Vital Stats

Age: 30

Instruments: Lead guitar (Gibson VOS SG Custom, Budda amps) and backing vocals

Band: The Fire Above

Day job: Project manager for a dialysis laboratory

Hometown: Cleveland

Current residence: New Smyrna Beach

Type of music you perform: Original alternative rock with a progressive edge

Repertoire sampler: Our current set list is 100% original -- that's the way we like it: "Dropping the World," "Black Hole," "Alter Ego," "I Wish I Only Could," "Bad Circuitry," "Never Enough," "Broken Life"

CD: Release of our first self-titled EP, "The Fire Above," on March 27

Web site: thefireabove.com.

Taking Notes

Who or what inspired you to take up music?

My dad really got me into Led Zeppelin and Van Halen at a very young age -- probably 7 or 8 years old, which led me to watching MTV videos often as a kid (when they still played videos). I obtained my first guitar at age 11, when the Police, Rush and Alice in Chains heavily influenced my development as a guitarist.

What was the most unusual or memorable gig you've ever played?

Warped Tour 2002 performing with Soulfound on the Ernie Ball Stage. It was incredible sharing the stage with so many awesome bands.

What musician/celebrity/historical person would you most like to have dinner with?

Joe Walsh

What was the last book you read? 

I earned my doctorate without finishing a single book. I don't have the attention span to read.

What CD/tape/music is in your car/home stereo/iPod right now?

"The Artist in the Ambulance," Thrice; "Best of the Police," the Police; "Thriller," Michael Jackson; "Led Zeppelin" (One), Led Zeppelin.

What is your favorite movie?

"The Goonies"

What was the best concert you ever attended?

The Kooks 2008. Had an amazing time with a special young lady ;)

"If I didn't play music, I would . . . ":

Have a large piece of my soul missing.

"I'd sell my soul for . . .":

Mike McCready's gear collection.