In Steve's band, it's essential to ensure that every note is perfect, which is a beautiful challenge What's the trickiest part about executing the rhythm parts within Steve's complex compositions? There's so much to learn from his musicianship, how he carries himself, and how he runs his business. Every single time I play alongside Steve, I learn something new. But he's also extremely fun to work with, and we have an incredible time each night. "It's amazing because I'm playing with someone so accomplished and inventive. And so, after taking the leap to quit my job and tech for Dave, to be here now playing with Steve is an incredible trip. But ultimately, I couldn't give up on it because this was something that, deep down, I knew I needed to do. I thought I needed to do other things or have a traditional career. "It's funny… I spent years of my life not pursuing guitar 100 percent. Then what led you to divert from guitar to law school? I saw the sounds he was making, and I just thought, 'I want to do that. And two months after that, I discovered the music of Steve Vai on YouTube, which changed my life. "But I didn't start playing guitar until my brother picked it up in high school. I grew up listening to Rush and bands like that, so interesting music was always around me. Both those figures came into my life from a guitar perspective when I was 13 and were huge for me. But after him, my second one was Steve Vai. My first guitar hero was my older brother. It must be very inspiring to have the opportunity to play alongside Steve each night. I guess he liked what he heard because here I am." And after that, Steve auditioned me on the road during soundchecks. When I started to tech for Dave, I thought, 'All right, I'm going to quit my job, and I'm going to try this.' But it all worked out it led to Dave recommending me for Steve's band. I discovered the music of Steve Vai on YouTube, which changed my life. Going from law school to playing guitar professionally is quite the jump. And when the tour started, I had been teching for him, and after we found out that Dave was going to be leaving Steve's band, he recommended me for the spot." "From there, Dave started to give me opportunities to play little gigs or tech for him. I'd drive three hours just to learn from him how to be a musician. I was in law school then, and I started going to Dave's jams in Philly. But I first met Dave after seeking him back when he lived in Philly and I lived in Washington, DC. "I started as Dave Weiner's tech, which came about over years after Dave had been my teacher and mentor. How did you secure the gig with Steve Vai?
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