Hello! I'm James, a MI transplant living in Chicago. I've been here for nearly 5 years now, and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I self-identify as both a musician and a gamer. Before living in Chicago, I was a music teacher. I love to travel, and I love to meet new people, so this community is a logical extension of the things I love.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm here because I think sharing in your experiences would be infinitely more interesting than talking to a hotel receptionist.

Interests

Music, music, music - production, composition, education... I love it all, and it's mostly what wakes me up in the morning. I am also an avid gamer. Card games, board games, role playing games, puzzle games, video games... I love it all. Few activities in my life have provided the level of intellectual stimulation I get from both music and gaming.

• education
• video games
• board games
• traveling
• music
• guitar
• teaching

Music, Movies, and Books

Instead of listing my favorite music, movies, and books, I'll instead list a few things that have been important to me recently. I've been devouring novels by sci-fi author Alastair Reynolds lately. You may also have heard of George R.R. Martin. He writes books about dragons, magic, and food. They're pretty good. Music-wise, my top 5 albums of 2015 are Magnifique by Ratatat, La Di Da Di by Battles, To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar, Collisions by Tauk, and Syro by Aphex Twin. I don't get out to the movies often, but I got to see the new Star Wars recently. You've probably never heard of it. That one kinda flew under the radar.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I was lucky enough to open up for Jack White and The Raconteurs a few years ago. It was nothing short of magical.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I offered private lessons on guitar for about 8 years, during which time I also taught ensemble classes in a variety of genres. Go ahead, ask me a question!

Countries I’ve Visited

Mexico

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States