Concertfy Interview with Ed Kowalczyk, Talks Solo Career & Politics Options

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Concertfy Interview: Former Live Frontman Ed Kowalczyk Talks Solo Career & Politics
by Nicole Malczan - March 14, 2014

I recently caught up with former Live singer Ed Kowalczyk in the middle of touring for his latest solo effort, the Flood and the Mercy. We chatted by phone about his next projects, collaboration dreams, his views on touring and more.

What was the inspiration for the songs on the Flood and the Mercy? – “For me, it was about moving on as a solo artist. It’s about the ups and downs and change. I think that it’s more honest than my first solo album was (2010′s Alive). This time around, I found a producer that I love, and I really feel like I’ve found my stride on tour. I think the songs have quality and depth.”

What made you want to add acoustic elements to your tour this time around? “Well, right now the tour is fifty/fifty, with half of it acoustic. I love to do the stripped down approach, with me and Zack Loyd (guitarist). I tend to write songs in that form, and so it’s a natural progression for them to be played like that in concert. The fans love it too. And either way, with the tours, I will always be there.”

What is your favorite part about touring these days? “The fans, one hundred percent. Just the experience that they get, especially with the acoustic shows. They’re very intimate, like I’m talking to the fans.”

What is your next big project? “There’s going to be a European tour soon. I’m also working on a new album, my fourth album.”

Do you plan on doing anything special to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Throwing Copper? “Well we just came back from Australia and New Zealand. We’re going to tour the US and we leave for Europe in June.”

You’ve done a lot of collaborations in the past, like with Adam Duritz of the Counting Crowes and some Talking Heads members. Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with? “Oh wow, so many. Me and my daughter just saw Lorde last night. Well, I say my daughter, but really I wanted to see her, so definitely Lorde. Peter Gabriel, we came close a few times but it never happened. Rachel Yamagata, I’ve worked with her in the past and would work with her again.”

You’ve involved yourself in political matters over the years. What do you think is the biggest issue going on with politics today? “I believe that society is only as good as its weakest members in politics regarding economics and support. When I support a politician, I always err on the side of supporting those who will help people who struggle. We can’t thrive as a nation until the poor and those struggling are doing better.”

How do you think you’ve changed as a songwriter over the years? “I think that the songs have more depth now than they used to. I think that the lyrics have more humanity. I’m still proud of the lyrics that I wrote in the 90s though. I think that being a father of four kids has deepened my sense of what it means to be a human being as well.”

What has been your favorite career memory? “Well, just last night in Sydney is a great example. It was the Throwing Copper reunion show and it was just incredible. It was like a throwback for the fans. I hadn’t played some of those songs since the mid-90s. It was eye-opening too, since I realized that the fans still relate to those lyrics in those songs.”

Do you think that you would ever want to be in a band again or are you content as a solo artist? “I think about it sometimes (being in a band). I mean, you collaborate with the same musicians and you’re pretty close to calling it a band. For me though, I’m enjoying the freedom of being a solo artist. I get to make decisions as a creative performer. Of course, that doesn’t rule it out. I could be in a band next week. You never know.”

http://www.concertfy.com/concertfy-intervi...n-ed-kowalczyk/