What is your sound and approach to music?

I enjoy thinking out of the box when it comes to the music I compose. With so many influences in varied styles and genres, my inspiration can come from multiple and unexpected sources.

The first album I bought was…

The first jazz album I purchased was Miles Davis’ “Kind Of Blue,” although I grew up hearing all forms of jazz growing up, from Dixieland to John Coltrane. The first pop/rock album I purchased had to have been TOTO IV, as they were also the first live concert I saw (on tour in support of that album).

I knew I wanted to be a musician when…

I think my earliest recollection of wanting to play music was at the age of 4, when I knew that I wanted to play drums. I began studying music (piano) at age 7, and then got into percussion at age 9.

I basically fell into producing just in the last 5 years, once I got into programming and sequencing. I started to record ideas, and then that moved onto collaborating with others and also doing remixes for people.

Do you have any specific teachers or influences?

I have had many influences, but those whose lessons have resounded the most have been those teachers who stressed learning and appreciating all different styles of music. My two mentors are Craig Williams, an accomplished world percussionist from St. Louis who can play traditional styles and instruments from African, Cuba, Brazil, and the Middle East. The other mentor was Ndugu Chancler, the famed drummer and producer who has played with everyone from Miles Davis to Michael Jackson (on his hits “PYT” and “Billie Jean” no less). Both of these teachers stressed that I understand, appreciate, respect, and have a working knowledge of as many styles of music as possible. This has formed the backbone of my music identity.

What is your teaching approach?

When I teach other percussionists and drummers, I stress two things: Being as well-rounded as possible in terms of musical styles, and knowing the history and tradition of each style of music.

Your dream band or artiste – Based on who you like from the States or any other country?

In terms of dream jobs- since I like so many styles of music- there are many varied artists I would like to work with. At the top of my list are Sting, Peter Gabriel, Herbie Hancock, Madonna, and Nine Inch Nails (who I actually acted as a consultant for, helping Trent Reznor with the 2008 U.S. tour).

Road or In Studio story: Share your best or worst experience.

I have been blessed to have so many great experiences on the road touring with so many great artists. Some of my favorite moments include the rock-n-roll grandeur of touring the world with Fleetwood Mac, and getting to experience the private jets, police escorts, and screaming fans. Another would be performing in a castle courtyard with Whitney Houston, listening to her sing “I Will Always Love You” acapella under a lone spotlight under a starlit sky.

Favorite recording studios you worked in?

One of my favorite studios that I had the pleasure of working in recently is EastWest Studios in Hollywood. Another great one is Henson Studios, which used to originally be Charlie Chapman’s film studios in Hollywood. Lots of history there, as it also used to be A&M Recording Studios where they recorded “We Are The World.”

Do you have favorite venues or locations?

One memorable concert venue is Red Rocks Amphitheater outside of Denver. Carved out of sheer rock, this venue not only sounds great, but is breathtaking from both the audience and performers’ perspective. I was fortunate enough to perform at Red Rocks with Stevie Nicks, on her return there for the first time since her iconic 1982 concert video.

What is your favorite recording and why?

I would have to say that my favorite recording has nothing to do with any mind-blowing playing or solos from my side, nor the record sales (although it did do very well)… It would have to be Dr. Dre’s 2001 album. The grooves on this classic hip-hop album still hold up today, and I really was forced to think out the box in the studio, coming up with creative parts. It was also an album in which the artist was also the producer, so I really got a sense of satisfaction, seeing Dre like what I was coming up with.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?

I would like to think that both as a performer and producer, I am contributing to the fusion and blending of music, adding to the sonic fabric by melding all of my influences.

Did you know…

I recently launched a street wear line, called 3rd Culture Style. It’s branding and complimentary blog page stress multiculturalism and open-mindedness.

I also run a separate blog called Team-Yellow (www.team-yellow.com). That blog showcases Asian, South Asian, and Asian American creative people, such as musicians, dancers, visual artists, performance artists, designers, as well as food, technology, gadgets, and pop culture stuff.

Music you are listening to now?

I just picked up Janelle Monáe’s album “The Electric Lady” and have been enjoying it. I’ve also been listening to Jay-Z’s “Magna Carta… Holy Grail,” as well as as Chromeo’s albums “Fancy Footwork” and “Business Casual.” I recently recorded a bunch of percussion tracks with Chromeo on their upcoming album, and wasn’t too familiar with their stuff, so I picked up their first two albums and have been digging them.

What are your must have music desert  picks?

In terms of all-time favorites, I would have to say Pat Metheny’s “Secret Story,” John Coltrane’s “Blue Train” and “A Love Supreme,” Miles Davis’ “Kind Of Blue” and “Miles Smiles,” Steely Dan “AJA,” Sergio Mendes “Brasileiro,” Sting’s “Nothing Like The Sun,” Sweetback’s eponymous debut album, and anything from The Meters (my father-in-law’s group).

How would you describe the state of music today, R&B and EMD all genres today?

It’s definitely an interesting time in music as, with the advent of the internet and streaming content, so much is available a click away. In some ways, that can be great for the consumer in that there are so many choices. The negative effect is that because of the huge influx, listening becomes more passive. Someone may be less apt to seek out music, do the research, and develop tastes, and instead just passively listen to a genre streaming on internet radio.

As far as for the artists, up-and-coming artists are able to now get their material heard around the world much easier. Unfortunately, though, usage and pay scales have gone down by huge amounts, making it far more difficult for artists to make a living creating.

Tell me a little about any special events that you felt good about that you were involved in over the last few year’s or so?

Over a period of two years, I had been on tour with the show “Michael Jackson: THE IMMORTAL World Tour,” which is a joint production between the Michael Jackson estate and Cirque du Soleil. We spent the fall of 2012 and spring of 2013 traveling across Europe and Russia, and then we went to Asia in the summer. I jumped off the tour in the summer, and dedicated my time to launching 3rd Culture Style, the Team-Yellow blog, and releasing the second album from my group Tao Of Sound.

What are some of the essential requirements you believe to keep pop-jazz-soul music, and well-written music alive and growing?

At the end of the day, I have faith that music consumers are savvy enough to appreciate quality music, no matter what genre. There will always be trendy songs that capture a moment in time, but in terms of artists with longevity, there is the common thread of artistic quality, dedication, and evolution of craft.

What is in the near future?

In the near future, I plan on expanding my product line with 3rd Culture Style and continuing to promote the Tao Of Sound “RONIN” album on outlets in North America, Asia, and Europe.

What is your greatest fear when you perform?

I wouldn’t call it a fear, but it is definitely a challenge to always stay in the moment. All of my countless years of practice and preparation have laid a great foundation for me, but I try to get out of my own head when actually performing.

What is your favorite song to whistle or sing in the shower?

I can’t say that I really do that…

By Day… what do you do?

By day, I work on creative ideas. Sometimes that may be programming a drum groove to be the skeleton for a new song. Sometimes that may be writing in my other blog, www.Team-Yellow.com showcasing Asian and Asian American creative artists (musicians, dancers, visual artists, fashion designers, etc), or working on ideas to expand my product line for 3rd Culture Style. The exercise is to stay as creative as possible, whether I am on tour or at home.

If I weren’t a musician, I would undoubtedly have been dedicated to some other creative outlet. I have always been a visual artist since I was a child, and as an adult enjoy creating in a myriad of ways… whether that be a clothing line or cooking a great dish.