When I was a kid, at the age of 5, I sat in front of the TV all day waiting for the video for Genesis 'Land Of Confusion' to hit the TV. I LOVED that song, and the video too! Ever since then I was into Genesis and then after the release of 'We Can't Dance' in 1991 I branched out and discovered their early years and such and went from there as the years rolled on getting into the progressive genre of music. What draws me to the genre is basically everything that encompasses it. I always try to find music that is different, that is trying something new and with progressive music, the genre itself allows for this to happen.

Genesis, Opeth, Ulver, Van der Graaf Generator, (anything by) Dan Swano, Devil Doll, the Cure, Rush, Dream Theater, Jim Croce (That is my current Top 10 List)


PA ~ How and when did you become an audiophile?

As far as music goes, my father is a guitar player (although not really anymore), and also has been a saxophone player with high school / college bands of that sort. So as you can guess, I've been surrounded by music at a very early age. But everyone gives that answer right?!?! HaHa! But I would definitely have to refer back to my days of sitting in front of the TV waiting for Genesis videos to come on as the starting point for all that is music for me.


PA ~ Do you find that younger people are becoming more interested in carrying on the prog genre?

Yes, definitely! A lot of the more extreme bands, which have younger members, seem to branch out and draw influences from a lot of the older progressive acts. Take Opeth for example, their last album has been compared to Camel and Barclay James Harvest amongst others! Though, not limited to the extreme type, many of the older bands seem to carry on at times with younger members in their entourage.

Allen Gunnison (sometimes Co-Host who has been to many a prog show, new and old!)
Rick Wakeman
Caravan
Dan Swano
Jadis
Pallas
Strawbs
Ray Wilson
Nightwish

Yes. Drums. I play a little guitar also, but that's just messing around. I have been involved in three bands. The last band called Screaming Underwater which basically was a eclectic metal band, using a wide variety of influences (hardcore, blues, jazz, metal, funk, etc...). This band came from a more progressive extreme band known as One Grisly Day, of which changed their name to Screaming Underwater amid lineup changes and such (I was the only original member left!). We played out, had some fun, but since then I normally just mess around on the drums, not devoting as much time to is as I wish I could. I guess in being with radio, I decide to play the music rather than create it.


PA ~ What has the highlight of your radio career been?

I definitely have to say being just being on the radio. It all came so quickly, myself getting involved in radio that I could hardly believe that I never thought of me having such an opportunity in the past. I've worked my way up to station shift DJ to having my own progressive show, Street Team coordinator and on from that to Music Director of WBWC. It's hard to pick any one particular moment or event, but if I had to say Dan Swano taking the time to participate in my show from all the way over in Sweden. It really is a thrill for me every time I play one of his customized station IDs he made for me when I play one of his (or related) songs on my show. I've always admired Dan Swano because he always seemed so much like myself as far as musical tastes go and opinions on music. His music of choice is prog, but every where you turn you see him involved in any project imaginable, from Death Metal, to Rock, to Punk/Hardcore, Shoegazer..the list goes on.

Other than music? Philosophy. I love to talk to death about a subject, analyzing its every part. I think it makes for some of the best learning, especially if you have a like person to talk with. I also enjoy movies, but unfortunately do not have as much time to dedicate to those as like the drums. Though recently it seems I've made myself have more time for movies, especially at my girlfriend's house (with 30 some movie channels, hehe). Movies I've seen recently include 'Killer Klowns From Outer Space' (yes I know it came out in 1988), 'Minority Report,' 'The Hot Chick,' 'Dreamcatcher,' Kill Bill Vol. I & II.'  Some of my favorite movies include 'Forrest Gump,' Brainscan,' 'Clerks', 'Dogma (basically all of the Kevin Smith movies), 'Back To The Future I, II, III,'  'Terminator 2.' I also like traveling. Though I don't get out that much, I love to travel far to see a show, or for a vacation. I'd love to travel to Norway or England.

PA ~ Any parting words?

Not too sound cliché but - ROCK ON!