I'm lucky that my family is musical. Music was encouraged. So when I saw Carlos Santana play and decided to really pursue the electric guitar in earnest, it was OK. My parents knew I was going to go for it.
In any case, Ives encouraged me to go into music even though he himself had such a hard time being a composer.
At the end of the day, I would love for the artists that I give positive reviews to to continue coming out with music. That's ultimately what I want as a fan.
Anything that encourages people to pick up an instrument and play, I'm fully behind.
In my whole life, I've had maybe 10 people who have told me how much my music means to them.
A young person coming up and saying, 'I absolutely love your music,' is very encouraging.
None of my family are musicians, but there was a lot of classic rock and country going on. I always wanted to sing. As soon as I expressed an interest my mom was super supportive of me.
My dad encouraged anything I wanted to do, especially music. Actually he drove me around to places where I could play.
It doesn't matter if you stick the name 'bluegrass' on it. I think people call things bluegrass that I wouldn't necessarily call bluegrass, but what they're calling country music today I'm not sure that I would call country music. But I love music and I try to encourage people.
My imam at the Central Mosque said there was no problem with making music. In fact, he encouraged me - he said if the songs are moral, not offensive, then go ahead.
We really believe in our music, and it's still heartening to know that it's appreciated, and that's what sticks.
