How would you describe your role in the INKverse and what do you love most about what you do?

Well, for all intents and purposes, I would say I am the creative director first / drummer second. It’s certainly an interesting role to have. INK is a unique entity unlike most bands, because while most bands write songs and play shows, we write songs, play shows, have monthly limited edition merch collections, have our own horror convention (SILVER SCREAM CON), create graphic novels, video games, hardcover books, toys, a full on cinematic universe anchored by our music videos, and hopefully a full length feature film… and I am in charge of the visual element on most all of that. So while that responsibility may keep me from touring, I still get to contribute to the song writing and music videos. The best of both worlds :)

You’re both a musician and a visual artist. How do those two things influence and inform each other, especially in the world of horror? 

There is so much overlap, because they're all rooted in creative expression, community, and subculture. I've been playing drums for over 30 years, really ever since I was in diapers, and grew up deeply in the punk rock and hardcore scene where there’s always been a lot of creative, antiestablishment energy, and what pushes the envelope more in culture than horror.

What was your initial reaction when you first heard about this INKxMacabre whiskey collab and how has the process unfolded for you since then? 

It was exciting to know we were working with fellow creatives in an organized environment where we can play off each other's strengths and remain organized, and it goes without saying that we were stoked to work with Matthew Lillard, someone whose movies we've loved for so long. They say don’t meet your heroes, but working with Matt and the Macabre team has been nothing but warm and welcoming. 

How does designing a bottle of whiskey and its accoutrements compare to other projects you’ve designed? 

I've been designing for decades, for thousands of bands, and have seen, and designed just about everything EXCEPT for a bottle, until now! I’ve always admired the unique styles and identities of various bottle brands, and now being tasked to create one of our own was something that was going to be a lot of fun, but with a bit of pressure because it will set the tone and attitude for the entire brand. I think we've captured a classic look with the balance of ornate hand-drawn embellishments and old-time Hollywood attitude, meets sophisticated psycho killer. 

The horror community is the bedrock of both Macabre Spirits and Ice Nine Kills. In your opinion, what is it about horror that brings people together? 

The fact that it's an escape from reality. It helps us to explore all of our emotions in an environment that is safe and controlled. It's something that most people, of really any background can understand and enjoy as a form of entertainment.

What would you highlight about both Ice Nine Kills and Macabre Spirits to a horror connoisseur who hasn’t checked them out yet?

I would say what sets us apart is that real life experiences of guys like Matt and even Spencer who have actually been on set and a part of horror movie-making magic first hand. Add in the fact that we’re all actual real life fans, and it becomes something truly authentic and magical. 

And of course, we have to know: what’s your favorite cocktail and what makes it the best?

Obviously a Piña KILLada, for two very important reasons. A. I’ve gotta rep my best friend Spencer Charnas and his signature drink. And B., because I'm a Florida man with Caribbean blood, and I feel like this is a drink that could be enjoyed on the beach on a sunny day, or in a loud house party in the Hamptons as you try to convince the party goers that the corpse of your dead boss next to you is still alive. “Am I the only one alive who is not in the conga line!?”

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