Artist Spotlight

Can you give a brief retrospective on your musical background?

Well, from my first live performance at 13 years old until today, it has been the ultimate roller coaster ride, really high highs and some lower lows. I got my first acoustic guitar when I was 8 years old in a boarder town in Mexico and I have never looked back. My cousins, brother and I grew up playing and writing music together. My brother is older and was the lead vocalist of our group which lasted over 10 years. During that time we worked and toured with a lot of different producers and musicians which is how I met Casey the lead singer for the group I’m in now, ALPHA REV. Casey originally asked me to just help him showcase some of his new songs at a SXSW music festival in Austin, it turned out to be the start of an 8 year relationship with Casey and ALPHA REV. But, I have had the opportunity to perform and record with a lot of very talented people of the years and for that I feel like a very blessed individual… Music is such a great inspiration to have in one’s life and I can’t imagine mine without it…

What do have going on presently in your musical journey?

I am currently making a new record with ALPHA REV. This will be Alpha Rev’s 2nd national release, which will be coming out later this year on our new record label which we recently signed to called “Kirtland Records.”

What is the role of education in music?

When I’m not making records or touring with Alpha Rev I teach guitar and have done so off and on for the past 6 years. I really enjoy it and there is nothing more gratifying then sharing your own love and knowledge of music with another person and then to see them use it and take off on their own musical journey. So I am huge supporter of musical education and I think everyone should at least give it a try and see where it fits into your own life…

What do think of the current “State of Music”?

Sounds, music and the music business is and always has been ever changing. I’ve seen major changes just in my career. But I honestly am very excited about the current “State of Music,” it seems to that more so now than ever artists are seeking and not afraid to try new sounds, instruments and stray away from the mold of how songs have been structured for so many years. I also feel like all the major music fans are ready and excited about feeling new music and hearing new sounds… So I cant wait to hear what comes out in the next few years and I know we can’t wait to get out new music out for our fans to hear…

Why do you use Pickboy picks?

I use PICKBOY because like no other picks they last longer and they don’t take away from the natural sound of your instrument they only complement it. If you haven’t tried them you need to and you will never go back… Thanx a lot Pickboy, you have made my life that much easier.

Editors Note:

You can buy Alpha Rev’s CD, “The Great Thing I’ve Ever Learned” at iTunesa.

This is a full concert stripped down set Alpha Rev did at Saxon Pub in Austin in Feb 2012.