PUNCHING TURNIPS

Did you know that your favorite wordsmith is also a performing musician? When I’m not writing science fiction, I’m jamming with my buddy Leo. He’s an 80s metalhead and I’m a 90s alt-rocker. Together, we enjoy playing our favorite tunes on ukuleles.

Out in the wild, we’re known as Punching Turnips, a Gen X ukulele duo. And since I’m no longer active on the convention circuit, this is the best way to meet me. Check out our official website for the latest news, clips, and show dates. Come hang with the Turnips!

MUSIC HISTORY

There was a time in my life when music was my primary creative outlet. I spent a decade in the music industry where I released four studio albums and toured the indie rock circuit.

It all started with Solo Endeavor, a one-man rock band that I formed in college. I released a debut album in 1997 and performed mostly at dive bars with the aid of drum machines. The album is very hard to find these days (due to limited supply and the fact that it was terrible).

I moved to a larger city after graduation and formed Sydewynder, a hard rock band. I released a second album, Concourse B, which found a decent local following. It was a notable improvement, but far from great. On the flip side, I was able to construct a lively show with a four-piece ensemble, which steadily grew the fanbase.

It wasn’t until my third album, Fire Storm, that national radio took notice. Several tracks enjoyed regular play, a few of which got featured on MTV and sparked a big wave of interest. I performed regularly and was even booked to open for Godsmack at a 19K capacity arena. The show was sadly canceled due to an extention of their megatour with Metallica. The prep for this show took a lot out of the band, which never fully recovered. Sydwynder disbanded in 2005.

I formed The Mayhematic shortly after, an industrial rock project with various DJs that blended hard rock with club rhythm. I released a fourth album as a conceptual EP. It enjoyed decent success, but the act would sadly stall after a few short years on the circuit. I shelved the project in 2008 and decided to take a hiatus.

This was when my focus shifted to writing and publishing. Music took a backseat as I built an author career. Eighteen years and 27 titles later, my sagas reached a stopping point. This allowed the music bug to bite again, which resulted in Punching Turnips.