Interview: Ed Kowalczyk

When it comes to your solo career, was it hard to move away from being Live’s frontman?
Not really. As the singer and songwriter for all of the years that Live was together, there was a natural continuity into this new phase. The biggest change was getting to perform and record with new musicians. I didn’t know how much I needed that until I stepped out and did it.

Tell us what fans can expect from your first gig in Singapore.
My 'I Alone' acoustic show’s really powerful. I play all of the hits from my time with Live, like 'Lightning Crashes', 'I Alone' and 'The Dolphin’s Cry', as well as some of my newer material. I’ll also have my good friend and drummer extraordinaire, Ramy Antoun, with me on percussion. Fans are always pleasantly surprised by how emotionally intense the show is.

How has your own sound evolved since Live’s last record?
There’s definitely a new urgency in my music these days, as opposed to the last Live recordings. A lot of that is inspired by this new phase of my life as a solo artist and getting to work with new people.

What was your inspiration while writing your solo album?
I was inspired by the whole package of being alive, no pun intended! Human beings are so unique – we are, in a sense, both of the Earth and of the spirit. These two opposite elements meet up in us and have an epic lifelong battle. I wanted to write the soundtrack to that as best as I can.

Is there a follow-up to [your debut solo LP] Alive in the works?
I’m currently in the studio and plan to release an EP this summer, followed by a full album in spring 2013.

What’s the most played album on your iTunes right now?
Well it’s not on iTunes yet, because it’s the brand new music I’m working on. I tend to get very monolithic and focused while I’m recording new stuff. But when my daughters force me to stop critiquing my new recordings in the car and turn on something else, we’ve been devouring Adele. I love her voice, the production, everything about her really. She seems to single-handedly remind the world that music doesn’t have to be overproduced, oversung and without depth to be successful.

As a father of three, is it hard juggling touring and time home with your family?
Actually, the pace of my touring these days is just perfect. I really don’t go out for much more than a week at a time. It allows me to spend time with them and also have a good schedule – a nice ebb and flow, as they say.

During the last US presidential elections, you were quite an active supporter of Barack Obama. Has your candidate of choice changed this year?
At this point, I’m observing the process and soaking up information as I go between raising my kids and rocking out.

Ed Kowalczyk performs at TAB on 25 Apr at 8pm.