Michael Zuzek Releases His First LP, ‘Everest’
The Toronto-based, pianist-turned-rocker, releases his first LP that’s filled to the brim with his own style of bright, rowdy rock
August 16, 2024 | Written by Christine Bradshaw
Photo Credit: Fairfield Productions
Can you tell me a little bit about your musical background? Did you go to school for it or were you self-taught? When did you become interested in making music and why?
My musical background started at the young age of 5 as I was put into piano lessons by me parents. My kindergarten teacher noticed that I was an intelligent child and recommended to my parents that they put me in classes as she was a registered piano teacher. I did these lessons until Covid. I have always been interested in making music, especially through highschool, but started working in 2021 to make that a reality.
How did the process of creating this LP shape or transform you as an artist and individual?
It started with me wanting to make an album with the instruments, sounds, writing style, and production style of the 60s/70s golden rock era.
Photo Credits: Eden Wassermann
Can you describe the sonic influences that shaped the sound of this LP? And who are some artists that you look toward for inspiration?
Sonic influences, like I mentioned, were the 60s/70s industry leaders. My favourite band, The Beatles, has influenced everything I have ever done musically. Writing style, singing style, and especially production. The Beatles, The Guess Who, The Band, Led Zeppelin, and The Zombies are massive influences of mine sonically. I could name dozens but those are very important to me.
What significance does the title 'Everest' hold for you? How does it reflect the themes or messages you wanted to convey through this album?
‘Everest’ to me is about loss. It’s about growing an overcoming everything that you have had to overcome in your life. Many people have climbing Everest as a goal in their life. A major goal at that. ‘Everest’ to me represents my journey to climbing my mountain. Maybe it was overcoming personal matters, making an album, or growing in general. ‘Everest’ is something that everyone has to overcome individually, I simply put those thoughts into notes and words.
Photo Credits: Eden Wassermann
Could you take me through your creative process? Do you typically start with the lyrics, melody, or beat, and how do these elements evolve into a finished piece?
I typically start with a piano melody that gets lyrics and fully fledged out as I go. Typically speaking, all my songs take 20 mins to 2 hours to write as I believe you should not wait to finish a song once you start. I on the occasion just write a song because I want a certain sound. For example, I wanted an organ song so I wrote “Mean Old Woman” in 20 minutes. I usually then envision what instruments would be added and record all my piano/keyboard parts before the rest of my other friends pieces.
What are your long-term aspirations for your musical career, and how does this LP fit into that vision?
Long term aspirations are definitely focused on playing live and producing music. For me personally, the biggest achievement of ‘Everest’ is the production. It took a long time to learn and achieve but I am so happy with the result. ‘Everest’ is going to help me get my foot in the door and continue playing live and producing!
Do you have a favourite song to perform live from the LP? What makes it special for you in a live setting?
I have been playing “Graystone” live for over a year now which definitely makes it my favourite to play live. At my album release party on August 1st, I had the entire crowd singing along with me so that is an incredibly memorable experience to say the least.
Can you tell me a little bit about your LP release show? The place seemed like it was packed with friends and family eager to celebrate you! How necessary is this community of support for the creation of your music?
The release show has been planned since the start of this year and took a village to get everything set up! But it was so worth it. The venue is beautiful and it allowed me to have all the people that I care about there with me. Community is the most important thing in my life as I have a huge family and a huge group of friends! This collection of people who care for me is very important to the creation of my music and will always be!
Photo Credit: Fairfield Productions