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

I love alternative rock most, but with some folk and indie roots. I like catchy songs with clever lyrics. I’m a fan of Cage The Elephant, Twenty One Pilots, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and Young the Giant.

But I will note that it was Twenty One Pilots who ultimately inspired me to begin writing, and creating, as well as pursuing my dream.

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

I was actively playing shows with my old band “Grey Flower” and we were writing lots of songs and even put out a full album called Ten Colors. But when I found out about the cancer and how much it had spread, and being told about my dismal chances, I felt it was best to disband and so we parted ways but still remain friends to this day, 67 rounds of chemo later.

Can you share a little bit about your cancer story?

So I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer a little over 3 years ago. It started with just a stomach ache that wouldn’t go away, so I went to the doctor, one thing led to another and a colonoscopy was ordered.

But when they attempted to insert the smallest camera, we found out there was a large tumor growing around my colon which obstructed the camera and my bowel movements. Emergency surgery the following week to get all the cancerous lymph nodes out and remove the tumor. The surgery went great, but it is seemingly more usual to do chemo first and then a surgery, but in my case it couldn’t wait.

Because of that fact it’s been more difficult to get all of the cancerous spots because the surgery left many that are practically undetectable until they grow enough to cause pain and become a threat.

I’ve had to endure several major surgeries, even a spine surgery as another tumor was forming on my spine and was going to paralyze me if not operated on soon, so we did the surgery and it was over 12 hours long.

Ive been through hell over and over and over again. I came close to death a few times over the years and even had to write my will in a hospital bed after a bad stint with fistulas. It’s been so much pain, more than I ever thought possible for someone to endure. But I keep bouncing back because my spirit has grown stronger and stronger and I will not lose faith. The cancer has definitely reshaped my life, but it will never get my spirit!

Did your experience with cancer change your relationship with music in any way?

Yes it almost felt like at some points music felt like a cold drink of water in the middle of a desert. I just needed it to survive. To not give up. To keep fighting.

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

I was encouraged by my family and my aunt had some connections that got me linked up with Kenli Mattus! I’m hoping to get recording and studio experience as well as help in improving my songwriting, and learning when to overthink it and when not to.

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

It’s funny, I like to tell people my genre of music I’m trying to make is called “Outlaw Folk Rock” it’s like a mix between alt-rock, folk, and some indie roots

Anything else you want to share?

Just so everyone knows… I’m not shy ;)

Also I’m learning to train with a Katana everyday and how to do the different defensive and offensive techniques. It’s also a great workout.