Let’s start off by rewinding to the very start. How did you discover music and how come you ended up playing guitar?
I come from a family of music lovers. I was introduced to Black Sabbath when I was just a young pup and Tony Iommi’s guitar playing and sound made me want to play guitar. Still does!

You’re a songwriter, producer, engineer, clinician, gear demonstrator, recording and touring artist, content producer… May of these roles, of course, overlap and culminate in videos for your YouTube channel, but is there one you enjoy more than any of the other? 
Songwriting and producing are tied for the most enjoyable thing I do. Sitting down and creating music from nothing, recording and building ideas, is my idea of a good time.

To you, what is the most rewarding part of making music? Is it the actual creative writing process or is it the embellishment in sound that happens after?
The most rewarding part of making music for me is when I’m able to write something that makes me feel something. Anything. If I’m able to do that, I feel like it translates to the listener in an authentic way. It can be any emotion; anger, sadness, happiness, etc. That’s usually something that happens during the writing process, but the way the idea is presented, sonically, is very important as well.

Where in your creative process does Toontrack come in and how do our gear help?
I’ve relied on Toontrack drum libraries since the very first Drumkit From Hell was released. I like to write drum ideas as I compose on guitar and Superior Drummer 3 makes that simple. So much of the music and videos I’ve released over the years feature Toontrack samples. They’re a go-to in my arsenal of plugins.

You have released several albums under your own name and been involved in many projects and bands over the years. Looking back on your musical journey, what are some of the standout moments for you personally so far?
The short-lived project I was involved with, Conquering Dystopia, is a top-tier memory for me. The entire process was a great time and I feel like we made a unique and special record together.

Your line of signature Schecter KM guitars is now on its third iteration with the MK-III models. What has changed over the course and where do you plan to take it from here?
The first iteration of the signature guitar was based on existing body shapes and specifications. I was able to tailor the specs and finish to my tastes, but the body and neck were essentially taken from other existing models in their lineup. Fast forward to the MKIII and Schecter allowed me to design a guitar from scratch, and NOW it’s a true signature guitar. I can’t go into too much detail yet, but the future KM guitars will take your sound to new LOWS.

Having a need to feel the music every band you take on is making, you’re selective with the bands you do production work for. As a mixer, where do you usually start with a song that comes your way – the drums, guitars, vocals or something else?
I always start with drums. It’s important to have a solid foundation to work upon. Drums take up so much sonic space, it’s best to dial that in first. From there I usually move on to bass, then guitars, then vocals, etc.

Is there any instrument you generally struggle with more than any other in a mix?
Hi-hats. I have slight hearing damage from years of rocking out stupidly, and hats are difficult for me.

Name a few all-time favorite albums that you did not work on where you think performance, sound and feel all come together in perfect balance.
Oh, I could go on forever so I’ll just shoot from the hip. Since it’s Metal Month:
Ruïm “Black Royal Spiritism”
Ulcerate “The Destroyers of All”
Gorguts “Colored Sands”
Bloodbath “Fathomless Mastery”
Dark Fortress “Ylem”
Nidingr “Greatest of Deceivers”
DHG “Black Medium Current”
Ascension “Under Ether”
Wyrgher “Panspermic Warlords”
Devenial Verdict “Ash Blind”
Kvadrat “The Horrible Dissonance of Oblivion”
Morbid Angel “Gateways to Annihilation”

If you were to have someone else mix your next record, who would you pick and why?
My good friend Leon DelMuerte. I’ve heard some tones coming out of his studio lately that are insane. Plus we have similar tastes, but his mix choices are always quite different from my own. Could be fun!

What’s next on your agenda?
I just started writing for my next solo album and I’ve started up a band project with some buddies to bounce around ideas and stay fresh. I’m also going to be doing a series of videos on YouTube that focuses on audio production in 2025.