Let's talk about where you got your start. Do you have a marching band past or years of piano lessons?

When I was about 7 or 8, my father took me for piano lessons every Saturday. I was never in marching band but definitely in a couple of school bands. I was involved with the jazz band, a classical guitar ensemble, and an after school band called 'The Rock Ensemble."

Ukuleles are back in a big way. We've got a guy here in Austin named Jacob Borshard who's really into them, too. Is it just time for a uke renaissance? Do you see Florida as kind of the Hawaii of the west?

Hmm, don't know. I do know my father has been playing and collecting guitars since he was young. About 3 and half years ago I was visiting him and fell in love with this ukulele he had just gotten. I had never played one nor did I know anything about them. He insisted on me having the ukulele and gave it to me as a birthday gift.

True love...for the first time. Now we're inseparable. Florida's no Hawaii. It's Cubaaa!!!!

Speaking of Miami beach, that's where you lay your head. How did you end up in Florida, and how do you feel about the music (and music scene) in your hometown? I hear "Florida" and I think "hanging chads, retirees, and metal." Is this a horribly outdated mentality?

I was born in Florida and I moved down to Miami with my mother and sister after my parents divorced. I adore the music scene down there. Though I'd been involved with the scene since 1999, I felt I really discovered it in 2005. Incredibly inspiring, full of wonderful artists like Raffa Jo Harris, Jesse Jackson, and so many more. And yes, you've adapted to a horribly outdated mentality...come visit us one of these days!

Can you tell us what you love about the kazoo?

The colors they make 'em in, the raspy vibration, the silliness. You know something's great when it makes you laugh.

Being a largely acoustic songwriter, you have a lot of freedom in regard to performance. What are some of the stranger or more interesting locales you've played?

I mean, I do take my instrument everywhere. And I do play in trees and rooftops, and bathtubs, and terminals...but nothing really out of the ordinary.

How do you listen to music? Do you like to listen to most albums all the way through, drinking a certain type of beverage, at a certain time of the day?

I like to listen carefully to the entire record. I usually play my vinyl in the mornings and the late hours of the evenings. I mainly listen to music though these oversized speakers at a medium volume, accompanied by a strong cup of Cuban espresso or a glass of Wild Turkey on the rocks (in the evenings, of course).

I also like to sing my heart out to Nina, Etta, and Aretha while driving in the car all the time!

Are you pumped about Monolith? Are you going to have a full band or are you going to do it up solo?

So pumped! I'm not quite sure what the set up will be just yet. I usually find out a few days before, which is a good part of the excitement.

Tell us about recording Tinker Toys. Where did you record, and with whom? What track do you think best sums you up as a songwriter?

I recorded Tinker Toys with a good friend, George Martinez. I recorded in his bedroom... mainly in his closet. I'd say the track that sums me up as writer off that record would definitely be the secret track that follows "Lightbulb" called "Tinker toys."

What other big plans do you have for recording or shows in the future? Any crazy ideas?

At the moment i am in Los Angeles, CA recording a new album with producer Greg Wells, and we've got the craaaaziest of ideas!!!

What's your favorite type of weed?

I'll take the hashish.