look Listen and Learn
Gene Krupa    / Benny Goodman: Look Listen and Learn - Personality 'off the chain'!