Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Szymon Justyński
“Last Romantic Warrior” – Two Years of Creative Solitude and International Collaboration
Last Romantic Warrior is a conceptual record that took shape in Szymon Justyński’s mind nearly two years ago. The artist independently composed, arranged, and recorded all instruments in his home studio, building a cohesive and multi-layered musical vision. The project gradually evolved and naturally attracted some of the world’s most distinguished musicians.
Featured artists include:
• Ray Greene (Santana, Tower of Power)
• Marc Russo (Yellowjackets, The Doobie Brothers) • KOLO
• Unknown Caller
• Relyae
• and many other artists from the US and Europe.
The result is an album that seamlessly blends fusion, funk, jazz, R&B;, and neo-soul with contemporary instrumental music, enriched by electronic elements and a cinematic, narrative atmosphere.
Last Romantic Warrior is a story about searching for sensitivity in a world consumed by haste and digital noise – a musical journey of a protagonist who believes that romanticism in its purest form still matters.
About the Artist
Szymon Justyński is a bassist, composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
Surrounded by music from childhood, he began learning piano at the age of six and discovered his love for the bass guitar in his teenage years – a passion that endures to this day. Inspired by life, people, and nature, he creates his own unique musical world.
A core principle of his albums is recording all instruments himself, directly in his home studio. His music knows no boundaries — the goal is to transport the listener into another reality.
He regularly performs with the Ray Greene Band and shares the stage with legends such as Martha High – James Brown’s vocalist – while also co-creating music with artists from around the world, blending styles and crafting music full of emotion and character.
Last Romantic Warrior – out May 8, 2026.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Music was always present at home — my parents were very musical, especially my dad, who played bass and was always playing records for me from an early age. Growing up, I was surrounded by artists like Jamiroquai, George Duke, Steely Dan, Toto, Pat Metheny and many more. I just absorbed it all like a sponge. I think that environment shaped everything — my ear, my taste, my sense of what music can feel like.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It all started when I was 6 years old — I began playing piano and went to music school, which gave me a solid foundation and shaped my musical craft. Then, around 13 or 14, the rebellious phase kicked in and I wanted something more electric, more raw. My dad’s bass guitar was always sitting there at home, and one day I just picked it up. It was love at first sight — instantly, completely natural. That feeling has never gone away. The bass is simply my instrument, the one that feels like an extension of who I am.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
„Last Romantic Warrior” is a concept that appeared in my head about three years ago and gradually began to take on a life of its own. From 2023 to 2025, I recorded all the instruments myself at home, building this world step by step, layer by layer. At some point during the process, the idea came to invite musicians from around the world to collaborate — and those who believed in this story can be found on this album. It was a deeply personal journey, but one that became something much bigger than I initially imagined.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
It’s a blend of many genres — because I grew up absorbing everything. Jazz, funk, soul, R&B, rock, samba… all of it shaped me and all of it lives somewhere in my music.
I never wanted to put myself in one box. If I had to describe it in one sentence, I’d say it’s music that feels familiar yet hard to label — warm, groove-driven, and rooted in real instruments and real emotions. Maybe we can call it fusion?
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Recording everything myself at home. At some point, circumstances pushed me in that direction — and I just went for it. Now I’ve recorded two full albums that way. Can it be done? Absolutely. You just have to believe in yourself and have a clear vision. That realization completely changed everything — it gave me total creative freedom and taught me that the most important studio is the one inside your head.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
The foundation is always the bass — that goes without saying. But when it comes to recording everything myself, Ableton Live is absolutely essential. From the very beginning it felt like the right fit for me — intuitive, organic, collaborative in a way. And one tool I keep coming back to for my lead bass sound is a free plugin called Pitchproof by Aegean Music. It’s simple but incredibly effective — I honestly think it’s one of the defining characteristics of my lead bass tone. Sometimes the best tools don’t cost a thing, they just have to feel right.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Right now I’m completely in love with Nu Genea — their vibe is just sunshine, warmth, water… music that flows perfectly with that feeling. They just released a new album called „People of the Moon” and I’ve had it on repeat for days. I’ve also been revisiting Mac DeMarco lately — going back to „Salad Days” and „This Old Dog”.
It’s good to return to those records every now and then. He created something truly unique there, a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Just beautiful.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Deeply. I personally believe that as artists and musicians, we are incredibly sensitive beings — and in my case, a lot of life experiences and emotions pour directly into my compositions. Joy, sadness, nostalgia… each of these emotions shapes who I am as a musician. Music becomes a kind of emotional diary — sometimes without even planning it. You sit down to write and suddenly something very personal comes out. I think that’s what makes music human.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Above all, I want listeners to feel the sincerity behind the music. That it comes from a real place, with no filters. And alongside that — a kind of escape. A moment where you just float away from everything. If someone puts on my record and feels both of those things, even for just a few minutes, then I’ve done my job.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music has taught me that it works differently from human nature. With people, the more you give, the more they sometimes take — but music is the opposite. The more you pour into it, the more it gives back. That’s the most beautiful thing about it. It’s endlessly generous, and in this world, that’s a rare and precious thing.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands — without a doubt. I had the chance to be there three years ago and my jaw just dropped. The energy, the artists, the atmosphere… it’s on another level. One day I want to stand on that stage with my band. And if we’re talking venues — Madison Square Garden. Legendary. Simply legendary.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
There are so many… wow. But if I had to choose just one person — I would say the great, late George Duke. His way of thinking about music, the way he blended genres so effortlessly, his versatility, his technique, his approach to composition, and that incredible sense of humor in his music… he remains one of my greatest inspirations to this day. I think a collaboration with him would have pushed me to places I can’t even imagine. Some artists are simply on a different level — and George Duke was one of them.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Everywhere! You can find me on all streaming platforms — Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and more. Check out my website, grab music directly on Bandcamp, and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for updates, behind the scenes and all the latest news. And if you really want to support the music — grab a vinyl or a CD. Nothing beats the real thing.
Links:
IG – https://www.instagram.com/szymonjustynski
FB – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093478779490
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWVozDoK1KRTxvM99ZV7vhQ
Website – https://szymonjustynski.com/
Bandcamp – https://szymonjustynski.bandcamp.com/album/last-romantic-warrior
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/3bO4mpY93N6E0dFcsClKKi?si=ej8hA_WDSS2PHlv3FEHBXg
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
To play more and more live shows with my band — Last Romantic Warrior. That’s the core of it. First conquer Europe, then the USA. And of course — record a few more great albums along the way. I believe in this music and I believe in the people who play it with me. The road is ahead and we’re just getting started.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
That music is everything to me — and I hope that comes through. You can hear it, see it, feel it — on the records and on stage. I don’t know how to do this halfway. I just want more and more people to discover that and come along for the ride.
