Today, NineFingers looks back at his beginnings as a 12-year-old musician and recalls how days of heartbreak led him to the solace of his mother’s guitar. His eclectic style and enigmatic personality have made him a standout in the music scene. But that’s not all; music soon became a medium for connecting with others on a deeper level, especially since Nine was later diagnosed with being on the autism spectrum.
feeling disconnected and misunderstood
At first Autism was not a reality for Nine, in fact he describes feeling disconnected and misunderstood but didn’t really know what’s going on. “I felt so detached from people,” he says. But once he began to write and play music, it at least allowed him to find something that could bring him closer to others, even if it was just through his music. This early experience ignited a fire in nine that would continue to fuel his passion for the next thirty years.
However, there was a brief period where dodgeball became Nine’s main focus, but the love for music always remained strong and eventually brought him back into the spotlight.
One thing that has worked for Nine is his open-minded approach to music. He follows whatever excites him in the moment without limiting himself by worrying about whether he’s good at it or not. For Nine, music is about expression and personal growth. This philosophy has allowed him to explore genres such as folk, punk, and hip hop without feeling tied down to a specific style. As long as he feels passionate about it, Nine will continue to create music that speaks to both himself and others on a deeper level.
Introspective journey
And just to mention, his latest album, “Loop,” is a raw and introspective journey through his inner demons, touching on topics such as PTSD, depression, alcoholism, and the loss of his wife to addiction. Through songs like “Lilith” and “PTSD Ferryman,” Nine bravely confronts these traumas head-on, using music as both a dangerous yet therapeutic outlet for self-reflection and healing. Clearly, for Nine, music is not just a means of entertainment but a powerful tool for catharsis and personal transformation.
Strong sense of community through his involvement
Amazingly, ever since he relocated to Sacramento four years ago, he has been able to cultivate a strong sense of community through his involvement in open mics and collaborative projects. We at Sacramento ABA are proud to have him as a member of our thriving and supportive community. In fact, Nine has expressed that he has never experienced such a tight-knit and encouraging group of artists in any other city he’s lived in.
The genuine kindness and desire for each other’s success is what sets Sacramento apart for him. Through his music, Nine continues to spread messages of resilience, hope, and empathy, creating an even stronger sense of camaraderie within the Sacramento arts scene. We hope to see him thrive and inspire others for many more years to come.
In case you live in Sacramento and need assistance with Autism, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Sacramento ABA Therapy. We are always here to support and help our community thrive. Let’s continue spreading kindness, support, and positivity through our artistic expressions.
