Tell us a little about yourself and how your musical journey began. What sparked your interest in pursuing music?
I started playing guitar my sophomore year of high school all the way back in 1997.I grew up listening to punk bands like Descendents, Vandals, MxPx, Green Day, etc. and just wanted to play in a band so bad. Music was an outlet for me in high school and helped me get through times of feeling like I didn’t belong or that I was a little different than everyone else. Listening to songs that express somewhat how you feel and being able to write them exactly how you feel are totally different things.
What made you decide to pursue a career in music? Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired you?
When I was in my very first band in high school, a punk band called Taunt, I’ll never forget when we played a show downtown at a street festival. It was packed around the stage and at one point we played one of our songs and I could barely hear myself singing because the crowd was singing along so loud. That was an amazing feeling. That just kept pushing me to continue to write music that touched and moved people. Connecting with people on a musical level is something special. Ever since then I’ve always been in bands or creating solo music.
The name “Funeral at Sea” is intriguing! How did you come up with this name for your musical persona?
The name actually originated almost 20 years ago. I went through a phase (although I’d say I’m still pretty into it) where I was obsessed with pirates and that lore. I read in a book about how they would bury people at sea not only because there was no way to preserve the bodies for the trip home but also as an almost offering to the seas that they would remain calm for passage. I actually started a band called Funeral At Sea back then, but we only played one show and never recorded and broke up. The name always stuck with me so I rebirthed it for my solo acoustic stuff because I loved it so much.
Looking back on your musical path, what has been the toughest challenge you’ve faced so far? How did you overcome it?
Several years back, I played in a band called The Redemption Song! We were starting to gain momentum and even signed a deal with Strike First Records/Facedown Records and released an album. We started booking tours and flying around the country to play festivals and shows and it was such an exciting time. My wife at the time found out she was expecting my first son. I was beyond excited and of course family comes first so I had to step away from the band. Unfortunately, the band broke up shortly after that. However, I’ve always wanted to get back to that level again, but it’s definitely difficult to juggle a full time job, family time, and musical career. Up until recently I wasn’t sure how to juggle it all, but with the current state of the industry it’s actually easier than ever to gain a following online. I think that’s been my biggest hurdle is trying to balance shows, promoting, and writing all while trying to give my sons the attention they deserve.
How do you like to describe your music style and sound? What sets it apart from others?
Funeral At Sea is bare bones acoustic and vocals that on the surface may be classified as folk, but at its core it’s punk influenced. While I get influences from everything like Johnny Cash to Dashboard Confessional, due to my upbringing the punk mindset comes through at times. One of the things that sets me apart with this project is the passion and rawness of the music and lyrics. I bare my soul in these songs and most are fairly dark. Struggles with negative emotions and questioning everything. It is really tempting, especially in the studio, to add additional instrumentation, but that is my main focus with this project. I want people to be able to come see me live and it sounds just like the album. I also want people to be able to listen to the album and close their eyes and it’s like I’m right in the room with them playing for them.
Congratulations on your latest release, “Never Enough”! Can you share the story or inspiration behind this song? What’s its significance to you?
Thank you! That is the first single off the new full length “Curse of the Commonwealth”. This song was written after a divorce I went through about 4 years ago. It was a difficult marriage and an even worse split. There was a lot of verbal abuse from my ex-spouse and with my over thinking it just sent me into a spiral of negative thoughts and if I even deserve to be on this planet. However, after some soul searching and really focusing on being there for my two sons, I knew I had a higher calling and needed to pull myself up by the bootstraps and grow into a better version of me and move on. For myself and them.
Could you take us behind the scenes of creating “Never Enough”? What was the process like from idea to finished track?
When I was tracking the full length and this song in the studio, I told the producer Sam that I wanted to make sure it sounded as live and real and raw as possible. I’m not big on over production, but I also don’t want it to sound bad. I think he nailed it.I did most of the tracks in one take on the guitar and one take on vocals. We set up about 3 room mics and a direct plug in on the guitar to blend all those sounds to create what you hear. I love how it turned out. He nailed it on the head.
When working on “Never Enough,” what part of the creative process did you find most enjoyable or fulfilling?
As it is with most of my Funeral At Sea songs, when I’m going through a rough time I grab my acoustic and just start playing. It helps me get emotions out and a song is usually born. When I write a song, I always write the music first and then the lyrics. Sometimes I may already have an idea about a hook, but for the most part it’s music first so I know how to fit the lyrics. The trickiest part of this song was how to get the lyrics exactly to say what I was feeling. In my later years of being a musician, I’ve moved so much more focus than before on lyrical content. I want to tell a story. I want you to feel the pain and hurt, but I also want it to be somewhat optimistic. That’s why I wanted the bridge to have the lyrics “I’m doing the best I can”.
What makes “Never Enough” stand out compared to your previous songs? How is it different?
This track and the other on the upcoming full length “Curse of the Commonwealth” and more upbeat than songs I have written in the past. They are also a tad darker on the lyrical side, but with a shimmer of hope. I definitely focused heavily on lyrics and trying to create guitar landscapes that draw you in with hooks.
Are there any standout moments or experiences from your music career that have left a lasting impression on you? Could you share one with us?
Having played thousands of venues, festivals, and shows over the years the one that stands out the most was a few months ago. I was playing a Funeral At Sea gig here in Lexington and I had a person come up to me after the show. They said they’d never been moved by emotion like that through music like they had that night. They said the transparent lyrics and the intimacy of the music just brought them to tears. They said the music even made them reach out to their dad whom they hadn’t spoken to in years. That floored me. To have that kind of impact on an individual was humbling. That’s why I do this. For my release of emotions and to connect with people on a human level.
Can your fans expect more music similar to “Never Enough” in the future? What’s your vision for upcoming projects?
They certainly can! Like I mentioned, I have a full length vinyl LP coming out later this month on the Kentucky based record label – Transcendental Revolution. You can preorder it right now at their website – TranscendentalRevolution.com It’s a limited pressing of 100 and they are on translucent yellow vinyl. I’m excited for everyone to hear this album and soak it in. It will drop on all streaming platforms on Tuesday, May 21st.
What’s on the horizon for Funeral at Sea? Any exciting projects, collaborations, or plans you can give us a sneak peek of?
After the release of this full length, I’m looking to drop a cover album. I’m wanting to do some acoustic covers of some songs that have inspired and influenced me over the years. I think everyone will be surprised how some of the songs I will turn into my own style. The tentative title is “The Bedroom Covers”. I also have a few new songs up the sleeve as well, so I may drop a single for that. I also plan on dropping some more music videos for the songs on the album so be sure to check those out on the Transcendental Revolution YouTube page!
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