PA alternative rock singer/songwriter Kulick chats with Infrared Magazine prior to the release of his debut full-length “Yelling in a Quiet Neighborhood,” which will be released October 16 on ENCI Records.
Stream “Rope” and pre-order ‘Yelling In A Quiet Neighborhood’ on all digital platforms: https://orcd.co/kulick-rope
Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lk5h6Prgfo.
What first got you into music?
My grandparents watched my brothers and I a lot growing up. My grandfather used to hum melodies all the time that he made up, and my gram sang in choir. They had a piano at their house, and that was the first instrument I really played. One of us got an acoustic guitar for christmas, and that is when I really fell in love with music.
Who inspired you to make music?
A few local bands made me really want to start my own band. I also listened to a lot of different kinds of music, and I really felt that I could do exactly what they were doing except in my own way if I was given the opportunity and tools. I listened to such an array of artists: Tom Petty, A Day To Remember, Ricky Martin, The Eagles, Billy Joel, and so on. But the artists never really mattered as much as the specific styles of songs. I always was obsessed over a well done pop song.
How did you learn to sing, write, and play?
I first started writing before playing music. Mostly journal entries. I always felt like I was on the outside, going through a lot, and no one to really give a shit. So writing was a natural outlet. Eventually, it didn’t feel like I was getting enough out, so I started singing/screaming it. The feeling of physically yelling my feelings had me hooked. I knew I wanted to always make music because nothing else compared to the release I got when singing.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Emotional pop music with an alternative voice. A hybrid of something old with something new.
What is your creative process like?
I am all over the place. I have notepads full of one liners, four lines, full songs, and some even single words. I have voice memos from me humming a melody to a full acoustic song finished. From those, I typically let the process happen. Whatever songs continue to enter my head I work on, and those that don’t remain in the pile of possible future songs. Then I write a list of which ones I want to completely demo out. From that list maybe one or two get fully finished. And the process of choosing which songs deserve attention continues until I have an idea of what the record will be.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
I don’t think so? I am pretty transparent and autobiographical in my writing.
Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety?
Yes. I have anxiety in a lot of aspects in my life. I actually enjoy the challenge of getting through the anxiety so that I can build confidence in myself. Kind of like exposure therapy. Performance anxiety is the same thing.
What’s an average day like for you?
Depends what day you ask me honestly. For the most part it is waking up around 7:30am, stretching, meditation, and running. Then I work on whatever I need to work on from 10am-1pm. Then the Alexa goes off to remind me to eat because typically working makes me forget to eat. I work again from 3-6pm. Dinner is at 6pm (thanks Alexa again) and then I try to run through the songs afterwards. The rest of the night is up to what needs to be done and how burnt out I am.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I don’t have a dream collaboration, but I really dig the music of TwentyOnePilots, The Score, New Politics, Kings of Leon, and The Band Camino.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Any artist that will have me. I love to play and I love to work.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Keep moving forward and be kind to yourself.
What is the most useless talent you have?
I can imitate Goldmember (from Austin Powers) pretty well, like a 70% accurate
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Sometimes, and typically new melodies, followed by leaning out of the shower to get my phone to record a voice memo.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Roofing/Construction or working in a recording studio as an engineer.
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
We were able to perform across the US and Canada twice so far, and I do not have any favorite or least favorite venues. Any place that had us is a place I would play again. Due to COVID, we do not have any in person shows coming up, but I am planning to do some live streams.
How do you interact with and respond to fans?
With appreciation and kindness, typically on socials. I try not to be on socials too much, but I do try to reach back out to people as much as I can.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It has made music more accessible, so that’s a positive. There’s negatives as well, but I am more grateful to be able to release music and have the potential to reach millions of people with just uploading a song.
What is your favourite song to perform?
Colors, hands down.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
I’ve always been the type of person to not really have people to look up to. I’ve always been more focused on what the person is DOING, not really admiring the physical person if that makes sense. That being said, I really like Mackelmore and his messaging. I also really admire TwentyOnePilots story and live show.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I took my moms car for a joyride when I was about 13 years old. With my 10 year old brother. My neighbor saw me apparently and ratted me out the next day. I was in a decent amount of trouble for that!
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Don’t bore us, get to the chorus. -Steve Masi
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
More real emotions, lyrics, and music. Less materialistic, sex selling song.
What’s next for you?
Writing more songs for a new album with less materialistic, sex selling songs.
For more information on KULICK, visit:
www.KulickOfficial.com
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www.Facebook.com/KulickOfficial
For more information on ENCI Records, visit:
