Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Azwel
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
It must be something from kids shows. Or just hearing songs around the house, commerials. Maybe the ice cream man.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I was more into drawing and art until I was 15. Once I learned guitar, I started writing immediately. I always had melodic ideas. Once I was able to record songs on my own, it built from there. I could never find a band or singer back then so I just started doing everything on my own.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I’ve been putting out albums since 2003. The 18th album will be out hopefully sometime in June. Its called “Lives in Motion.” The whole project is about taking new avenues and naturally expanding from one album to the next without repeating myself. The worst thing you can do is write ‘this/that album/song part 2’
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Just that there are nice melodies that come with nice chord changes accompaied by various styles of music. I use various instrumentation. If you listen deeper there are hidden meanings and sounds. I’m not a fan of describing it, I prefer for someone to just listen to form their own opinion.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I learned to be a better listener along the way. Now, when I listen back to songs from other aritsts, I’m drawn more towards the detail I missed the first time around.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
A DAW, I use Cakewalk which is very old program. Not fancy but it does the job. An acoustic guitar, my keyboard and once in a while the Moog. Various instruments around the room and the same plugins, gear and pedals I’ve had for years. I bought everything that I need in the past so now I can just focus on creating. Thats the most important thing.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Not much at the moment. I just got done recording an album so a majority of this time is spent on mixes.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Its probaby music for the more introverted type. The listener is best off using his/her imagination while listening. The songs are all written when im alone, influenced by nothing other than where my head is at that moment. Im never thinking about anything when creating. Everything just flows.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I’m not sure what the songs sound like to other people. Hopefully the listener feels something and likes it in one way or another.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Successfully recorded albums have convinced me to continue. When I notice I’m progressing, whether in a new style of music or within improved production skills, it keeps me curious to see where I can take thing next.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
One where everyone in the audience is a fan/familar with the music. It doesnt matter where it takes place. It’s good to play to new listeners, but I would get something out of having all the fans in the same place. We are playing the Village Pub in Lindenhurst NY this Friday, 5/15 so I hope to see everyone there.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I havent thought about that at all. Maybe i’d like to see how my music sounds produced by a professional. Different studio tricks could help expand the sound. As far as famous musicians go, I’m not sure.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? Www.azwel.com, www.facebook.com/azwel www.instagram.com/azwelmusic and any streaming service.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
To continue writing for myself and spread the music online for new and old fans.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
There are about 17 albums out there now and 5 Bsides albums so if you think you’ve heard everything, you probably havent!
the new single, Start of the Story:
