Interview: Big White Light

1: How did you decide on the name, “Big White Light"? 

Big White Light came to me like a lightning bolt: a gift from above. The place I create from is a sacred space and if I remain as open as possible, beautiful things happen. I really dig the name because everyone I talk to has a different take on it. What does Big White Light mean to you?

2: What inspires you to create? 

My imagination has always run wild since being a kid. Usually a title or concept can bring me from initial song idea to finished product. Sometimes I hear the whole song in my head before I record a note.

3: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be in a creative profession?

Do it because you love it. Wear blinders and don't compare yourself to other people. At the end of the day, what do you want to contribute to the world? Do that. 

4: Do you feel open minded about what you listen to? Do you like going out of your comfort zone?

I love all music and I love being pushed out of my comfort zone. For inspiration or mood, I often get exactly what I need when out of my comfort zone. My favorites go from Kanye West to Meshuggah to Max Martin's catalogue. 

5: What outlets do you find out about music from? (Record stores, magazines, samplers, etc.)

I usually find the best new music through word of mouth, a trusted friend or the artists I produce. A lot of times an artist will come in with something as a reference that is super fresh. 

6: What is your favorite format to listen to music on? (CD, Vinyl, etc.)

Gotta say CD but I love vinyl. I grew up with CDs so they have a soft spot in my heart. I burned out Metallica's "Black Album", Alice In Chains' "Dirt", etc on my dad's Sony walkman every day on the bus going to school .

7: What band/artist do you think everyone should listen to?

King's X (Dogman), Big Wreck (Ghosts), Biffy Clyro (Opposites), Third Eye Blind (Self-Titled), Kanye West (Yeezus). 

8: What motivates you to check out a new artist?

I'm usually motivated to check out a new artist by hearing a massive hook or ballsy production approach that I can't get enough of. 

9: Who was the first band/artist that became your favorite band/artist?

Growing up, Metallica and Dream Theater. All day, every day. 

10: What was the inspiration for your song “A Dream”?

It started with a George Carlin standup special where he was talking about America. I wrote "A Dream" about waking up. We live in a world of illusion with countless distractions. Nothing is what it seems. There is some positivity in waking up as a collective group and trying to do better, even if doing the right thing isn't the popular choice.