- Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your musical journey – how did you get started? Alan & I began jamming together in 1994. We wrote a couple of dozen songs between 1994-2001. Alan moved away till early 2025. When he moved back, my wife suggested the NACC as a place to rehearse. We began jamming here once a week. We never had a full band until a couple of months ago when Josh asked, “hey do you need a bass player?” After years of never having a bassist, we finally found one.
- What kind of music does your band create, and what inspires your sound? Hard rock, grunge, blues. Truth be told, the inspiration goes by feel. Music & lyrics, we go with what feels natural. In my experience, especially with lyrics, you can’t force yourself to write about a specific time, place, person(s) because then it feels forced. It has to feel authentic.
- How did you first get connected to the NACC, and what made you choose it as your rehearsal space? My wife. Lol. When I was handed a drum set (literally), I played for about 3 minutes until she made me stop and told me it was too loud. She suggested the NACC. I remember looking the NACC up online, and contacting Jennifer. She was very welcoming. We scheduled to rehearse on a weekly basis and the rest is history.
- What does having a dedicated space at NACC mean for you and your band’s creative process? It’s like a 2nd home with a smaller mortgage/rent. Lol. We’ve honed our craft for the last year here. The NACC is part of The Baker Act Family.
- How does being part of the NACC community influence your work as an artist? The NACC, and even the city of Niagara Falls and its surrounding areas, screams inspiration. There’s so much life in WNY that people either take for granted, or they can’t see it. To me it’s being a part of something special.
- Can you walk us through what a typical rehearsal looks like for your band? Before the show we just played, we were basically playing the full set gearing up for the show and trying to get everything down. Now, we’re hoping to figure out the best way to record music there, and hopefully book more shows.
- What are you currently working on – any upcoming shows, recordings, or projects? Like I said, we’d like to figure out the best way to record music here. We have to record some songs to send out to bars so we can schedule some shows. We have begun writing 2 new songs. I believe there will be A LOT more of that down the road.
- Have you had any memorable moments or breakthroughs while rehearsing at NACC? When Alan moved back here and we started jamming again, that was as memorable as it gets. Josh coming into the fold, and being a godsend on bass (guitar). He picked everything up so quickly. And really, the show. We played at the Woodbox Theatre earlier this month, and had a blast. We raised a little bit of money for the NACC, and we hope to pack the place next year. We want to make it an annual thing just not Easter weekend. Lol.
- Why do you think spaces like NACC are important for local musicians and artists in Niagara Falls? It’s a chance for this area to grow. I have been mentioning the NACC to anyone and everyone over the last year. I wasn’t even aware that one of my friends was also a tenant. She’s a part of the Western Door Playhouse. You have The annual Art of Beer, the Juneteenth festival, plus its a place where all the local acts and artists that come here to do what they love to do.
- How do you see music contributing to the broader community here in Niagara Falls? Music is energetic! No matter if it’s rock, jazz, rap/hip hop, gospel, it gets your attention. People want to know what’s happening. Being in Niagara Falls is inspiring.
- What advice would you give to emerging musicians or bands just getting started? Play what makes you happy and play from the heart.
- Where can people go to listen to your music or stay updated on your work? Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578587523825 We have uploaded a couple of videos on Youtube https://youtube.com/@thebakeract-p2g?si=3NO43ptMeAR8xrH7 from the show. I’m trying to find the time to hopefully upload a couple of more videos.
