I
would easily say that Alan Menken is my #1 influence and also my
all-time favorite composer. I cant even begin describing what his music
has done for me all my life. His stuff is incredible. Most people are
not familiar with his name, but recognize his work. He was going to be a
dentist, but i'm so glad he changed his mind. He started doing music
with "Little Shop of Horrors" (which included dentistry)
and then started his hit score "The Little Mermaid." After that it was
"Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "Pocahontas," "The Hunchback of Notre
Dame," "Hercules," Enchanted," and "Tangled." His chords are so warm
and alive. Such an emotional and remarkable musician. Best of them all
in this century in my opinion.
Amy
Lee I would say is my strongest influence of all time! I look up to her
and revere her greatly. I've studied her for many years and feel that
my study has not been in vain. I feel like I connect with her the most
because we share a deep interest in darker sounds. The way she sings is
so beautiful and haunting at the same time. She grew up as a classical
trained pianist who enjoys Beethoven and
Mozart. Her lyrics are always emotional and powerful. I cant think of a
greater example of a true musician today than Amy Lee. She is indeed a
role model in music today for a number of reasons. She is extremely
determined and hard working in all that she does and displays complete
loyalty to music and her fans. None of her work include lip-syncing,
auto-tune, or any other type of dishonesty. She allows passion for music
to be her one and only reason for her work, and often shares that fame,
sex, and money are never the motivation for her work. She has released 3
albums: "Fallen," "The Open Door," and "Evanescence." She's married,
plays the harp, and lives lives in New York City.
In
my opinion Josh Groban is the best male vocalist alive. Listening to
his voice is like having a icy cool breath mint in your mouth. Not only
is his voice quality the best, but his vocal abilities are incredible.
He has a very wide range and is able to hold notes for a long time.
Everybody should hear this guy sing. His next album called "All that
Echoes" will be released February 5th 2013.
Viktor
Uzur is somebody that I've personally met and worked with weekly. I
admire him because he doesn't just play music. Every note played is
distributed with the educated weight, pressure, speed, vibration, and
texture. He also knows every detail of just one note and the theory
behind it. It wouldnt be inaccurate to say that he is the best
performing cellist in the nation.
David
Osmond is the son of Alan Osmond, and the nephew of Donny Osmond. He
has appeared on "American Idol," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat," and Liken productions such as "Jonah." I admire him not only
for his talents, but for his life changing story of MS and new
perspective on life. He has two albums out. "Reflected," and "Road Less
Traveled." He sings with EFY singers like Jenny Jordan Frogley and
writes his own lds music like: "Today is the Day." He went on a mission,
married in the Salt Lake City Temple, and has two beautiful daughters.
Mack
Wilberg is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir composer for many years. He is
so amazing and his music lifts and inspires all listeners. Every song he
writes invites a strong spirit. My goals are to write like him someday.
William
Joseph is a child prodigy. David Foster (who found Josh Groban) found
this lds guy who plays the piano so well. I enjoy his work because his
albums include orchestration. He sacrificed musical opportunities to go
on a mission, and returned with many blessings and opportunities
because of his choice.
I
recently discovered Nathan Pacheco. He also is lds and went on a
mission. When I first heard his voice, I thought of the guy on
Rigoletto. I dont know much about him, but love how he carries himself
as a musician and sounds so good. His style is different, but is still
likeable around the world.
Danny Elfman is somebody that i'm still trying to understand better. He has done scores for Tim Burton and other movies.
Randy
Newman has a jazz style of writing. My music is not completely leaning
towards the jazz genre, but when he writes for pixar scores, it makes
life sound so exciting and inviting.
I
had a chance to play the Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 Op. 18 in my
orchestra with a guest pianist. When I first heard it, it was honestly
the first emotionally moving classical piece of music I have ever heard.
It is still my favorite today.
Hanz
Zimmer wrote for "Prince of Egypt," "The Dark Knight," "The Lion King,"
"Inception," "Pirates of the Caribbean," and many more. Such an
outstanding composer. I can always recognize his work because
of the intensity in his scores. He is amazing.
I really enjoy listening to Bach on spotify and hearing his harpsichord concertos.