(J-14.com 7/22/06)

On his just-released debut album, This Is About You, he criss-crosses back and forth between John Mayer-style pop to Justin Timberlake-y soul, throwing in some irresistible dance grooves, too. In his free time, the California boy is helping two Season 1 American Idol contestants, Jim Verraros and Angela Peel, finish their CDs.

Q: When you were watching American Idol, did you ever imagine you'd one day be working with those singers?

A:I really wanted to, but it seemed so out of reach for me being such a young songwriter/producer.

Q: What inspired you to record your own album?

A: I had been working on my album even before I worked with Jim, Angela, Tyler Hilton or even Triniti. After working with those great artists, I was getting a lot of hits to my website, fan sign-ups and press requests, so I felt like the timing was right.

Q:How would you describe your sound?

A:Dr. Dre meets Pavarotti. (Laughs) Can you imagine?! I'm kidding, although, I do love them both. The people who inspire me right now are Sheryl Crow and Beck. The Beatles are my favorite. I'm also greatly inspired by the soul of Stevie Wonder, the funk of Prince and Michael Jackson, and the artistry of Alanis and Tori Amos.

Q:Who would you love to sing a duet with? A:Sheryl Crow.

Q:What are you listening to right now? Sheryl's new song, "Real Gone." Love that song. I play it at least 20 times a day. And I just finished listening to The Killers and Goldfrapp.

Q:If somebody wanted to hang with you one on one, what would they have to be like?

A:I like funny people. I'm such a clown, and I like it when people can play along.

Q:Will you be going out on tour this summer?

A:I would love to. Right now I'm working on Jim's next album, and I just finished Dakota Cole's debut album. Yikes! I'll have shows close to home here in L.A., though!

To see the orginal story, click here