I became a musician at 10 years old. I had always dreamed of being a drummer, so my mother surprised me by taking me to buy a drum kit for my 10th birthday. But when she realized just how loud they were, she kindly nudged me to choose another instrument. I chose a guitar. It was that small, simple investment that she made in me when I was 10-years-old that led me to become a guitarist and eventually, a worship leader, audio engineer, mixer and producer.

I have been recording and mixing music for over 10 years, starting in the room above the garage in my family’s home. I fell in love with the music-making and collaboration process—the transition of a basic musical idea into a polished product.

I grew up in the Blackwater area of Virginia Beach in a country-style home surrounded by woods and a huge yard to run around. That house was the place of solace for my friends and me—a place to be wild and free, to dream big and explore our dreams together. As I’d dream with my friends and family, I’d always go back to one dream—starting a music studio and calling it “Blackwater Records.” A lot has changed since then, and although my music space has changed and developed, the heart has always remained the same. I’m still that wild and free dreamer.