In this interview spotlight, I chat with Tony Apolczer about the latest music, challenges, motivations and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio and I create alternative pop music (in marketing terms). But in my own words, I create dark, dramatic, moody pop music. I like using a mixture of acoustic instruments and synthetic textures in my music.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Music is something that has been a big part of my life since I was about 10 years old. Although I started seriously pursuing the classical/orchestral side of music, I found songwriting to be a much more fulfilling outlet for my creativity. The opportunity to help people connect, heal, and feel understood through music is a big motivator for me. Creating music has been very therapeutic for me and I think everyone could use a little therapy once in a while!
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
Perfect Storm is the second single I have ever released and it is very different from Shadow, my first release. Both songs have elements of anxiety, fear, and stress from being controlled, however, Shadow’s production is much more mellow and ambient while Perfect Storm’s production is a bit more sinister yet quirky. I purposely released Shadow first because I wanted to establish my sound as dark and melancholic. I felt like releasing Perfect Storm as my second single allowed me to take more risks and try new things production-wise.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
I think one of the biggest challenges with the digital music age is not fixating on numbers (followers, likes, streams, etc.). Although those things are important, I think smaller artists can get discouraged too easily by the internet popularity standards a lot of us hold ourselves to. Despite the challenges that the digital age brings, it has also helped me a lot in connecting with other artists, writers, and producers. People generally think of Nashville as a country music town, but there are so many talented artists of all genres in Nashville. Technology has certainly helped me find/connect with those people.
What was the last song you listened to?
The last song I listened to was Gone by Charli XCX and Christine and the Queens. I really like Charli and I think she is a big innovator in the pop genre. She’s not afraid to take risks and do things her own way. I really respect that in an artist.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Honestly I love em all! But within the past year or so I’ve become especially interested in vinyl. I really like listening to bodies of work in full and in the order that they were intended. Digital music is so convenient, but I really like the intentionality of listening to a record in its entirety.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I’m team Spotify on this one! I love all of the personalized playlists that Spotify makes for its users and the year end wrap up is something I always look forward to. Also the green and black color scheme of Spotify is aesthetically pleasing to me for some reason.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
I’m most active on Instagram and Facebook! Also follow me on Spotify and Apple Music, new music coming soon!
Instagram @tony.apolczer
Facebook @tonyapolczermusic
Anything else before we sign off?
Thanks so much to MidTnMusic for interviewing me and giving me the opportunity to share a little bit about what I do!
