Q

Another crossroads.

I have chosen to step away from my last project, but I am very, very much looking forward to fully exploring my newfound creative freedom.

I'm sure I'll be back onstage in due time, but for now... many riffs to find, songs to craft, and words to write.

Picture of me onstage playing bass, striking a wide stanced dramatic pose while wearing a stylized mad scientist costume

Picture of me onstage playing bass, kneeling while wearing a stylized mad scientist costume.

Picture of me onstage playing bass, on my knees and striking another very dramatic pose while wearing a stylized mad scientist costume that features glowing LED goggles and bright red lining

Picture of me onstage playing bass, kneeling and striking yet another dramatic pose next to our green-haired female vocalist while wearing a stylized mad scientist costume. In the background, our rhythm guitarist is dressed like Dimebag Darrell, wearing a large black wig and fake red beard.

Just some Mad Scientist stuff from our big Halloween party gig last weekend. Super fun excuse for an original cosplay to really play up the persona!

Wanted to pay homage to Dr. Steel while doing my own thing. My partner helped me bring my design to life and I love how it turned out!

A week of quiet reflection and focusing on my own connection to this sacred hobby has done wonders. I'm ready to follow my muse, wherever she may lead me next. /4

When my spark is threatened, or I feel like my North Star is at risk, I always take a step back to reflect and protect it. There is comfort in knowing that I will always, always have music as my refuge, regardless of whether I create it alone or with others. There is happiness in this simplicity. /3

Either as an individual or within the context of a band, it's always been important to me to preserve the precious spark at the heart of creating music. Wielding frequencies feels like it's some of the only true magic in the world, with the power to extract and encourage deep emotional response. /2

I have always done music purely for the love of music and the joy of self expression. To me, the act of decorating time is a celebration of ephemeral beauty, existing only in the moment and only as long as we are engaged in the activity. Whether listening or performing, it centers and grounds me. /1

Picture of an acoustic/electronic hybrid drum kit

Joy.

Picture of a Beelink Ser8 Mini PC.

This little mini PC is already proving to be one of the best investments I've ever made. Took a couple of days to get all my software, instruments, and plug-ins set up. Completely dedicated system for music and sound design.

Solo project soon.

...I've also got a bass synth pedal preordered... :D

Picture of a red drum kit with RTOM Black Hole mesh heads and black low volume cymbals

I really missed playing drums. So I went and spent a bunch of money on things so I could play my old kit in my apartment without bothering the neighbors!
It's wild how much quieter these pads and cymbals are. Also, since I've added triggers, I can now use these as an electronic kit, too!

Photo of Q, the bassist of From Ashes To Embers, kneeling onstage while performing

Wide shot photo of the band From Ashes To Embers performing onstage in front of a crowd. Q, the bassist, is kneeling and holding his instrument aloft

Stage photo of the band From Ashes To Embers performing onstage at the Apollo theater. All members are lined up at the front of the stage

Photo of Q, the bassist for From Ashes To Embers, playing a power chord on his instrument while looking upward and shouting

A few more photos from FATE's last show opening up for Spineshank and Union Underground!

Picture of the band members of From Ashes To Embers after their performance opening up for Spineshank and Union Underground, posing with the crowd at the Apollo theater with their hands raised in the Metal Horns gesture

Picture of the band members of From Ashes To Embers onstage after their performance at an outdoor festival, posing with the crowd.

Picture of Rick and Q from the band From Ashes To Embers sharing a microphone while performing a song onstage

Picture of the members of From Ashes To Embers after a performance onstage at The Vixen in McHenry, posing with the audience and raising their hands in the Metal Horns gesture

FATE has had a very busy year so far! Absolute whirlwind of activity, I gotta get better at keeping up with posts. Here's a few pics!

Took a bit of a social media break so I could focus on meatspace/IRL stuff. Was sorely needed.

As the year winds down, I am recommitting to taking care of myself, cultivating my joy, choosing to be better, and reconnecting with treasured friends on a deeper level.

I'm gonna make things again.

Just... despair.

Picture of the band From Ashes To Embers posing underneath the marquee outside of The Rave/Eagles Ballroom in Milwaukee, WI.

Crowd POV shot of From Ashes To Embers performing onstage at The Rave Bar stage in Milwaukee, WI.

Picture of the legendary Pool in the basement of The Rave.

Picture of members of From Ashes To Embers posing in front of their signature on the wall of the Pool room in the basement of The Rave. Many other signatures are on the wall, notably Cradle of Filth and Hollywood Undead

On Oct 24, my band got the amazing opportunity to make our debut at the historic Milwaukee venue, The Rave!

We opened up for The Funeral Portrait, a great group of people currently on tour with The Hu!

And... we even got the chance to explore the legendary Pool in the basement, and sign the wall.

POV from ER bed.

POV from inside of an immediate care room in a hospital

POV, holding an apple aloft while at a beautiful outdoor picnic area

POV, a long walking path on a sunny day

A week in four pictures.

I had a health scare that began last week. Pain and discomfort in my lower right abdomen. Lead to a late night ER visit, some uncomfortable days in the restroom, an immediate care visit, XRays, and OTC meds.

I'm now going on hour+ walks daily and making changes.

"DEFYIN' THE LAWS OF PHYSICS"

Thank you! As soon as we got the details on this one, best believe that the memories came rushing back.

And now I find myself wondering if they'd let me play congas for Rabia if I supply them myself...

Flyer for an upcoming Nonpoint concert at The Apollo Theatre in Belvedere, IL. Date- Dec 14, 2024, also featuring the bands From Ashes To Embers, Finding Ghosts, and So Called Saints.

About 20 years ago (oh jeez), my best buds and I spent plenty of time driving around the suburbs, full of the energy and hubris of youth, blasting Nonpoint's album Recoil at absurd volume levels. (RABIA!)

In December, I get to share a stage with Nonpoint as direct support.

Life is freaking wild.

The happy purrs and meowing of my cat, the sounds of my partner typing on her mechanical keyboard, and the sounds of distant passing traffic late in the night during a breezy Midwestern fall.

These sounds all bring joy and help keep me grounded, no matter what else may be happening.

Managing my anxiety tonight by finally going through all the categories of patches on my Fantom 06 keyboard to pick out favorite tones.

There are so, so many sounds in this synth, my goodness!

"Maaohw?
....mau."

-Diva

Have you ever worked with other musicians in the context of a band before?

When you work on your compositions, do you approach them as individual songs, or as parts of one large canvas?

I've experimented for many years trying to get my own solo work moving, so I'm curious about your approach!

Finding old recordings is always such a treat. Even the crunchiest wav files done with Sound Recorder and a Packard Bell desktop mic on a Windows 98 PC can be an effective time capsule.

Such a neat way to hear how far I've come and reflect on cherished memories of beloved friends.

Midwestern autumn weather always gets me into a Writing Mood. Without fail.

There's just something about a cool breeze, light rain, and falling leaves that sends me on these wonderful internal adventures.

Can't wait for my next visit to the local library to really enjoy these vibes.

Lots of quality time with my Ax Edge keytar lately. Current goal is building a usable, killer bass synth sound so I could potentially use it live onstage with my band for a song or two!

Kinda wish I had that double headed synth/bass that Chris from Muse uses!

The band members of From Ashes To Embers in a huddle around the drum kit, poised and preparing to begin their performance

Picture from the crowd POV at a From Ashes To Embers concert, with many fists and horn gestures raised

Picture of Diva, the 20 year old black cat, relaxing happily in bed.

Another couple of cool photos from last weekend, plus a nice bonus picture from the morning afterward.

Diva's the best companion ever for post headbanging recovery rest days! She didn't let me get out of bed for hours, haha.

Looks like I was #5,028,015, haha.

I've definitely enjoyed the vibes and experience of this app over others I have used. I really enjoy how much I can curate what hits my feed here.

Wait a minute, Bsky has actual video now?!

testing with one of my favorite little Elden Ring moments back when I was helping folks KO Mohg and get to the SOTE DLC lol

Promo picture of the band From Ashes To Embers, announcing that the new EP "Incendium" is now available

Picture of the band From Ashes To Embers huddled together on stage just before beginning their performance

Post-show picture of the band From Ashes To Embers, with a packed crowd behind them, all throwing the "metal horns" gesture

Been busy busy busy with music stuff!

My band's new EP is now available for streaming everywhere, and we had a packed release show last night. Super proud!

Picture of me sitting on an elephant statue at the zoo, pointing forward with one finger while wearing a yellow Hawaiian shirt decorated with many black cats

Picture of a beautiful 14 year old white cat relaxing happily on my lap

I love cats (and zoo trips with friends) so much lol