 Klepacki was raised by a family of musicians of Polish and Italian descent who played on the Las Vegas strip . He drew art as a hobby , but music prevailed in his early interests . He received his first <unk> at age 8 and began performing professionally by age 11 . Among his early influences were electronica and heavy metal groups , including Depeche Mode , Afrika Bambaataa , AC / DC , and Iron Maiden . Seeking to master guitar , bass , and keyboards , he formed local bands and created a demo tape of original material by age 17 . His impetus for diversifying his instrumental abilities was " not being able to communicate with other band members on ideas ... for original songs . " His first piece of audio gear was a <unk> 4 @-@ track cassette recorder , which he used to record demos , band practices , and live shows . 
