Having accompanied Patrick through the rollercoaster ride that was our high school choral program, I always knew he had the ability to reach notes that are well above the average singer’s stratosphere. However, I was not aware that the now seasoned singer accompanies his voice with silky smooth guitar rifts.What strikes a chord about Patrick is the passion and conviction he conveys through his original music. While displaying the capability of covering critically acclaimed artists such as Ray Lamontagne and Jeff Buckley, the original songs Patrick played were what really captivated the audience at the show I recently attended at The Globe in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. Armed with little else but his guitar, a microphone and a beer, he had the entire well attended venue enthralled and on the edge of their seats.

“19 Year Old Junkie” is a song that I dare you to get out of your head after listening to it a few times (much like the theme from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. I’ll send you a cookie if you can get that out of your head). The tune tells the true story of Patrick’s trials and tribulations as an aspiring musician in the harsh, unforgiving entertainment business and how he coped with his struggles while living in Califorinia trying to become a star. The upbeat rhythm of the song does well in keeping the audience captivated to hear Patrick sing his story and it was a perfect song to start his set with.

“Waiting” is what i would consider Patrick’s go-to song, a perfect example of his vocal and musical ability shining through his song writing. Once again, I was very impressed with the ease in which his voice was able to hit the upper reaches of his range, something that cannot be ignored when listenig to him perform.

My only complaint is that I would have liked to see Patrick complimented with a complete band to see what he is fully capable of. His musically inclined brother did take the stage with him creating a mixed voice and guitar duet for the second portion of his set. But that was just a taste of how adding parts around Patrick has the potential for a special sound. Check out Patrick’s Myspace Page to listen to a few of his tracks and to find out when and where he’ll be gracing the stage with his presence next.

Patrick’s answers to the 5 questions after the jump:

1. When historians listen to your most recent CD 1000 years from now, what will they say?

Well I think I would have to be naive or have a super ego to think that in a 1000 years people or some type of life form would be listening to some musical playing device with my music playing. But if they were going to listen to it, they would say it is what real life used to be like in those days, it is passionate. I think that’s what they’d say. Also, if I understand life, love stands the test of time, so even in a thousand years people will still feel heartbreak, redemption and, yes, love.
I think anyone can hear those things in my songs.

2. If you could play a show w/ any band/musician living or dead, whom would you pick and why?

I love this question. For me this is an easy one. Jeff Buckley. I look to him as a mentor through the music he left behind. When I heard “live at Sin-é”, it changed me. It changed the way I write, play, sing, and understand music. But not just music, it changed the way I live and view life. I think if we played a show together, it would have to be just one man, one guitar, for both acts. I also believe we would be good friends when we met. I base that on the lyrics and passion he puts into music that I feel and understand. I would learn so much more about everything. rip

3. What is the strangest band-related dream you have had?

Well that’s hard for me to answer. I tend to have nightmares that are not band-related but……………. I guess, I think that what you are thinking about and your emotions are tied to your dreams and to your music. So to name a few unrelated dreams I would say….. 1 - old friends pointing at me laughing while trying to wrestle a fat kid out of an all windowed bathroom while a half exploded man is on the shower floor still fully functional, yeah, he got up and walked around all bloodied 2- being kidnapped by a creepy guy with a rusty old van 3 - having a sexual encounter with jenny McCarthy and her boobs are real 4 - A reoccurring dream of my teeth falling out in a very bloody graphic way, which terrifies me when I wake up

4. What do your fans look like?

Well, I would say between 21-60. White, black, green, purple, yellow, turquoise. Not orange!! Definitely not orange!! I think the people who really love the music I write have an understanding of lessons learned and have been through a lot in their lives, especially in relationships with love, with their family and friends. I would also say drugs is a big part of my music and I think my fans have either done what I have, or it hits home because of someone they know who has gone down a scary path. So I guess they look like anyone you hate, love, or someone you see at any point of the day, or night, like you, or me, or the rich guy, the poor guy, the African guy, the Asian guy, the Irish guy, the Jewish guy. I just want to bring everyone together to prove we are all the same. We all have the same feelings, thoughts, and experiences. I think ive done an ok job but there’s a lot more work to do.

5. What bullshit do you run into at most every show that makes you think, “Man, this Bullshit again?”

Usually it’s my own bullshit like, forgetting something, or having trouble making a set list and when I do make one I never go by it anyways. A P.A. not working or not loud enough, I guess technical shit really blows. Wondering how “fashionably late” my fans are going to come, but that just makes me laugh because I am the same way.

Bonus Question: Why won’t you forget to tip your bartender?

I bartended for four years, and carried golf bags as a caddy for 15 years. I would say I’ve been working for tips my whole life. This is what I say - if you go out and buy a drink, tip. If you don’t have enough money to tip, don’t buy anything, or don’t go out at all. Some people have no idea how insulting it is. Those people should be beaten.

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