Hooked up with Richard of CUZN over on another music site I dig a lot and just LOVE this cat’s music!
“Inspired by years of crazy nights, cavorting and crashing on couches, CUZN has learned a thing (or two) about life. From dingy London dungeons to high-class American apartments, via sumptuous Sydney sunshine, his handsomely-expressed acoustic sermons on love and life have acquired devastating resonance.”
He’s got new stuff coming out real soon and a bunch on Soundcloud and youtube that y’all need to check out. In the meantime, let’s get to know a bit about Richard and the music of this great act from down under, CUZN
What attracted you to the styles you practice?
I listen to all types of music and have played in rock bands all my life, but acoustic guitar music has always been my default. There’s something raw about it that you don’t get anywhere else. Whenever I stray, I discover an artist that inspires me and pulls me right back to it.
How long have you been making music? Have you been performing or sharing it with the public all that time?
I’ve been playing drums for 20 years and was in a band straight after my first lesson. My first gig was at a festival in my hometown in the south of England when I was 12. I’ve been on the stage ever since!
Who or what influences your writing and performance?
All of life’s highs and lows. Love lost. Love gained. Mistakes. I like people and listening to their stories.
It seems all creative people go through rough patches or writer’s block of some sort. What motivates you to keep going?
It’s my outlet. I find it easier to express myself in a song sometimes, and if other people have been through similar things they can find some comfort in it too. There’s no greater feeling than when someone thanks you for writing a song.
Were you trying to accomplish something different or specific with this project – creatively or otherwise?
I’m always looking to improve, so I guess I just wanted to do something that was an evolution of what I was already doing.
What was the last song you listened to?
White Flag by Joseph
Do you prefer a certain medium for listening – vinyl, CDs, mp3, reel-to-reel, Pono,(lol sort of)?
The CD player in my car.
If you had to choose one place to host your music, would you prefer Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, or … ?
Spotify is good.
Do you ever feel as if your tunes are lost in a sea of music? What are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract new listeners?
No, not really. The only challenges I face are internal. If I’m happy and enjoying my music all the other stuff falls into place.
Are you playing on live stages, clubs, bars, the local town picnic, festivals?
All of the above! Apart from maybe a local town picnic, do people play picnics? [ed: you are the second person to ask that in a week! and Yes, they do (around here, anyways) :)]
Do you ever stream your performances over the net? Where can music lovers see you perform?
I haven’t got into live streaming yet but I’m going to start soon I think. Gotta keep up with the trends 😉 I’m about to tour Australia in November and looking to get to Europe and The States next year.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and/or discover more of your music?
Facebook, Instagram and my website mainly
Can you share an anecdote or tale of woe or inspiration like a story about an out-of-touch club manager, your favorite fan interaction, broken busses, or you know… just some experience in your musical journey you’ll never forget?
I don’t believe in competition as a musician, I think all those tv shows are bloody horrible. But I was desperate for some cash last year as I needed to pay for an expensive visa for a tour. I entered a songwriting contest and ended up winning it and taking home the $5000 prize. The thing is I’m incredibly impulsive, so instead of paying for the visa I bought myself a new guitar instead! It was fine though, I took the new guitar busking for a month and easily raised the money for the visa. It’s a Gibson Hummingbird guitar for those interested.
Lightning Round
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Chocolate
Dream vehicle?
Private Jet
Sailing yacht, catamaran, bass boat, or kayak?
catamaran
Place on Earth you must visit some day
Hawaii
Batman or Spiderman?
Batman
James Bond or Jason Borne?
James Bond
Bugs Bunny or Anime?
Bug Bunny
Favorite beer or beverage of pleasure?
Ginger Beer
Left with a choice of one instrument, which would you keep?
guitar, because you can play drums on anything
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Anything worth having don’t come easy!
