The Szany Scoop

Tell us about yourself and your music

My name is Bill Szany. The S is silent. Some of my biggest influences include Weird Al, Zeppelin, AC/DC, Phil Collins, Genesis, Insane Clown Posse (ICP), Kiss, The Mr. T Experience (MTX), Ramones, Huey Lewis & the News. Journey, Boston, REO, Kansas, Styx, The Cars, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Kool Moe Dee, Smashing Pumpkins, Candlebox, Sponge, Weezer, Silverchair, Live, Bush, They Might Be Giants, Billy Joel, The Doors, Aerosmith, Beatles, Stones, Pinback, Beirut, Pink Floyd, Prince, Madonna, Streisand, Cher, MJ, The Four Tops, Temptations, Louie Armstrong, Bing Crosby, Metallica, and Hawkwind.

Talk to us more about your latest release

My latest release is a two-track single called “Ina-Quar-an-tine Now”. The title track is a parody of Iron Butterfly’s Ina-gada-Da Vida. The second track is a cover of Beth by Kiss, performed entirely in whistle form.

What inspired you to write this release?

I was mainly inspired by the common frustrations we are all experiencing throughout the world right now in regards to the Covid-19 pandemic/quarantine. My cousin Nathan Szany of the group Hot Dogs Half Off performed his interpretation of the original song on Synth and I wrote down the lyrics and quickly recorded it asap.

Describe the writing and recording process

I usually have an idea and act on it immediately in one way or another. If I don’t at the very least write the lyrics down right then and there they may very well be lost forever.

Any plans to release a video?

https://artists.spotify.com/c/artist/39DyIB3cLLF6jaZGcxmEm8/profile/overview

Any plans to hit the road?

As of now, I do not have any immediate touring plans nor any near distant future plans as such. I have three children and three dogs that all need me to be around right now, even if quarantine wasn’t a factor. I am on the lookout for local open mic nights however and I performed at one towards the end of 2019 at a local bar called Flat Rock Tap. Also not too long ago I performed an online concert entitled “Ina-Quar-an-tine Now, Baby!” Live Concert!

That concert event paved the way for my new single. I also did a rendition of Cocaine, entitled COVID. My 3-year-old daughter helped me perform that concert.

As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?

Most of my top influences would probably fall under the Classic Rock category, Soft Rock, or Horrorcore Rap (Icp/Twiztid). However, I consider my actual sound pretty unique. With Tom Waits, Johnny Cash, Weird Al, and Warren Zevon probably being the closest popular artists I could be somewhat compared to on some level, but I don’t dare put myself on their level. I’m also highly influenced by local artists that I’ve been blessed to know personally such as: Hot Dogs Half Off, Terry Barth (Somalyxx), Inzane, The many great bands of Nick and Andy Jones, Clinton Mason, my Uncle Steve, Joshua McCormack, and Chris Kalmos (R.I.P.).

Who have you been listening to lately?

Not to be biased or sound like a broken record, but Hot Dogs Half Off.

And as always ICP, Pinback, and all the classics on 97.1 The Drive FM and the softer classic groups on 93.9 FM in Chicago.

 

Who are your biggest influences?

It looks like I jumped the gun a bit earlier. 😂😂😂😂😂

Tell us about your passions

Aside from music, I’m very passionate about writing. I have two published poetry books. I love making sketch comedy videos, podcasts, talk shows, and more. I also have a Massage certificate and License in Indiana, a Substitute Teacher License in Indiana, and I’m a licensed Minister/Marriage Officiant.

What else is happening next in your world?

I’m hoping between the rest of 2020 and throughout 2021 to accomplish even more than I ever have before. I have a few more albums in the works, and many movie and book ideas for starters.

 

 

Thanks for an awesome interview, Bill Szany

 

 

Connect with Bill Szany

Website: https://billszany.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/billszany/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gszany/Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/szanywilliamYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BAGSPORTSBILLLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/in/g-william-szany-8624044bSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/billszanyReverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/billszany

Genres: Acoustic

Source: ArtistPR Indie Artist Interview