What kind of music do you love, and who are some of your favorite artists or bands?

Cake, Primus, Gorillaz, Die Antwoord, DangerDoom, Daft Punk, Miike Snow, Thundercat, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Citizen Cope, too many to name!

What was your relationship with music like before your cancer diagnosis?

Back when I was diagnosed, I still loved music, but I didn’t get into making music as much until later. Once I did, working on songs and learning instruments helped me process my cancer journey so much better.

Can you share a little bit about your cancer story?

I was diagnosed with Leukemia when I was as a teenager and went through my initial treatment during my high school years. Part of my treatment I was part of a study that included cranial radiation as part of my treatment. Just a few years ago, I suddenly started having issues with memory, speech and even reading. Turns out due to the cranial radiation, I had a brain tumor growing for a couple decades and it had started very noticeably affecting me. During the weeks leading up to the removal surgery, I was not able to read anything and my speech was heavily impacted. Luckily, I had a great surgeon and just in days of the removal of the tumor, I was able to read and speak properly again and I’m now better than I have been in decades. I have been very fortunate to have a wonderful support system, including the great work the Play it Back program.

Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music?

Before and during my brain surgery, writing songs and making music as been very therapeutic. It gave me a focus and a different way to express how I was feeling about my recovery. It was a very difficult path to walk, but music has always helped me to find a center.

What led you to join Play It Back, and what are you hoping to get out of the experience?

Having had finished my first album of songs with Play it Back, I would plan to take that experience and continue improve my musical creativity and skills. It has been amazing to collaborate with other Play it Back artists to create whole new art!

If you had to describe the kind of music you want to make (or already make), how would you describe it?

I’ve always loved bands that create songs that don’t sound like the last song they created. I don’t normally go into song creation with a genre in mind. I like to just have art flow freely and just I end up with.

Anything else you want to share?

I want to thank the Play it Back program for all they do. Having an opportunity to create music with professionals as well as other cancer survivors is such an amazing experience and has been such a healing experience.