Ted Hajnasiewicz Interview
Q: You have worked on a lot of music over the years, where do you think that drive stems from?
A: I think I’m just wired to make songs. Not so much that I’m “gifted”. I think it’s more that everyone is created to create. And we are most alive when we do just that. For me, it seems to be writing songs, that’s my “craft”.
I honestly don’t know what it would be like not to make songs. So, I’m not so sure it’s drive? Maybe it’s more something organic, like breathing or laughing.
That sounds kinda corny as I write it. It’s the millions and millions of dollars ☺
Q: What are some of the themes and concepts with Tadeusz?
A: “Tadeusz”, is my given first name. It’s something I ran from most of my life. It was the name that got attention I did not want when a kid in school. Kids are mean.
“Teddy” is the nickname I also ran from.
The major theme of the songs on this album, are me realizing who I am, and just accepting that. Or do my best to anyway. Using my name was somewhat intentional, as that is part of the process for me.
Q: I noticed you mentioned you sort of think of this release as two EP’s, can you expand on that thought?
A: Yeah, so functionally, the album is separated into two parts. By that, I mean the first half was a mix of songs produced by me and/or myself and Gary Spencer. There is a sonic influence you can hear in those songs, that differs somewhat from the last half, which was produced by Dave Mehling.
Initially, I thought about putting out two EPs, either on two completely separate dates, or just do two on the same day. In the end, I though just putting it all in one collection, with a bridge or “pallet cleanser” of sorts in between (“Tadeusz and Parania”).
This album would have lent really well to vinyl, or cassette, with a purposeful flipping of sides. Ah well – maybe next time?
Q: You have worked on a lot of music over the years, where do you think that drive stems from?
A: I think I’m just wired to make songs. Not so much that I’m “gifted”. I think it’s more that everyone is created to create. And we are most alive when we do just that. For me, it seems to be writing songs, that’s my “craft”.
I honestly don’t know what it would be like not to make songs. So, I’m not so sure it’s drive? Maybe it’s more something organic, like breathing or laughing.
That sounds kinda corny as I write it. It’s the millions and millions of dollars ☺
Q: What are some of the themes and concepts with Tadeusz?
A: “Tadeusz”, is my given first name. It’s something I ran from most of my life. It was the name that got attention I did not want when a kid in school. Kids are mean.
“Teddy” is the nickname I also ran from.
The major theme of the songs on this album, are me realizing who I am, and just accepting that. Or do my best to anyway. Using my name was somewhat intentional, as that is part of the process for me.
Q: I noticed you mentioned you sort of think of this release as two EP’s, can you expand on that thought?
A: Yeah, so functionally, the album is separated into two parts. By that, I mean the first half was a mix of songs produced by me and/or myself and Gary Spencer. There is a sonic influence you can hear in those songs, that differs somewhat from the last half, which was produced by Dave Mehling.
Initially, I thought about putting out two EPs, either on two completely separate dates, or just do two on the same day. In the end, I though just putting it all in one collection, with a bridge or “pallet cleanser” of sorts in between (“Tadeusz and Parania”).
This album would have lent really well to vinyl, or cassette, with a purposeful flipping of sides. Ah well – maybe next time?
Q: What is recording like for you, do you have a method to doing things both technically and creatively?
A: Ooof. Great question. I think for me, my method is, “What’s lighting my fire”. Both Gary and Dave brought elements to each song they worked on, that sparked so much creativity. With each of them, we did a mix of in person and remote collaboration. Something they would do, would take my mind in a different direction, and I’d respond with another part – and we’d sort of “volley” with the song until we thought it was something.
Also – JOY. There is so much joy in crafting songs! I like to try and bring that to any session I am part of, be it my own or someone else’s project. WE GET TO DO THIS! I love that so much.
Q: Is there anything you hope people take with them when they listen to Tadeusz?
A: Maybe less what they can take away, and more what they could leave behind – if even for a moment. I love how art can do that. You can certainly take something form it. But oh, what it helps you lay down... That’s something.
Q: What other things should we know about the music? Anything you want our audience to know about?
A: I’m not out to write some magnum opus. I just like creating. You can do it too. And I’m so glad many of you do. Thank you for that.
A: Ooof. Great question. I think for me, my method is, “What’s lighting my fire”. Both Gary and Dave brought elements to each song they worked on, that sparked so much creativity. With each of them, we did a mix of in person and remote collaboration. Something they would do, would take my mind in a different direction, and I’d respond with another part – and we’d sort of “volley” with the song until we thought it was something.
Also – JOY. There is so much joy in crafting songs! I like to try and bring that to any session I am part of, be it my own or someone else’s project. WE GET TO DO THIS! I love that so much.
Q: Is there anything you hope people take with them when they listen to Tadeusz?
A: Maybe less what they can take away, and more what they could leave behind – if even for a moment. I love how art can do that. You can certainly take something form it. But oh, what it helps you lay down... That’s something.
Q: What other things should we know about the music? Anything you want our audience to know about?
A: I’m not out to write some magnum opus. I just like creating. You can do it too. And I’m so glad many of you do. Thank you for that.