“I am early in my story, but I believe I will stretch out into eternity, and in heaven I will reflect upon these early days, these days when it seemed God was down a dirt road, walking toward me.  Years ago He was a swinging speck in the distance; now He is close enough I can hear His singing.  Soon I will see the lines on His face.” – Blue Like Jazz, Donald Miller

There is much to say about a life – it can be a journey, a story, an adventure, a nightmare, a treading of water.  You pick your adjective.  I don’t know about you, but for me…it is the unknown that makes me excited.  Not knowing what tomorrow will bring, being open to any possibility, and being in a place that is unfamiliar.  While one part of me thrives on this excitement, there is another part of me that completely dreads it.  A bigger part of me, a darker part of me.  It is a tugging of heartstrings that leaves me quiet, confused, unsettled – and alone.  How do I learn to listen to the light, to accept the season I am in and not let the negative knock me off my feet?  I may never have an answer to that, but you know what?  That is okay.  Because sometimes it’s about the struggle, the adversity, the unfavorable, the “how am I going to get through this?” feeling.  Because without this, I would not appreciate the good.  The “life cannot get any better than this” feeling.  When you hit the bottom, then starts the ascent.  I would rather live a life of struggle and challenge than a life of complacency and comfort.

It’s funny – the more I look back on my life, the more I can’t stop looking ahead.  Three years ago God was a joke to me.  But looking back on it now, His essence was present throughout my life – even when I didn’t know it.  He was walking towards me, asking urgently to meet  halfway.  Now, He is the reason I breathe and breathe meaningfully.

Soon, we will see face to face.

This blog will serve as a canvas – of thoughts, of travels, of drums, and hopefully, of inspiration.  I encourage you to be vulnerable, to share what is important to you with others, and not look back.

8×14 10 ply Maple Shell

Golden Pecan Stain with Semi-Gloss Finish

Lyrics to “Truth Of A Liar” (from the album Messengers) wrapped around shell

Matt is not only one of the most talented and respected drummers in the metal scene, but he is also an amazing and genuine friend.  I met him after I saw ABR play at Chain Reaction in September 2006.  I went up to him and said, “Wow, you’re a really great drummer!” and we have kept in touch ever since.

Matt was in Europe while I was making this snare, and had limited internet access. He didn’t get any photo updates on the progress at all. I delivered it to him at Warped Tour in Pomona 2008, and he was stoked! More so than how it sounds, he told me this snare means a lot to him. Those lyrics are straight from his heart and the fact that this snare combines two amazing gifts he’s been given – writing and drumming – was awesome to be apart of. That’s what Respira is all about – creating something meaningful.

Matt is a thinker and has a heart that is constantly yearning.  He has given a lot of thoughts and ideas into Respira Collective. Catch August Burns Red on tour and let Matt know what you think of RESPIRA!

http://settimeaside.com
http://myspace.com/augustburnsred

7×14 10 ply Maple Shell

Golden Pecan Stain with Semi-Gloss Finish

Woodburned Lyrics on outside, written Bible verses & quotes on inside

I met Brian on “accident” when I went to go see Brightwood in Brea, CA, but ended up missing their set and seeing Abandon Kansas (who I had never heard of at the time).  I say “accident” because even though the story might be bizarre, I don’t think it’s any coincidence that we met.  The second I said “I can build you a snare drum”, he was on board.  He didn’t have any idea what he wanted.  I had no price estimate for him.  But he was all in.

Through time, Brian has become an encouraging and insightful friend, and his belief in Respira came at a time where I was just about ready to give it up.  Nick, Brad & Jeremy make up the rest of Abandon Kansas, and they are nothing short of amazing guys – it is always a good time hanging out with them.

Check out Brian’s snare on AK’s new record “We’re All Going Somewhere”! (It’s a really, really good CD!  Pick it up).

http://myspace.com/abandonkansas

6×14  1/2″ Thick Clear Acrylic Shell

“A Pirate’s Life For Seager” decals around shell

Matt is one of the hardest working people I know.  After I talk to him, I am instantly motivated to stop making excuses and really do the things I truly feel called to do.  In addition to his positive attitude, he is a beast on the drums!  It is so much fun to watch him play, because you know he is having a great time.  Funny faces and crazy drum fills aside, Matt has been a friend for awhile and I have learned a lot from him.

This snare was a long time in the making.  The bald, bearded guy on the snare is an amazing man named SEAGER!  Seager has tour managed a few awesome bands, but I think my favorite thing about him is that he is a big teddy bear.  He has such a kind heart and is always looking out for the ones he loves, and he can always make you smile!

After I finished this drum, my friend Melody and I decided to drive to Utah and surprise him with it (and to pick up our friend Brant). 20 hours of driving in a span of 32 hours was well worth it to see how stoked Matt was and to hear him play it for the first time ever. I was actually pretty surprised at how good it sounded – it is loud and has a nice crack to it, but is not overbearing.

Go Utah!

http://myspace.com/muttonhollow

8×14 10 Ply Maple Shell

Natural Stain with Satin Finish

Custom Paint Work

Mike has this awesome tattoo on his right forearm, of this little man and a dog in a red rocket.  When he told me he wanted to make a snare with this design, I was stoked!  The snare not only looks true to the tattoo, but it sounds great as well.  Watching Mike play drums is awesome – he is super solid, throws in amazing fills, and does stick twirls like no ones business.

Mike currently plays in a band called Oso Optimo from Winston-Salem, North Carolina.  He is a great guy and an incredible drummer.

http://myspace.com/osooptimo