How'd you pick up the nickname Stix Bones?

Unlike most Jazz artist who use their real names. The artists in Rap music have stage names. LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, KRS-1, DJ Premier, DJ Clue, Crazy Legs, etc. Seeing how effective and powerful having a stage identity is, I felt I should have a stage name. Something I'd like the world to identify me by. In case you’re asking; Why Stix Bones and not Stix Smith or Tom Tom Johnson? I named myself Stix in relation to my instrument. Bones defines who I am as a person Brother Of Noble Excellence.

Do you see common ground between Hip Hop and Smooth Jazz?

The term Hip Hop is used to define so many things but the truth is NO, there is no common ground. Contemporary Jazz artists think that if they have a nice sounding beat or groove to play on then they're adding "Hip Hop" to their music. Sorry guys that's not true. Hip Hop is a culture not just music and it consists of 4 elements; DJ Scratching, Graffiti Art, Rhyming, and Street Dancing.

What's your favorite part of composing music?

Other than watching my 2 year old make faces at melodies he likes or dislikes my favorite part is when the song is DONE!

What part of the country do you live in and how does it influence your music?

I live on the east coast in NYC. The vibe here is very fast, very competitive, and there are guidelines you’re expected to follow in order to get ahead. There are people who are tired of the hustle. Observing the crave people have to relax, unwind and forget about day to day issues and be placed in a good atmosphere is the influence to my music.

Who's the most played artist on your iPod?

Gospel Artist - Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Choir.

Are you a fan of reality TV? If so, what show does it for you?

Nah, but I’d love to watch a reality show with Jazz artist. You know put a bunch of musicians like Gerald Albright, George Benson, Norman Brown, Fourplay and Kenny G on an island and have them compete in athletic tasks.