Quotes

[on deciding to devote his life to music] Music has to come first, and it can't be a choice. Like, 'Should I be an insurance salesman or a musician?' If there's an 'or', then it's not something that's meant to be, I think. I never felt I had a choice.

[on beginning his professional career writing music for TV advertising] I always had a knack as a songwriter to write about love. I wasn't in touch with myself enough to write a meaningful song. But when you're a jingle writer, copy points are presented to you and you craft the music and lyrics to fit the product. It has borders around it - structure. Every day is a different style of music. It's an incredible education in a short time, and very challenging - especially at 18 or 21 years old. It was a great entry point to songwriting.

[on what inspires him] I hear patterns and melodies everywhere I go. My music is a reflection of the world; nature, love, people and spirituality. I try not to work too hard creating a melody. I just let it flow naturally.

The industry experts tell me that Jim Brickman is New Age, but I consider my sound "pop instrumental.' My melodies are simple, inviting and real with a touch of hope and romance. I think of myself as a Burt Bacharach or a Quincy Jones, who are songwriters and producers.

As a writer, there's something about singing your own song that comes from a special place that's honest. Having someone else sing brings a new element and dimension to the piece.

I choose singers who I've admired and wanted to work with. I also like singers with up-and-coming careers that I feel my audience would like to hear. I don't write a song with the singer in mind. That's very limiting. But once the song is written, I start to hear voices...