What are the "two sides" of you?

I have a very feminine soft side that is so pure and beautiful and angelic. I also have a masculine side that is very aggressive and edgy and strong. And that’s who I am and I want people to see that side of me, all sides of me.

Is showing both sides of yourself something that’s easier as an independent artist?

Being independent and able to put my music out there and putting my vision out there is such a great opportunity for me. And it’s groundbreaking because a lot of times in this business it’s hard for one to stay true to yourself without being changed by the industry or letting other people come in and take over your creative control.

What’s the response been to your video?

I'm getting so many great responses. It’s very overwhelming. I love what I do – I have a strict passion for it. And I believe that what makes me feel good about what I do is the response from the people, the fans.

What were the outcomes of winning the Road to Stardom back in 2005?

I was on television for 10 weeks in a row. It was one of the most amazing experiences that I’ve ever had in my entire career. Now I have a staff of my own. I just launched my music video on national television, and I’m scheduled to release my album at the top of the year in 2013.

What was the reason for your hiatus after Road to Stardom?

I had to find myself. I had to start writing, getting new material. It was basically me going back to find myself, reinvent myself and start the journey fresh, more strong and more willing and able to fight. And when I say fight I mean putting in hard work and time.

You did a tour this summer of five Potbelly shops in five cities. What was the inspiration for that tour?

I was going to Chicago to see a concert and hang out. I always wanted to play there because that’s Potbelly’s hometown. Then I realized I wanted to do more cities and do a personal trip to see more of the country.

Do you have a favorite memory from the trip?

I was in New York for my last stop. When I first walked in they weren’t that thrilled. But when I was done playing it was a complete 180 degree difference. Everyone was wondering when I was coming back. One girl was like, “You’re coming back right? You’re my favorite.” I felt like a magnet – everyone was sitting as close as they could.

How did you start playing music?

My dad had a drum set and that’s what kicked it off. I wanted to be in the school band and they told me I had to take piano lessons. So I took some lessons and ended up loving the piano. I didn’t start playing the guitar until middle school and that’s when I started singing too. After that, I joined a rock band with friends of mine.

You also do a lot of recording and producing.

I started recording around the same time I started playing guitar. It became a hobby of mine. I started out with a tape recorder and then my set up kept evolving to get a better sound. I was the kid in high school with the really good recording stuff so I started recording and producing other acts that were at my high school.

How many of your own recordings have you put out?

I’ve produced three of my own albums. I released the last one at the Potbelly in Ann Arbor in 2010. I’m actually working on putting out another album – hopefully this December.

You’re able to play a lot of different instruments on your recordings, right?

Guitar, piano, vocals and drums are my main four instruments. Since I play the guitar I can add in the bass guitar. I like to use background keyboard effects that make it sound full.

What motivates you as a musician?

Writing and performing. I used to be all about all just writing original music. Then at Potbelly I started performing a lot and started to enjoy the performing side. I think my favorite thing about music is getting people together and making people happy. Especially when it comes to events, music is what brings people together.

Who are some of your influences?

Kiss, Poison, and Guns N’ Roses.

You also play jazz, right?

I ended up in Texas to pursue my degree in jazz performance because I couldn’t go to college and get a degree in Metal. So I decided to study Jazz. I only do 3-4 jazz gigs a year but probably about 7-8 gigs a week doing Metal.

Tell us your favorite memory about playing at Potbelly.

Having a person request one of my favorite songs that’s pretty obscure. It was a song called Banditos by the Refreshments. He didn’t think I’d be able to do it or that I’d have even heard of the song before. The guy was just ecstatic.

How did you start playing hair band covers with Poison Cherry?

I'd been playing the originals scene in Dallas for a couple years, and I was really tired of not making any money. I found the opportunity to play the music I love so I put a band together, and I figured it would go over really well with outrageous outfits and a fun stage show.

How is your acoustic tribute band, Hair Ballad Allstars, different?

We have the capacity to stretch outside of that genre, and we can play a lot more venues that couldn’t afford the other bands. It’s me and the singer from Guns 4 Roses – just the two of us so we’re able to book a lot more frequently.

And you also play with Guns 4 Roses?

My partner from Hair Ballad Allstars got picked up by a Guns N’ Roses tribute band that was forming. When one of their guys left, they asked me to come in. I worked with all the guys before and I love the music.

With all these gigs, teaching guitar lessons and playing at Potbelly, you’re living completely off of your music?

Yeah, there were ups and downs though. I had gotten to a point where I could do that and then my wife and I had triplets. It took me about 7 or 8 years to get to the point where I didn’t need any other income to support a family.

So what’s it like to live off of your passion?

It’s awesome [laughs]. It’s definitely a job and there are days when I don’t necessarily want to go to work because I just want to play with my kids. But when I pull back and remember that I get to do this instead of sitting in a cubicle!