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Hey Adrian! Welcome back to Vents. Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Mischievous Song”?
Thanks for having me. “Mischievous Song” is a unique blend of jazzy alternative pop and the incredible traditional jazz/blues guitar work of Patrick Lewandowski. I purposely did some unique dark harmonies which I find unique and interesting and Jon Rutter added some beautiful brush work. The song starts out sounding like the start of a fuzzy old record, that was all Jon Rutter. To me it’s a very interesting piece of music.
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
Well the chorus is, “Is it gonna be your dreams or love, what should I do, what should I do about loving you” So that was on my mind. What’s more important in life, love or a career, love or freedom, love or living your life to the fullest, and is it possible to have both.
Night Owl is your third album. How was the recording and writing process this time compared with your previous albums?
We recorded them all with Chris Stoll at Audioflare, but this one is more rootsy and string band oriented so I played a lot more of the lead instruments. I played Banjo, Mandolin, Slide on a Resonator, Resonator Ukulele, Guitar, Harmonica, Cajon and sang and orchestrated all the harmonies. In the past I had relied more on other musicians as far as leads and arrangement, I did a little more this time.
What first got you into music?
I was really into poetry in high school, but I felt it was limiting. I was really getting into the likes of Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, The Doors and Pearl Jam and felt songwriting just offered a much more exciting world. So many more possibilities and a much more profound emotional impact in music, at least for me. So I bought a guitar, learned three chords and started writing. I’ve been attempting to perfect my craft ever since.
Are there any dream collaborators you’d like to work with?
While we’re shooting for the stars here, David Gilmour, Jack White, The Haunted Windchimes, Dan Auerbach, Escaping Pavement, Norah Jones, Andrew Bird, Warren Hood, Tyler Lyle, Imelda May, Jonathan Wilson, Band of Heathens and many more.
You run a record label called Rockershop Records? How did that come about and what challenges do you face as an independent record label?
Desperation, haha, I’d rather be proactive and fail trying to make something happen. Rockershop Records is just a small label to promote my 4 bands and a few of my friends. In general, I do a poor job. I’d rather just be a musician.
Somewhat related, if you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
The Genrefication of everything. Very few artists blend genres or push them. All programming is set to hear five songs that sound exactly the same with different names behind them. There are a lot of great artists, but I feel like a certain amount of creative freedom has been lost. Music fans unfortunately have been homogenized more than they once were.
Do you have any advice for artists (or independent record labels) that you can share?
Be careful who you invest money in promotion wise, most are sharks.
What else is happening next in Adrian John Szozda’s world and where is the best place for people to find out more about you?
I’m currently in the studio with an old bandmate from The Americanos, Mick Mason. We have a project about half done at Bigfoot Recording Studio. Mick is a true professional and I really enjoy writing with him and arranging. You can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram, and Rockershop Records is on bandcamp. All releases and news goes through those outlets.
