In Session: Ian Losz

ALBANY – For some, learning is done only when mandatory, while on the other end of the spectrum, learning is a burning passion and pursuit. The latter is certainly true for Ian Losz, who has gone through several career changes throughout his life. It is this drive to learn that creates intensity and appreciation behind everything he’s worked on in life. Losz is a perfect example that it’s never too late to change gears in life and work on something new.

I had a chance to sit down with an up-and-coming artist in the area. What follows is our conversation.

Lucas Garrett: Thank you, Ian, for taking the time to sit down today for a chat! How’re you doing?

Ian Losz: I’m doing well, Lucas. How about you?

LG: Doing just fine. So, how did you get involved with music?

IL: At the earliest age, through the radio. I used to listen to a tiny AM transistor radio. And, later, through a multi-band short wave that brought music from halfway around the globe.

LG: Who were some of your favorites to listen to?

IL: I was first impressed by the British bands. Especially, The Beatles. But as the teen testosterone set in, I liked more heavy stuff like Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, The Kinks, and The Who.

LG: You’ve quite a lot of different things, from what I remember you saying to me when we met. What has stuck out for you in music that made you want to get out there as an artist?

IL: I’ve been most fortunate to experience all the things I’ve set out to do: writing, painting, athletics, theater, etc. Music was a natural progression as I’m attracted to all of the arts. And in my head, I’ve always just thought, “Oh, I can do that!” And I have.

However, doing it and having the opportunity to do these things. It’s the difference. I’m trying to make more opportunities to play my own music.

LG: Having dabbled in so many various activities throughout your life, what are you seeking on this new path? What would you to like to acquire from this new venture?

IL: I’m always learning. And that keeps me interested and motivated. Not just technically in playing an instrument, but pushing vocal abilities and writing abilities. It’s a constant learning curve. My life experiences have helped with this method. I’m a better writer and a better student because of it.

LG: I totally agree. We can never stop improving.

IL: It’s not just improving as an artist but as a human. I don’t think I write the same at this point in life as I would if I was 20 years old. However, I love the spirit, drive, and innocence of youth.

LG: Have you pulled in life lessons learned from the other disciplines you’ve studied in into your music?

IL: Absolutely! Presentation, professionalism, and practice all came from previous career experiences.

LG: I remember meeting you years ago when I was just really getting involved with making music. You designed my cover for a single I put out, and I remember thinking what a keen eye for sketch art you had.

IL: It’s important for me to remember. I started as a fan of music – I don’t ever want to lose that. I still love “Aphrodite.” I cannot pinpoint what I liked about that song, but then again, music isn’t always definitive. Art seldom is. It’s subjective and objective.

LG: Objectively subjective!

IL: Exactly. How boring would art be if it was defined?

LG: Sounds like we’re dipping into some kind of Vonnegut-type kind, with the concept of art being so well-defined. It’s a very dystopian idea.

IL: In another age, I would have sat on the acropolis steps and talked philosophy all day! Haha.

LG: Ha! Where can we hear your music, Ian?

IL: While the new EP tracks are complete, we have yet to officially release it in all the formats we want. However, as springtime rolls around, we are booking gigs, so live shows will be on the agenda. I’ll have a few tracks loaded up on my Facebook page for fans who want to see my solo work. The plan is really to find the right band personnel to play the bigger shows.

LG: Is there anything else you’d like to discuss today?

IL: I’m very fortunate to play at least one charity gig every year. Music is a great way to stay involved with other people’s needs and projects. So, I’m always looking for where to bring our talent and joy to a good cause.

LG: That’s an awesome outlook!

IL: Albany being a small entertainment market. It’s a challenge to find good promoters and venues who care about the artist. When you find them, treasure them. Support them. That includes the journalist and photographers who cover the up-and-coming and unknown artists.

LG: Thank you again for your time, Ian!

IL: It was my pleasure. You’re most welcome, Lucas.