As a Bel Air-based artist, I wear many hats – at least, that’s what some people say. Singer-songwriter, musician, author, podcaster – it’s all driven by this lifelong passion for creativity. Back in 1996, I chased the rock n’ roll dream to Los Angeles, a kind of personal Shangri-La. That’s where I honed my musical skills and started forming my first bands.
While music remains my core, with over 24 albums and EPs under my belt, both solo and with bands like Skitzo Calypso, We Love the Underground, and Veteran Avenue, my artistic journey wasn’t limited to just music. I’m also a self-published author, having written the “Children of the Program” trilogy and the poetry collection “These Things I’ve Said.”
The “Mouthful of Graffiti” podcast, launched during the pandemic, is a testament to my dedication to the artistic community. It’s a platform for me to connect with fellow artists, amplify their voices, and foster a space for creative exchange and growth. With the extensive network I’ve built over the years, I’m proud to feature both established and emerging talents.
But my commitment extends beyond the stage and the page. I actively serve on the Bel Air Downtown Alliance and work for the Harford Community College Foundation, demonstrating my deep connection to my community.
My story is one of unwavering passion and perseverance. I continue to try and leave my mark on the world, whether it’s through a captivating song, a compelling story, or a thoughtful interview, enriching the lives of fellow artists and audiences alike.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My daughter is a Harford Community College graduate, currently set to graduate from Towson University in May of 2024. My wife, Lisa Cox, who spent 20 years working as a paralegal in Bel Air, currently works at the Harford County State’s Attorney’s Office. My immediate family lives in Harford County.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My professional career kickstarted in 2006. While wrapping up my Mass Communications degree from Towson University, with a focus in journalism, I was offered an advertising role at The Baltimore Sun and didn’t look back. From there, and as the industry began to change to digital, I accepted a role with Patch.com, quickly moving through the ranks. In 2014, after a massive layoff, I accepted a position with M&T Bank. In 2018, I took a chance on a San Francisco-based start-up called Fivestars and quickly networked over 40 businesses in Bel Air to the platform. As my time there began to wind down, I began searching for work that more closely reflected my creative interests. In 2019, I was hired as the Ticketing & Marketing Manager at Harford Community College and was later promoted to a role with the Harford Community College Foundation. I love knowing that my work with the HCC Foundation has the ability to change people’s lives forever, making tuition possible for emerging leaders by removing financial obstacles.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I think a lot of folks think I work at Vagabond Sandwich Co., because of how often I eat there and/or wear their clothing, but that’s only one of my jams. I love MaGerk’s, Steelfish or The Orient on Friday nights and Sunny Day Cafe on Saturday mornings. We have so many great restaurants in this town, it’s hard to pick just a few.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived in Bel Air for the majority of my life, give or take my time in Los Angeles, CA. To be specific, approximately 45 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
That’s impossible. Next! I’m just kidding. I’m going to go with Larry Noto. He’s got a really great backstory, especially in comedy and he’s helped revitalize the legendary Music Land, which has launch a lot of local careers, producing so many beautiful musical memories and talents over the years.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Raiders of the Lost Ark is my favorite movie. I don’t watch a lot of television, but I do enjoy the Ozark, Money Heist, Black Mirror & Stranger Things series.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be brave enough to fail at new things. Do things that make you uncomfortable. If you believe in something, don’t accept ‘No’ from yourself or others.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Spots like MaGerk’s, Steelefish or Sean Bolan’s will forever remind me of places like Uncle George’s, Georgetown North or Tollgate Junction, which were all old haunts. But, probably most special to me is Reb Records, because just above Reb Records in the 90’s was a recording studio called the 12th Planet Record Studio where I cut a lot of my first albums.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would like to meet Jimmy Page. I would take him to One Eleven Main and talk about his rich career and approach to songwriting and audio experimentation. From there, we’d walk down Main Street to Reb Records to talk music, memories and art therapy.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Our community has evolved greatly over the past 45 years. Our food, breweries, local shops and historic town make leaving a near-impossibility.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I’ll still be a Bel Air native, writing music and/or books and podcasting, and continuing to build upon my collegiate career, finding ways to build our community for generations to come.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I love sea life. When I was a kid I wanted to be a marine biologist; I think a lot of that gets eclipsed by my current passions/pursuits.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
If we’re talking Bel Air, I would say the Ma & Pa Trail and it’s drop-off at Independent Brewery is a 10 out of 10 experience.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My father. We haven’t always seen eye-to-eye, but at the core, we share a lot of the same values. He’s someone I will always look-up to and value for his character and heart.
Q: What community service or volunteer work do you participate in for your local community?
I serve on the executive board of the Bel Air Downtown Alliance.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Historic, Small Town, Main Street.
