"Vincent" released on all streaming platforms!
In 2005 near the end of a weekly lesson, my band teacher called me into his office. He sat down and asked me what my plans for the future were. I thought it was pretty obvious to everyone around me that I wanted to pursue music. So I said this to him…specifically citing that music education was what I was looking toward.
He smiled and nodded and was silent for a few moments. Then he said, “You know…you play a lot of instruments…but you’re not very good at any of them.” I sat and was a bit confused…he was silent. I didn’t really have a response and then the bell rang. So he ushered me out.
That was the second to last time I spoke to him privately. The next time would be when I asked him to sign my year book. I had save the front and back inside covers for him and my drama teacher. Being the two teachers who’s subject really influenced me. The drama teacher had written down the whole page giving me hope, encouragement, warning me of the risk of a career in theater but wishing me well in it. The band teacher…wrote three words:
“La Vie Boheme”
From a show he openly hated that he knew I loved.
I’ve had this in the back of my mind for a long time. When I younger I was able to roll it off my back. But the older I got the more it ate away at me. I pushed myself to learn more…to take up new instruments. But I keep hearing him say “you’re not very good at any of them.”
Well…today I get to heap a hearty and healthy “fuck you” towards him. As today I release my first album. Completely self produced for better and worse. Not only is it my album…but I was able to collaborate with incredible musicians and vocalists from all walks of my life. People from the Rent tour…from my time music directing at Molloy College…to people from my neighborhood…to people who I did a single show with in Westchester like 9 years ago! It’s a testament to the experiences I’ve had. And will continue to have.
So go…check it out. Be one of those hipsters that can say “I knew it from the first album!” (that’s me putting out positive energy to the universe there.)
Streaming links can be found here. If you want a CD still (which…again…proceeds go to The Miracle Project…and you get a bonus track and additional artwork)…go here.
Look, I made a hat…
Where there never was a hat…